Just a reminder that our Dental Benefits run on a calendar year and not fiscal year. Please be sure to use all your maximum dollars by the end of the year
Hires
Thank You To Everyone Who Supported the 5 Annual th Santa Shuffle!
The Santa Shuffle was a fun and successful Event!
This year, we saw more than 130 individuals register and take part in the Santa Shuffle, whether in the kids' fun run, or the traditional 5K event.
We had visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Olaf, Elsa, the Grinch, A Gingerbread Man, a Snowman, and many of Santa’s Elves.
Thank you to all of our volunteers, this event wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your dedicated to this event is what made it so successful.
New Hampshire News
Updates from the Children’s Services
Morgan and Jen attended the Strengthening Families Summit on 10/29 and networked with many mental health and home visiting providers NFI North was a sponsor of the event
10/17 NFI North co-hosted Nurturing Parenting Through Play with the Center for Trauma Responsive Practice Change EC Coordinators presented and facilitated large group brainstorming sessions to get folks thinking about families they would refer to ECW and FF. It was a great event!
We also hosted a Trauma Informed Care training with Cassie Yackley on 11/13 in Chichester from 124. This was put together through a Community of Practice Grant project that we are a part of with our partners at Granite United Way This was open to about 30 direct service professionals in the community based space and filled up almost immediately
Amber Gilbert TrECC Care Coordinator
Amber Gilbert has been a TrECC Care Coordinator since January 2023, and is a dedicated member of the CME team as a whole She is a role model for her peers regarding the Normative Approach, and is confident with providing people with clear feedback. Amber embraces the core values of the Children's System of Care, remaining strengthsbased and trauma-informed
in the most challenging of situations Amber is also a documentation rock star!
Recently, Amber pushed herself to complete the Chicago Marathon, a feat that cannot be understated Amber selfreflects on her athletic goals and knowledge, and carries topics from that world over to her role as a TrECC Care Coordinator. Amber completed a forty-hour certification program focused on stress management, sleep, and recovery.
In November, she participated in a two-day Fit to Lead program that is designed to help burned-out leaders and high achievers build resilience and prioritize their health. With these two training opportunities, Amber has a goal to develop a training for staff who are interested in taking a deeper dive into stress management, helping them to gain insight and create practical, individualized plans for themselves
Maine News
Stetson Ranch embodies the spirit of generosity.
Stetson Ranch is in the spirit of GIVING back this holiday season Program youth and staff were able to secure a large number of items for the agency’s recent Basic Needs Drive including non-perishable food items, hygiene and clothing items, AND $660 worth of donations for heating oil. Items collected were donated to the Maine Veteran’s Project and $330 heating oil was provided to two local families who both have children recently diagnosed with cancer. Our youth also made cards to give to local Veteran’s on Veteran’s Day and volunteered at the Maine Veteran’s Project Resource Giveaway. We are also in the process of coordinating volunteer opportunities with a local library.
Leading up to Thanksgiving, students and staff had a busy day of parent/teacher conferences last Wednesday followed by their annual pre-Thanksgiving meal together They are also looking forward to their Outdoor Cooking class this week to wrap up their Outdoor Education unit which included canoe skills and safety map and compass reading, and fly tying
Marie Huckaby Residential Counselor
Marie has been a devoted and cherished member of NFI North and the Finson Road community for an extraordinary 27 years Her presence is woven into the very fabric of our program Over the decades, she has become widely known as our unofficial “Finson historian” the person who remembers where we started, how we’ve grown, and the many milestones, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped our program Her knowledge, humor, and stories connect past and present, grounding our team in the rich history of Finson Road.
While her wisdom and experience make her a guiding figure, Marie’s impact is perhaps felt most intimately in the everyday moments she creates. Our participants will proudly tell anyone who visits that Marie is, without question, the best chef they’ve ever met. Her meals are not just meals they are memories. From comforting favorites to her legendary community dinners, everything she prepares is made with care, intention, and so much love. It is a gift she shares generously and consistently, and it has become one of the cornerstones of our community life. We are profoundly proud to have Marie as a central and irreplaceable part of our team. Her contributions have shaped the environment we are all fortunate to be a part of, and her legacy will continue to influence Finson Road for years to come Marie’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering presence make her not only a treasured coworker, but a true pillar of our community
Clinical Connections
Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons
SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.
These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
A Place to Belong: Creating Inclusive Holiday Environments at NFI North Why it Matters
As the December holiday season approaches, it’s a time of celebration, reflection, and connection At NFI North, we recognize that this season holds different meanings for different people Our commitment to providing mental health services, case management, education, community based services, and residential care extends beyond clinical excellence it includes creating spaces that honor and respect the diverse traditions, beliefs, and practices of every individual and family we serve
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be challenging for those navigating mental health concerns or living in residential programs For many, this time of year may amplify feelings of isolation or stress By fostering an environment that is welcoming of all faiths and traditions, we help ensure that every person feels valued and supported Inclusivity as a practice within our Normative Approach is not just a principle it’s a therapeutic tool that promotes emotional safety and belonging
Across all of our services, we strive to:
Honor Diversity: Recognize and respect the cultural and religious traditions of those we serve
Create Choice: Offer opportunities for individuals to celebrate in ways that are meaningful to them or to opt out without pressure
Educate and Empower: Find resources and training to understand and embrace cultural differences during the holiday season
Whether it’s decorating common spaces, planning activities, or sharing meals, we encourage practices that reflect inclusivity This means avoiding assumptions about what the holidays “should” look like and instead asking, listening, and learning from each person’s perspective By doing so, we create environments where healing and hope can flourish As we move through this season, let’s remember that the greatest gift we can offer is acceptance Together, we can make NFI North a place where every individual feels at home no matter what traditions they hold dear.
From the former DEIB Committee (stay tuned for our new name)
