MISSION EDITION
SUMMER 2023
From NFI North Executive DIrector, Paul Dann, PhD
Warmly,
Greetings and happy summer from all of us here at NFI North! As you'll read in this newsletter, our team is happily engaged in our communities. From graduations to year end celebrations, employee outings and mental health awareness breakfasts, we are enjoying every step of our journey. These milestones and celebrations are our way of recognizing the wonderful work we do as an agency.
NFI NORTH BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Suanne Nader, President
Dellie Champagne, Secretary
Bruce Farenwald, Treasurer
Dean Murray, Board Member
Ashley Wainwright, Board Member
Terri Lochhead, Board Member
Patricia Fillio, Board Member
Don Nason, Board Member
How are we doing?
We'd love to hear feedback from you!
Use this QR code to send us a note.
Paul Dann, PhD Executive Director, NFI North
NFINORTH.COM UPDATE
More info here
Staff Spotlight!
Recently, our NFI North Contoocook office has welcomed two new support staff members. They will be great resources for everyone in our agency!
Welcome Julie! Julie is our new HR/Payroll Administrator. She joined our team on 6/29/23. Julie has over 10 years of HR/Payroll experience. She has been adjusting and learning quickly. We are very excited to have Julie join our team. She is looking forward to answering everyone's HR/Payroll questions and working alongside her team.
We would love to welcome Sara! Sara is our Electronic Health Record Coordinator. She joined the Contoocook Office team on 6/9/23, she comes to us with a vast background of knowledge and has been a great addition to the team. Sara will be working hand in hand with Michelle in all things Evolv. We are so excited to have Sara join our team, and she looks forward to meeting and helping everyone at NFI North.
Sara Krzyzaniak - Gates
NFI North Staff Key Anniversaries
June and July
Karen Washburn, 3 Years
Hannah Young, 3 Years
Deborah Foote, 3 years
Ganesh Gurung, 3 Years
Michelle Paltinavich, 3 Years
Majera Reitze, 3 Years
Maria Ettore, 5 Years
Erica Paradis, 5 Years
Jody Aho, 10 Years
Matthew Sliva, 10 Years
David Hakes, 15 Years
Laura Lindsly, 20 Years
Scott Dufour, 25 Years
Mark Baxter, 25 years
Amy Siebert, 25 Years
Julie Barker
NFI North's NFI North's Contoocook Contoocook Office Office
Community Community Service Service Committee Committee
Recently, our Contoocook office has created a new committee. The Community Service Committee, this committee was created with the goal of giving back to our communities. This includes our programs, our office, and the communities that our programs are apart of.
Some awesome things the committee has done so far:
Worked together to make blankets for our Foster Care program
Put together Foster Care kits, this included the blanket, duffle bag, hygiene kit, a stuffed animal, as well as a coloring book and crayons
Participated in the Rock' N Race 5K walk/run for the Payson Center for Cancer Care
Participated in program spruce-up days
Celebrated Memorial Day with a new sign and a flag
With the help of our Contoocook office, they are doing quarterly baskets for other non-profits. The spring basket was filled with various baby supplies and was kindly donated to the Hope on Haven Hill, the summer basket is underway and this will be given to Belknap House
The committee has also started a pen pal program with a few of our participants, there have been some fun letters being passed back and forth!
Join NFI North's NAMI 5K Walk Teams. NFI North will have teams in both New Hampshire and in Maine. All are welcome to sign-up and bring your family and friends as well! This year NAMI is focusing on the message "Mental Health for All" this message us to remind us that we are not alone, and together we can raise awareness and break the stigma around mental health.
Recently, NFI North had a fun t-shirt design competition where programs were encouraged to create a t-shirt design that represents this years message. The winning design would be featured on this years team shirts. We want to congratulate Intermission on their design. Anyone who signs up for our NFI North team, will receive a t-shirt!
All Are Welcome to Sign Up!
Event Information:
NAMI NH Walk
When: Sunday, October 1st
Where: Soccer Fields on S. Fruit St. Concord, NH Time: 10:30 AM
NAMI ME Walk
When: Saturday, October 7th
Where: Capitol Park on Union St. Augusta, Maine Time: 10:00 AM
Join our NH Team! Join our ME Team!
Congratulations Intermission!
Beacon House would like to celebrate Kendrick!
Kendrick has worked very hard to earn his diploma, he knew he would have to work hard, and continue to push himself, and that is exactly what he did!
Kendrick is still continuing to learn and is working towards getting a job. He continues to set and achieve his goals! Keep up the good work Kendrick!
Oliver Place recently celebrated Caroline and all of her accomplishments! Caroline received her high school diploma along with other awards! She received The Morse Swim Award, All Academic Swim Team, and Biology Achievement Award. She also received her acceptance packed to SMCC, where she will be studying pre nursing! We are all so proud of you Caroline!
NFI North Graduates
Intermission is so excited for recent grad Madison!
Madison has worked very hard, overcame many obstacles along the way, but stayed on the course and emerged with her high school diploma. We are so proud of the determination Madison showed throughout her school year. We see wonderful things happening for her in the future!
Congratulations Madison!
This year the Contoocook School had four students celebrating their step-up day from 8th grade to now high schoolers. These students have worked very hard these last couple of years and should feel very proud of themselves as they step into this next chapter of high school. The school honored these students with a ceremony that welcome friends, family, and staff from our Contoocook Office. Here is to the next chapter!
I I N N S S P P I I R R E E
Our Transitional Housing Services Bradford planned and executed an awesome Mental Health Awareness Brunch! There was delicious food, wonderful company, and inspiring entertainment. Our own Executive Director, Dr. Paul Dann performed songs at the brunch.
Spruce up day fun! As the weather got nicer, it was time for some sprucing up! Our Contoocook School students, and Contoocook office staff worked together to get the landscaping updated and looking great for the school celebration!
Some of our business office staff went to our Bradford program to help them spruce up their building! They spent the day painting!
NFI North Updates
The CME huddle group "Barrington Bunch" participated in a beautification project to add color and joy to the new NFI Barrington office. Huddles are a time for staff members from all CME Programs (FAST Forward, TrECC and Early Childhood) to come together with others in their region to do projects that foster connection and community and enhance their feeling of belonging within the group.
Some staff were able to get together to celebrate Scott's 25th Anniversary with NFI North. Scott has been part of our leadership team the entire time, and it was wonderful to celebrate him with a lot of our amazing staff.
20th Annual NFI North
EMPOWERMENT AWARDS
September
Grand Summit Hotel Bartlett, New Hampshire
There is an increased demand for mental and behavioral health services in our communities. In 2023, NFI North will support nearly 1000 participants and their families every single day. This event will celebrate the determination and success of the people we serve and raise funds to deliver these important evidence-based services to those in need
12,
11 a.m.
2023 |
Join NFI North for this year's unforgettable 20th Annual Empowerment Award Celebration to make a difference for individuals and families in our local communities. This event will feature the incredible stories of the lives changed by NFI North's array of services.