DECEMBER 2024 EDITION
Gratitude, Reflection, and an Invitation
As December unfolds, we enter a season of reflection and gratitude—a time to pause and acknowledge the incredible dedication and compassion each of you brings to NFI North. Your commitment helps create A Place to Belong for everyone we serve, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
I also recognize that December is a busy time, both professionally and personally. As we close out the year, please remember the importance of self-care. Taking time to recharge is essential and allows you to bring your best self to your work. Your well-being matters as much as the incredible contributions you make every day.
In the spirit of togetherness, I’m excited to invite you to our 4th Annual Santa Shuffle in Bridgton,
supporting the kids at Bridge Crossing. Whether you choose to run or walk the 5K, participate in the children's fun run, or cheer from the sidelines, it promises to be a joyful event for a great cause. I encourage you to join us—it’s a wonderful way to connect as an agency and give back to our community.
As we wrap up the year, let’s celebrate the shared purpose that unites us: empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Through your hard work—whether in direct care, behind-the-scenes support, or leadership—you make a profound difference, fostering dignity, respect, and growth for those we serve.
Thank you for the passion, resilience, and heart you bring to NFI North. Let’s finish the year strong and continue making a meaningful impact. Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season and a bright, hopeful New Year.
With deep appreciation,
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM HR:
Anniversary’s This Month! 10 Years- Jeff Gosselin 10 Years- Heidi Foisy 10 Years- Pat Henne 10 Years- Dee Wells
3 Years- Tammy Haskell 3 Years- Chris Parlin 3 Years- Amy Dascanio 5 Years- Alexandra Hannum 5 Years- Lauren Baker
Feeling Overwhelmed? Give These a Try:
Recite a Positive Affirmation
Ground Yourself with Deep Breathing
Use the “5-4-3-2-1” Grounding Technique: Shift your focus to the present moment by engaging your senses
Release Physical Tension
Practice a Quick Mental Reset
Choose a calming mantra, such as: "I am calm, I am capable." "This feeling is temporary; I can handle it." "I am in control of my breath and my emotions "
Repeat it silently or aloud a few times to center yourself.
Santa Shuffle
Presentedby
Queens Head Pub
All proceeds support the children of Bridge Crossing. Sign up today to run for a great cause!
DECEMBER 7TH
EARLY REGISTRATION OPEN- 9:15 AM CHILDREN’S FUN RUN-9:45 AM 5K WALK/RUN - 10:30 AM
Bridge Crossing Academy
7 Nulty St. Bridgton, Maine
|Pictures with Santa || prizes | hot cocoa & cookies | family fun |
Traci Leigh MAINE HIGHLIGHT
Sidney Riverbend Secretary, Traci Leigh, has been with NFI for 17 years. Traci is the face of Sidney. She is the first one that visitors are likely to see when they arrive. Her professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication are above all expectations Traci takes her role seriously and she is always looking for ways to improve the program The staff team at Sidney often go to her for needed items or ideas She is responsive and takes great pride in the work that the program does There isn’t a single member of the SRB team that would know what to do without her She takes care of everything from her assigned roles, to volunteering her own time to wrap holiday gifts, make holiday ornaments and wreaths for the Santa Shuffle.
Traci is willing to step up to help with whatever the program needs such as cleaning, cooking, painting, and creatin opportunities for staff and participants She has helpe other programs by supporting other secretaries Trac organizational skills are exceptional. The program ha received many compliments over the years for the wa records are kept. Traci supports the Education Coord by taking minutes at meetings, staff meetings and is willing to jump in. Recently, a staff member was quot saying that, “Traci is the magic that makes things hap Most often, when someone asks her to do something replies with, “I have already done that.”
Traci has so many skills in so many areas as she has education and certifications in things that most don’t about, and she is able to bring her knowledge and gra that she does. We don’t know what we would do with and hope that we never have to find out. She adds th touches to make Sidney Riverbend a place to belong.
