NFI North Mission Edition June

*THS Concord, Staff Appreciation Cookout

A

message from NFI North Executive Director, Luke Reynard

Welcome to NFI North’s Mission Edition! This inaugural edition will combine many of our existing newsletters and create a forum for sharing exciting news, celebrations and updates. For over 40 years, we have been committed to providing essential mental and behavioral health care services to children, adults, seniors, and families across Maine and New Hampshire.

At NFI North, we firmly believe in the transformative power of connection, and understand that feeling seen, heard, and valued is essential to fostering a sense of belonging. Our Community of Care is more than just a

supportive network—it is a place where meaningful relationships are cultivated, and every individual is recognized and respected. We are dedicated to building an environment where everyone, whether a participant or a staff member, feels a deep sense of inclusion and support. We take great pride in our core values of Belonging, Dedication, Empathy, Resilience, and Trust, which guide us in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment. This is not just a place to work—it is a place to belong.

Our approach to care is rooted in our Normative Community Approach, allowing us to understand and support the diverse needs of those we serve and create multiple opportunities for belonging for everyone. From individual and family counseling to therapeutic residential programs and community-based services, we strive to empower our participants to achieve their full potential and lead independent, fulfilling lives. We are fortunate to have bright opportunities in front of us, both in Maine and New Hampshire. While the COVID-19 pandemic was truly awful, I am appreciative for the increased awareness regarding the importance of mental healthcare services, and the visibility this can bring to our mission, our organization and the value of the people we serve. As we continue to move forward, let us embrace our shared values and commitment to excellence. Together, we can make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of those in our community. Our vision is to create a world where mental and behavioral health services are readily accessible, and we can only do this as a team. Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible journey. Your dedication and compassion are what make NFI North special and allow us to fulfill our mission every day –To inspire and empower people to reach their full potential. This is more than our mission statement, it is our way of life. I am deeply grateful and honored to lead this remarkable organization in partnership with each of you.

Luke Reynard, Executive Director, NFI North

The Agency has a 403B Retirement Plan that all employees can enroll in at any time. There is no waiting period or open enrollment period. The Agency does matching contributions as long as you are an employee that has biweekly scheduled hours (excludes relief). To learn more about this terrific way to save for retirement email nfinorthhr@nafi com

Clean-up Day Contoocook

The following are the 2024-2025 CQI Goals for the Contoocook Office. We are committed to working together to achieve these goals and have set clear benchmarks for doing so. We welcome your feedback on how we are doing in these areas as the year progresses.

Contoocook Office CQI Goals 2024

Improve Communication

We understand the importance of communication in the workplace as a tool to strengthen our team. We will strive to improve how we communicate with each other and to the greater agency as a way to connect with one another and build trust.

Improve Office Culture

Strong office culture is the key to having positive attitudes and demeanor within the team and organization It is having an “All for one and one for all” mantra. We will strive to improve and strengthen our office culture and serve our programs with the highest standard of customer service.

Ensure Work-Life Balance

Work Life Balance is essential for people to feel productive and effective in our role. To ensure we are maximizing our energy to be the best versions of ourselves we will prioritize self-care and work life balance.

MPLOYEE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

April and May

Kara Blevins, 3 Years

Brianne Foster, 3 Years

Amber Goodrich, 3 Years

Cassandra Milne, 3 Years

Alicia Loveless, 3 Years

Megan Soukup Thayer, 3 Years

Paula Tracy, 3 Years

Kylie Cormier, 5 Years

Aimee Graves, 5 Years

Jennifer O’jala, 10 Years

Tiffany Merrill, 20 Years

Updates from New Hampshire and Maine

Stetson Ranch Staff Retreat: Stetson staff gathered for their annual staff retreat last Wednesday. They spent the afternoon completing trainings, having lunch together, and having some fun with team building activities Special thanks to staff from Miller Terraces, Summit View, and Sidney Riverbend for helping with program coverage so we could all attend.

Stetson Ranch Raised Beds: The American Legion Post 105 kindly donated materials and their time and labor so we could rebuild the raised bed in our garden. They spent a good part of the day last Wednesday completing the project. To give special thanks, students presented Legion members with a painting they designed and signed in Art Class and provided lunch Students also went to the Legion building in Newport to help with some clean-up projects.

Maine Special Olympics (June 8th & June 9th): The event kicks off with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on June 5th A special torch was designed by Bridge Crossing and presented to Chief Jones of the Bridgton Police Department as part of the Opening Ceremony event.

Maine Schools Year End Ceremony (June 12th): This annual event will take place at the Auburn Hilton Riverwatch at 11am. Please contact Mike Francoeur for additional information or Audrey Huot to RSVP.

Clinical Connections: Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

June 27th is PTSD Awareness

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and is intended to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with PTSD, and help ensure that those suffering from the invisible wounds of war receive proper treatment.

#ptsd #mentalhealth #ptsdawareness #selfcare #veterans #traumarecovery #bpd #survivor

Day Take Action

Resource Corner

Road Map to Trauma & PTSD

Click the photo to read the article

PTSD Podcast

Click the picture to listen to podcast

National Center for PTSD

Click the picture for more information and videos

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 8 million people in the United States currently have PTSD Posttraumatic stress disorder can develop after an individual goes through or sees a life-threatening event. PTSD, while often thought of as affecting active military and Veterans, is not limited to warfighters or first responders. Civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events can also experience PTSD

MEDICALTEAM JUNENEWSLETTER

HAVE A SUN SAFE SUMMER

Warm,sunnydaysareonthehorizon!Thismeansmanyofusaresoontobespendingmoretime outsideinthesun.Whilespendingtimeoutdoorshasmanybenefitsforourphysicalandmental well-being,itdoescomewithpotentialrisksfromthesun’sdamagingUVrays.Takingthe appropriatestepstobesun-safemeansavoidingsunburns,slowingdownskinaging,and loweringtheriskofskincancer.Thebasicsofsun-safetyaresimple:usesunscreenandfind shade.Followingtheseextratipscanhelpensureyouandyourfamilyareprotectedallsummer long!

