2025 Annual Report
A Message from the Executive Director,
Brenda Guggisberg
Where to begin, this year has been simply incredible. The Upper Room celebrated it's 40th anniversary in this community, and this milestone allowed the board, staff, volunteers and our larger community to come together, to share connections. During the 40th celebration founder Claire Hamilton spoke eloquently about her vision over 40 years ago and how when she walks in to here today that vision has come true. An honor to have her blessings for sure. Hamilton spoke eloquently about her vision over 40 years ago and how when she walks in to here today that vision has come true. An honor to have her blessings for sure.
In its second year of a strategic plan, the agency advanced by, bringing on an Operations Director to assist with capacity for the future. A marketing campaign took off in 2026, and will continue through early January, a logo redesign, website updates, social media revitalization and new tag line have allowed for the agency to updates materials and signage reflecting the continued commitment to healthy families and children. The completion of a major addition brought office and program space that has improved the welcoming and reception of guests coming to The Upper Room. All of this leads to excellence. Programs meeting the needs of individuals and families, in the hands of highly qualified and dedicated staff who create opportunities for people to thrive. Small personal victories, daily successes, and the belief that people will succeed. The Upper Room believes that people will thrive when given an opportunity to do so. I am very grateful for the ability to co-exist in an organization where respect, compassion, and support for one another is the foundation. With gratitude, Brenda Guggisberg
A Message from the Board President,
Jeremy Lane
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sincerely, Jeremy Lane, Board President 1
Celebrating Celebrating 40 Years 40 Years of of Opening Opening Doors Doors in the in the Community Community
Claire Hamilton, one of the original founders of The Upper Room, and Brenda Guggisberg, share a moment before the ribbon cutting.
The ribbon cutting celebration!
This summer, The Upper Room marked 40 years of serving the community with an anniversary celebration and ribboncutting ceremony for a brand-new facility addition. The ceremony was led by Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President, Heidi Morrison and event guests. Founder Claire Hamilton joined the celebration to reflect on her original vision, which has grown into a range of services supporting children, families, parents, and grandparents through education, parenting support, and youth engagement. We were honored to celebrate this milestone and the continued expansion of opportunities for families to grow, thrive, and build stronger futures in our community.
Former staff member, Angelica Ladd, and her daughter, Naomi.
Matt Bergeron, husband of Board Member Elizabeth Bergeron, volunteered his time to share music and entertainment.
Derry Police Chief George Feole and staff attended the event to show their continued support of The Upper Room.
Bill and Janice Burke, long time supporters and volunteers of The Upper Room.
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Program Highlights The Upper Room’s programs reach far beyond our four walls. We strive to create different opportunities for children, teens, families, and older adults to learn, connect, create, and give back. From the Little Explorers’ at the SEE Science Center, to youth creating original works of art, to teens caring for animals at Dreamers Ranch, our programs are shaped by the interests and ideas of the community we serve. The Upper Room staff all wore blue for the kickoff of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
Partnerships also provide opportunities to celebrate resilience and connection and to raise awareness around important issues. In January, The Upper Room joined the Stick It to Stigma event, where local hockey teams helped shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention. Events such as the annual Ice Cream Social, or apple picking at Mac’s Apples, allow families and community partners to come together in safe and fun environments. Listening to the community remains at the heart of this work. Your voices help shape what The Upper Room looks like tomorrow.
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Every Number Tells a Story Over the past year, The Upper Room provided program support and services to 2,031 individuals, helping children, youth, adults, and families find connection, resources, and opportunities to thrive. Meeting Needs. Strengthening Families. Sometimes providing support means meeting an immediate need.
15,154
1,500 people had their direct needs met whether the need was diapers, school backpacks, holiday assistance, or help managing household bills.
calls came through the building, connecting individuals and families with information, resources & support
Through the Food Pantry:
50,310 lbs of food distributed to
913 404
During the holidays:
379 individuals enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal
247
individuals in
families
children got a little extra magic from Santa’s Workshop
Creating Connection and Belonging Support is also about creating opportunities for families to connect, have fun, and build memories.
797
Growing Through Partnership The Upper Room continues to forge strong community partnerships to open new doors for families. Cradles to Crayons brought Pop-Up events offering clothing bundles for children and teens. Beyond Bedtime provided books and pajamas for families, while a formal partnership with New Hampshire Children’s Trust expanded access to diapers and essential baby items. Upper Room and Scare NH helped families celebrate Halloween with costumes and a festive Saturday event. Following a generous donation of books and toys, Family Fun Bags provided
47 families
with activities for February Break. Additional Pop-Up events connected
83 families
with essentials including diapers, formula, car seats, winter coats, boots, clothing, children’s books, and hygiene products.
Powered by Community None of this happens alone. 134 volunteers donated their time to support The Upper Room’s programs and events, while staff brought their expertise to schools, community activities, and events throughout the region in support of children, youth, and families.
people participated in family events and engagement activities, including the annual Ice Cream Social, Cookies and Cocoa with Frosty, and Family Fun at the Seacoast Science Center.
