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What is Heartworks Anyway?!

What is Heartworks?- Heartworks is a group of local women who gather once a month to share ideas on how to perform local outreach throughout the community. It is similar to a book club, but instead of reading the participants plan simple acts of kindness in and around the community. The group’s purpose is to give and grow. We try to take time in each meeting to discuss a topic about life that connects us to living in the present and being grateful for what we have. Our mission as described by founder, Megan McDowell is, “To develop deeper relationships with our community and with each other by performing random acts of kindness each month”


How Was Heartworks Started?- The original chapter of Heartworks is an act of kindness group that was started by Lisa’s friend, Megan McDowell in Bernardsville, NJ. Megan’s brother in law, John Farrell was killed in the WTC attacks. Her family received so much support from their community by way of small random acts of kindness that it helped to sustain them during an incredibly difficult time. She vowed that once she was back on her feet that she’d pay forward the simple acts of kindness to folks that need help. She invited her friends to get together once a month for appetizers, beverages, good intentions and to relate on a “heart level”. This small idea has grown to over 10 chapters throughout the country.

The Manchester Heartworks- Lisa Kelly started the Manchester chapter after hearing the inspiring stories from Megan. Lisa started the VT Heartworks journey with a handful of friends, and has since counted over 50 friends/volunteers that are ready to help at a moments notice. To accommodate the schedules of the volunteers, the group has picked the second Sunday of every month as the official meeting day. She has also decided to change the venue, and will be holding the monthly meetings at her family home in Dorset VT. Please email Lisa for directions, information about the next meeting, or how you can help.

Is Heartworks a religious group?- NO- Heartworks is acceptance, generosity and kindness, a persons spiritual belief is irrelevant.

What are some of the things we do?-

In Heartworks, we recognize that at any given moment we could be the ones receiving a note, a meal, a bag of clothing or a gift card. First and foremost, we strive to help those that might fall under the radar and are facing a challenging life crisis. Typically one of our members will present an ”opportunity” that personally touches them to the group. Each member decides if they would like to participate in the upcoming Heartworks. This allows members to support the projects that they feel a connection to on a “heart” level. One of the rules that each of the chapters follows, is that there is no judgment within the group. Big or small, each act of kindness is important to both the giver and the receiver.

Manchester Heartworks has:

Sent notes to those undergoing surgery
Giftbaskets to those who are ill and recovering from illnesses
Purchased a special stroller for a family that was expecting twins
Organized/facilitated a clothing drive for local families in need
Delivered meals to families who have been dealing with medical or financial difficulties.
Sent gas cards to families who were traveling for cancer treatment
Given furniture for a family in crisis
Helped a recipient to pay for insurance towards a new car to travel to and from work.
Tended to a garden of a woman who needed some help

As a group we have fundraised through a children’s bakesale, a super successful “Bike, Bike and Trike” event, as well as accepted monetary donations from local businesses.
Our success is due to the great generosity of local folks who have joined our group, as well as businesses in the area who have helped us throughout our journey. We’d like to take the time to thank: Maple Street School, The Hair Retreat, Shaws, Price Chopper, and Kerri Barry of Stratton. All have made a difference in our opportunity’s to help others.

“In this life, we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love”
Mother Teresa
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