Celebrating the 22nd Annual
EMPOWERMENT AWARDS
Welcome!
EMPOWERMENT AWARDS
For over 33 years, NFI North has been a trusted provider of mental and behavioral health care services for children, adults, seniors, and families across Maine and New Hampshire. We believe in the power of connection to create a sense of belonging, and today, we celebrate individuals who have made remarkable strides in their homes and communities. Their dedication and perseverance have led to significant achievements, and we proudly honor their well-deserved success! Today’s celebration honors both our distinguished honorees and the dedicated volunteers who help us fulfill our mission.
NFINorthwouldliketocongratulatethisyear’s EmpowermentHonorees.Weknowthattheirremarkable accomplishmentswouldnotbepossiblewithouttheir commitmentanddetermination.
Sponsors, thank you for supporting NFI North’s mission to empower individuals and families to reach their full potential.
Thank you! Friends & Donors
We’re honored to recognize the individuals and organizations listed below who have generously supported NFI North either by contributing to our Mission Fund or by sponsoring one of our events over the past 14 months. The Mission Fund plays a crucial role in helping individuals and families overcome unexpected challenges that could impact their well-being or progress. This fund helps remove barriers and create pathways to success.
We are deeply grateful for every donation and act of support Your generosity makes a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve We invite you to join us in supporting this vital fund today, for more information visit: NFINorth.Org/Donate
Anne Massey
Ashley Wainwright
ASM LaQuire Construction, LLC
Beth's Kitchen Café
Bernstein Shur
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Blue Tarp Financial
Bob Wells
Bridgton Books
BSD Handyman LLC
Capitol Alarm Systems
Carol Pearl
Chad Poitras
Cyr Lumber
Dawn Sullivan
Dave Hastings
David Dann
Dee Wells
Dianne Barth
Donald Winn
Elizabeth Meadow
Elizabeth Lochhead
Emmanuel Mwenewirhu
Fred's Coffee
Fryeburg House of Pizza
Gail Hipsky
Gibson Agonis
Great Falls Family Foundation
Hancock Lumber
Havenwood Heritage Heights
Heidi Edwards Dunn
Henniker Septic
Hildy Paris
Houle’s Plumbing
Howell Laboratories
Irwin Automotive Group
Jacqueline Pehrson
Jay Allen
James & Laura Rauscher
Jeanne Lavoie
Jeffrey Mitchell
Jen Altieri
Jess Piela
Jill Allen
Kathleen Abate
Kathleen Erickson
Kayleen Alkurabi
Kent & Rita Johnson
Kerri Alkurabi
Kristi Vazifdar
Kristin Demers
Laurie & Frank Melendy (In Memory of Kya Donovan)
Lucy Moore
Luke Reynard
Lyn Ward Healy
Lynn Conway
Mallery Lee
Mary Leadbeater
Matthew Jeralds
McIver Electrical Contracting
Melissa Davis
Mike Francoeur
Naughton & Son Recycling
NH Charitable Foundation
Northeast Bank
Northeast Delta Dental
Northeast Pharmacy Service
Norway Savings Bank
Oberg Insurance
Old Yankee Tree Service
Pam Rocha
Patricia Fillio
Paul Dann
Philip Walton
PW Plummer & Sons
Rachel Colletta
Revo Lebanon Poker Room and Casino
Rick Jaques
Robert Wells
Roger Marcorelle
Saco River Dentistry
Sandra Jenovese
Sandy Morton
Shawn Moody
Shelly Waldman
Southern Maine Retirement
Sophia Greabe
Suzanne Albright
Tara MacKillop
Terri Brennan
TD Bank
Tom Shaw
Troy Plummer
Wayno's Disposal Service LLC
William Wallace
Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank
Yastremski Electrical Services
Order of Events
EMPOWERMENT
AWARDS
Welcome Friends
NFI North Video
Buffet Dinner
Empowerment Award Ceremony
Volunteers of the Year:
Rachel Colletta
Allen and Lori Perry
Honoree
Brian
Kare
Krus
Julia
Closing
Brian Champion
2025 NFI North Empowerment Award Honoree
We are proud to recognize Brian for his incredible progress in embracing independence over the past year After being encouraged to stay in a comfortable but limiting facility, Brian chose to challenge himself and although he was nervous, he made the jump and has not looked back Brian has worked with vocational rehabilitation to develop valuable job skills, completed his driving simulator and initial driving hours, and utilized online tools to improve his reading and comprehension
his own apartment, made and kept appointments, and reached is an inspiring example of the power of independence and te his achievements We believe Brian’s journey can inspire mbrace their own independence and take charge of their lives
Karena Marion
2025 NFI North Empowerment Award Honoree
Karena joined Early Childhood Wraparound (ECW) in June 2023, facing challenges with her two young children and battling substance abuse After her daughters were placed outside the home, Karena struggled with depression and isolation
However, with strong support from NFI North’s ECW team, she acknowledged the need for change and committed to improving Instead of giving in, Karena focused on her strengths and her vision for a loving, positive family She built a support team, and by September, just two and a half months after her children’s removal, she was reunited with them. Since then, Karena has made significant progress creating a vision board, developing a plan to manage her addiction, advocating for her children’s schooling, and applying for jobs. She is now focused on using her experience to help others.
Kruse Pittman
2025 NFI North Empowerment Award Honoree
Kruse’s journey is a powerful story of transformation. Starting at the THS Concord nearly 20 years ago, he was told he would never live independently. However, with NFI North’s support starting in 2012, Kruse gained hope, engaged with the community, and became a role model. He helped open THS Bradford, set up systems, and welcomed new participants.
Over time, he secured an apartment, a job, and eventually moved out to live independently In 2021, Kruse became a Peer Support Recovery Specialist at NAMI NH, earned his Certified Peer Support Specialist credential, and is working toward becoming a Certified Recovery Support Worker His dedication integrity, and humility make him a valued member of the NAMI NH team s return to support others exemplify the Empowerment Award, s ”
Julia Babb
2025 NFI North Empowerment Award Honoree
Julia is being honored for her remarkable resilience and growth. After struggling with her discharge from Stetson Ranch in 2016, she found success at Beacon House, completing the program in 2020. Despite early trauma and feelings of unworthiness, Julia has proven she is lovable and deserving. She graduated high school, earned her driver’s license, and has maintained a long-term, positive relationship.
Julia has worked in childcare since high school and earned a scholarship to further her certification Julia has mended family relationships, built a strong support system, and shifted from pushing people away to actively working on communication, setting goals, and seeking help Her hard work and perseverance make her a deserving recipient of this award