165 people participated in six weeks of Summer Adventure Field Trips, including family outings to Canobie Lake and other destinations.
Staff Member Emily Levesque with Cradles to Crayons employee??. This partnership has allowed the Upper Room to offer Pop Up events providing clothing bundles for children and teens.
Every volunteer hour, donated item, partnership, phone call, program, and shared family experience adds to something bigger: a community where families can find support, opportunity, and a place where they belong.
Thanksgiving Volunteers, L to R: Colleen Monks from South Central Emergency Preparedness, Phil Brophy, Jon Stanley, Gary Jacobs, Upper Room Board President, Alexis Brophy.
Thanksgiving Volunteers, L to R: Karen ?, Linda ?, Gale ? and Donna ?.
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The Gratitude Gala 25th Annual Auction (1 page) This will be the last thing she sends (early November - 11/6).
Include: 25th anniversary of the event Thanks to auctioneer, guests, etc. Overall impact statement about the event. (draft verbiage based on prior year) Four of five pictures: highlights from the event people raising paddles fun pics of event, etc.
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A Foundation of Generosity For 40 years, The Upper Room has grown because people have continued to show up, step forward, and give what they can. Some give financial support. Others give food, clothing, furniture, equipment, professional expertise, ideas, time, or simply a willingness to lend a hand when something is needed. Some have been with us for decades through organizations like our local Rotary and Lions Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, businesses, faith communities, schools, and community groups. Others have found The Upper Room more recently and have become part of our story in their own way. We are especially grateful for the people who never stop giving and who have our backs when times are tough. Donations of food and supplies stock our pantry. Equipment like a new freezer can change what is possible for the people we serve. Financial contributions help make the holidays brighter for hundreds of families. Support takes many forms. Students and interns bring new ideas and fresh perspectives that strengthen our programs. Volunteers share their time and talents. Community members organize food drives, participate in events, share resources, and connect us with others who can help. Businesses and families join us in creating opportunities for connection, stability, and hope. Each gift, each hour, each idea, and each act of kindness has added another piece to the foundation that has allowed The Upper Room to grow for 40 years. There are simply too many people to name, and we would not want to miss a single one. To everyone who has given their time, talent, resources, encouragement, and trust over these four decades: thank you. You have helped make The Upper Room what it is today, and your continued support makes a difference in the lives of people throughout our community.
Bangor Savings makes a new donation to The Upper Room in their Community Matters More Campaign (L to R: Amber Gaoutte from Bango, Emily Levesque, MacKenzie Kittery, Brenda Guggisberg.
The Derry Lions made a generous donation to our Food Pantry which serves individuals in the greater Derry Southern NH region.
Student Emma Curran and Emily Levesque, Director of Human Services, participate in Graduation activities as Emma shared her final capstone project for her PhD completion at The Upper Room.
The Upper Room received a new freezer thanks to City Hope. This was a game changer for the Food pantry’s ability to store more frozen foods. (L to R: Pantry Volunteers Andrea Younie, Gale Stanley, man in middle?, Michelle weekly, 5th person?
Community members, Mr & Mrs. LeBlanc?, join us along the way to build a stronger community together.
Erin Murray, a master’s-level occupational therapy (OT) student from UNH, brought fresh perspective to her internship at The Upper Room. She became particularly interested in Juvenile Diversion and how OT could support decision-making and positive outcomes for youth. Erin presented her work, “Advancing Juvenile Justice Reform,” at a national OT conference in California. Her experience reflects the value of our student partnerships, which bring new ideas and emerging practices that strengthen our programs and services.
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Board of Directors & Staff BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director, August 2016
Alexis Brophy President, September 2016
Rachel Leone President Elect, June 2025
Mat Solso Secretary, September 2019
Tyler Hall Treasurer, March 2018
BOARD MEMBERS Robert St. Amand January 2020
Jeremy Lane August 2013
Gale Stanley April 2010
Charlene Puzzo September 2016
Elizabeth Bergeron December 2019
Nicole Larcomb March 2024
Roxanne Nelson May 2024
Rachel Leone June 2025
Whitney Fenyak June 2025
Dr. LouAnne Giangreco April 2026
Debbie Stoodley April 2026
ADVISORY MEMBERS Jacob D. Wiesmann, Past President, June 2012 Renee Fellows, Past President, January 2010 7
Back L to R: Rachel Leone, Alexis Brophy, Debbie Stoodley, Mat Solso. Front L to R: Brenda Guggisberg, Charlene Puzzo.
LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director · 25 Years MacKenzie Kittery, Director of Operations · 5 Years Carol Larson, Finance and Benefits Director · 8 Years Emily Levesque, Director of Human Services · 2 Years Kelsey Mayland, Director of Adolescent Services/Juvenile Division · 7 Years Leanne Sullivan, Office Manager/TIPS Program Coordinator · 5 Years Ruth Marie Kay, 30 Years, Grant Writer Andrea Younie, Data Systems & Food Pantry Coordinator · 12 Years EDUCATION SERVICES Jennifer Caracoglia, Parent Education Facilitator · 5 Years Danielle Carey, 2 Years, HiSET Lead Teacher Tess Everett, HiSET Adult Education Instructor · 1st Year Alice Major, School Liaison, Rejuvenate · 7 Years Pam Miller-Sallet, Parent Educator · 28 Years Linda Polewarczyk, HiSET Assistant Teacher · 3 Years Elaina Wheaton, Director of Education · 20 Years YOUTH, PREVENTION & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Eve Hodgdon, Compass Youth Program Coordinator · 1st Year Joi Kenny, AWP Program Coordinator · 4 Years Melinda MacKenzie, Family Wellness Program Coordinator · 6 Years Jacki MacLeod, Rejuvenate Program Assistant/VAPE · 3 Years Kayla Saye, Family Support Worker · 2 Years Trish Stevens, Diversion Assistant · 3 Years Samantha Sullivan, TIPS Childcare · 2 Years CLINICAL & THERAPEUTIC SERVICES Nikole Keaton, Phases Facilitator Elizabeth O’Connell, Phases Facilitator · 8 Years Alicia Triplett, Clinical Supervisor · 19 Years Cole Welch, Phases · 1st Year CONSULTANTS & SUBSTITUTES Jennifer Buteau, Grant Manager · 3 Years Michelle Brauch, Take Control Project Lead/HiSET Testing · 15 Years Marie Repucci, Marketing · 1st Year Celia Wheaton, Substitute · 3 Years
Staff Appreciation The Upper Room’s strength comes from the people who bring its mission to life every day. Whether supporting families, celebrating milestones, or making time to recharge and connect, our staff continue to build strong relationships that carry into their work. This year, staff helped organize SCARE NH, a huge family event in late September where families gathered to pick out costumes. A few team members even joined the fun in sumo wrestler and referee costumes! In June, staff also celebrated the achievements of HiSET graduates, recognizing the hard work and determination behind each milestone. Our annual staff retreat brought 15 team members to Alnoba for a couple of days of creativity, adventure, hiking, and laughter. The unexpected moments and shared memories offered a welcome opportunity to reconnect and recharge. There was plenty to celebrate beyond work, too. Kayla Saye earned her bachelor’s degree in May, and Jennifer Caracoglia completed her first Boston Marathon. Staff members also welcomed new additions to their families, from babies and grandchildren to puppies and other new pets. These moments of growth, celebration, and connection help strengthen the foundation of The Upper Room, supporting the people who make our work possible.
Staff Standing L-R: Joi Kenny, Jacki MacLeod, MacKenzie Kittery, Trish Stevens, Kelsey Mayland, Andrea Younie, Leanne Sullivan, and Kayla Saye. Front row seated: Emily Levesque, Alice Major, Melinda MacKenzie, and Danielle Carey
Staff Members L to R: Kayla Saye, MacKenzie Kittery, Emily Levesque, Leanne Sullivan and Melinda MacKenzie celebrate the HiSET Graduation in June.
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Financial Support The Upper Room’s financial strength is built on diverse funding sources, thoughtful planning, and the generosity of our community. In 2025, the organization received $332,342 in in-kind donations, benefited from 2,632 hours of volunteer service valued at $95,120, and recorded $64,400 in in-kind occupancy revenue, totaling $491,862 in combined support. These contributions help sustain our 20 unique programs and services, provide scholarships and essential resources to those in need, and strengthen the foundation for continued growth and long-term sustainability. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers, donors, and community partners who make this work possible.
In Kind Donations $332,342.00 Volunteer Hours of service $95,120.00 (2632 hours of volunteer support) In-Kind Occupancy Revenue
$64,400.00
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS $491,862.00
Grants & Foundations 35%
Government Contracts 34%
Donations 7%
Fees 0.5%
Grants & Foundations Govt Contracts Fundraising Donations Regional Town Support Fees
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Fundraising 19% Regional Town Support 4%
Join Our
40 Celebrates Fundraising Campaign! We are inviting our friends and supporters to donate $40 to celebrate our 40 years of serving families and allow us to continue for another 40 years!
ss e r g o r p in Donate $40 once, contribute $40 each month for a year, or provide any other amount you choose and help the Upper Room continue to support our community for the next 40 years. Fill out the enclosed envelope?, scan the QR code below or visit www . ?? to make your donation!
$40 $80 $160 $$$
“40 Celebrates 40” Donation Double My Donation Triple My Impact Other Amount
lder eho c a l p
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OUR VISION It is our vision that we work to create a strong, vibrant and self sustaining community where conflict and hunger, homelessness and poverty, and ignorance and intolerance no longer exist. We look to the day where all families thrive and children have within their reach the tools to succeed. We will work to achieve our vision by living our mission and honoring our values each day.
OUR VALUES We aspire to be an organization that:
Is responsive to the community Is compassionate and non-judgmental Respects diversity Empowers each individual and family Works as a team Encourages innovative and creative ideas Maintains strong ethics and integrity
OUR MISSION Strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives.
The Upper Room a family resource center 36 Tsienneto Road Derry, New Hampshire 03038 Phone: 603-437-8477 Fax 603-425-6256