Finson Road
Finson Road is a community of older adults who have faced their own unique challenges and require daily support from our staff and community. Our amazing team at Finson have come together with a variety of strengths and experiences. We’ve had careers with NFI North ranging from one day to 26 years! As a team, we lead with kindness and unconditional positive regard creating an expectation and example to those we care for. We work with our participants to help them gain back independence in their daily lives and support them to live the best life that they can, no matter what their circumstances are
We offer our participants a place to belong, a place to feel safe, and hope for their future, we provide them with daily outings, living skills, support, med management, counseling and independence. We work with our participants mastering new skills and fostering re-emerging, forgotten skills that they once again can master
You may find us here at Finson planning a party, cooking together, playing games, singing, dancing, decorating, participating in groups, having coffee at McDonald’s, shopping, attending fairs and markets or simply supporting our local veterans and
NEW HAMPSHIRE HIGHLIGHT
Noel Chipman, NH Clinical Director, organized and planned this two-day EBP Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) Training for our New Hampshire Adult Services.
Noel connected with and invited to facilitate this in depth IMR training. THS Pathways hosted Day One of the IMR. We are thrilled to have staff from all 6 THS locations as well as both Newport CRP programs sites.
Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) is an evidence-based psychiatric rehabilitation practice whose primary aim is to empower consumers to manage their illnesses, find their own goals for recovery, and make informed decisions about their treatment by teaching them the necessary knowledge and skills. IMR has a broad set of strategies designed to help participants with severe mental illness. These strategies teach participants how to manage their illness in collaboration with professionals and significant others in order to achieve personal recovery goals IMR is a strength based and client centered program that can be provided in an individual or group format The program allows participants to learn about the nature and treatment of mental illness, how to prevent reoccurrences and re-hospitalizations, and how to cope effectively with symptoms to give participants greater control over their own treatment and over their lives.
Suresh
Maharjan
We are thrilled to recognize Suresh Maharjan for his outstanding contributions to NFI North’s THS Pathways program!
Suresh joined NFI North in February 2024 as a Direct Care Counselor for the newly launched THS Pathways program From the start, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his role Working the 3rd shift a challenging schedule Suresh ensures that our participants are safe and well cared for throughout the night He also takes on the responsibility of administering medications, a crucial aspect of his position
Suresh’s creativity and teamwork shine through in the workplace He and his coworkers (John Bowman and Ajay Maharjan) recently introduced “Fancy Breakfast” a few times a week, bringing a touch of joy and culinary flair to the mornings But his talents don’t stop there Suresh is also a skilled chef.
During the Pathways Open House, which featured a cultural theme showcasing foods from around the world, Suresh's culinary creations were a highlight of the event. His dishes were nothing short of divine, adding a flavorful and memorable experience to the occasion.
Beyond his work at Pathways, Suresh's culinary expertise has gained international recognition He was recently invited to Paris, where he cooked for an audience of about 500 people for a few days over the course of 15 days While there, he not only impressed with his cooking but also had the opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of Paris Suresh is already looking ahead to his next culinary adventure, hoping to bring his talents to the Bahamas
Thank you, Suresh, for your hard work, creativity, and dedication to the participants and your team Your contributions make Pathways a brighter and more vibrant place! Congratulations on this welldeserved recognition!
Clinical Connections: Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
December is Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) awareness month. SAD is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder 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.”
Medical Team Tips:
6 tips to staying safe and healthy this winter.
Stay hydrated: Make sure you are drinking plenty of water even when it's cold out, the dry air and indoor heating can dehydrate you quickly
Dress warmly: Wearing layers of loose, warm clothing helps trap your body heat and insulate against the cold
Protect your hands: The skin on your hands is thin and can be damaged easily by exposure to cold air, wind, as well as repeated hand washing.
Get some sun and eat a balanced diet: With decreased exposure to the sun, it can be difficult to get enough Vitamin D in the winter
Wash your hands regularly: Being inside more during the winter months increases our exposure to germs.
Avoid overexertion: Strenuous activities like shoveling snow can strain your heart, be mindful of the exertion you are putting your body under Symptoms
Not everyone with SAD has the same symptoms, but they can include:
Sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Oversleeping
Weight Gain
Social Withdrawal
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.
DEIB Corner:
Miller Terrace wanted to share a bit of what they did to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, which was from September 15 through October 15th. Staff put together a bulletin board with all of the different Countries that Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month.
“We had couple groups highlighting the origins and meaning of Hispanic Heritage As a community we provided a Hispanic themed lunch highlighting different dishes from Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Columbia. We also had some fun highlighting some of the Contributions Hispanic culture has had throughout history and in popular culture today.”