1.Useabroad-spectrumsunscreenwithanSPFof30orhigher. Broad-spectrumsunscreensprotectagainstbothUVAandUVBrays.

2.Useenoughsunscreen.Mostofuswillfallshortofthe recommendedamountofsunscreenneededtoadequate protection.Agoodruleofthumbistouseonefullouncefor everyapplication,whichfillsthepalmofyourhand.

3.Usesunscreenagain.Forextendedperiodsoftimeoutside, oneapplicationofsunscreenisn’tenough.Sunscreenshouldbe reappliedeverytwohours,orsooner,ifyou’reinthewater.

4.Wearclothingtocoverskinexposedtothesun.Thereis sun-protectiveclothingnowavailable,calledUPFclothing.Theseclothesaremadewitha tighterweavetobetterprotectagainstthesun’srays.UPFclothingneedstohave a30UPForhighertoobtaintheSkinCancerFoundation’ssealofapproval.

5.Limitsunexposurebetween10:00AMand2:00PM.Thesun’sUVraysare strongestduringthesehours.

6.Knowyourmedications.Somemedicationmaycauseyoutodevelop photosensitivity,aheightenedsensitivitytothesun’sUVrays.Common examplesincludesomeheartmedications,antibiotics,NSAIDS,andretinoids. Alwayscheckwithyourproviderorpharmacistandmakesuretotake extrastepsforprotectionifnecessary!

SUNBURN CARE TIPS

Ifyoudoendupwithasunburn,it’simportanttostarttreatingitassoonas possible.Thefirstthingtodoistogetoutofthesun,preferablyindoors. Onceoutofthesun,followthesetipstopromoteskinhealing.

1.Takefrequentcoolbathsorshowerstorelievethepain.Patyourskin almostallthewaydry,thenapplyamoisturizertohelptrapwaterandease dryness.

2.Useamoisturizerwithaloevera.Aloeverawillprovideacoolingsensationtoalleviate painandmoisturizetheskinsimultaneously.

3.TakeNSAIDS.Anti-inflammatorydrugslikeibuprofenornaproxencanhelpreduce swellinganddiscomfort.

4.Drinkextrawater.Sunburnsdrawfluidfromtheskinandtherestofthebody,causing dehydration.Makesuretodrinkplentyoffluidstopreventdehydration.

5.Allowblisterstoheal.Somesunburnsmaydevelopskinblisters.Neverpopablister. Allowingblisterstohealontheirownhelpsskinhealfasterandprotectsfrominfection.

We Will See You at Pride!!

Celebrating Pride Month is crucial for honoring the LGBTQ+ community, promoting acceptance, and advocating for equal rights. Attending Pride festivals fosters a sense of solidarity, visibility, and joy, allowing individuals to express their identities freely and connect with supportive communities These events also educate the broader public on LGBTQ+ issues, helping to dismantle prejudice and build inclusive societies By participating in Pride festivals, we recognize and celebrate the progress made toward equality while acknowledging the work that remains. Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, encourage dialogue, and support the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights Following annual tradition, NFI North will proudly have representation at Pride festivals in Portland and Manchester underscoring our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ rights Our presence at these events highlights our dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace and supporting the broader community. Join us in standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ colleagues and participants, reaffirming our commitment to equality and inclusion for all

Celebrating Juneteenth

June is Pride Month

Upcoming DEIB Events:

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Immigrant Heritage Month

Caribbean American Heritage Month

June 12: Loving Day

June 18: Eid al-Adha (falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the Islamic calendar and lasts for four days)

June 19: Juneteenth

June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 28: International LGBTQ+ Pride Day

Know of DEIB events happening in your community? Let us know: deibcommitee@nafi.com

Media of the Month

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire's Juneteenth Celebration 2024 is a multi-event series honoring Black history and culture Starting June 7, the celebration features an artist reception for Nadroj Nina Holmes, exploring African American identity On June 13, a panel titled "Unpacking Black Masculinity" will tackle stereotypes and challenges faced by Black men The events continue with a Motown concert on June 19, showcasing the impact of Black music on American culture, and include an African drumming workshop and a ceremony to honor ancestors Additional activities such as community discussions and cultural exhibitions aim to educate and promote a deeper appreciation of Black contributions to society The celebration seeks to dismantle stereotypes and foster understanding, providing a platform for cultural expression and historical reflection. A children's program on June 15 will introduce young participants to African American heritage through storytelling and crafts. Finally, a walking tour will highlight significant local sites tied to Black history More details can be found at Black Heritage Trail NH

Journeys from There to Here: Stories of Immigrant Trials, Triumphs, and Contributions

In this eye-opening collection of immigrant trials, triumphs, and contributions, leading immigration lawyer Susan Cohen invites you to walk with her clients as they share their incredible journeys coming to America while overcoming unimaginable dangers and often heartbreaking obstacles abroad Cohen masterfully uplifts marginalized voices, laying bare the remarkable realities of staggering hardships and inspiring resilience