A team of staff gathered to honor Don Burton's retirement from NFI North.
Don, we are truly thankful for your commitment to NFI North and the individuals we serve. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for you!
UPCOMING EVENTS
3/10 UMaine Farmington Job Fair
3/17 St. Patrick’s Day
3/18 Husson University Job Fair
4/14-4/15 DCYF Conference
Questions about events or have an event you are attending? Email Halie Chavanelle.
HelloEveryone,
Headingintospring,wehavemuchtobeexcitedabout.Warmertemperaturesareon therise,anddaylightsavingstimeisjustafewdaysaway.Manyofusassociatethe monthofMarchwithIrishLuckandSt.Paddy'sDay.Itbringstomindoneofmy favoritequotes, "I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn't been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn't have been lucky" OprahWinfrey.
Untilthen,here'stowarmerweather,longerdays,andcreating A Place to Belong.
Sincerely, Jill
HR NEWS AND UPDATES
Did you know?
If you are a member of the Agency’s healthcare plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, you are eligible for reimbursement if you are enrolled in a Weight Loss Program and or a Gym Membership You can qualify for up to $150 a plan year in reimbursements The claim forms can be found on the N-drive or reach out to your program management for further information
Welcome our New Employees
Vickie Coyle
Dakota Flagg
Gerald Fraher
Sean Gravel
Emma McGinley
Kay Pendris
Shannon Perras
Yam Shreesh
Jacklyn Tyminski
Kaylynn Washburn
Samuel Yen
Faith Alexander
Norissa Alleano
Elizabeth Caron
Marjorie Gross
Tessa Tuttle
NFI NORTH RandomActsofKindness ChallengeWeek
Thank you to those who participated in NFI North’s Random Act of Kindness Week! Kindness does not need to be celebrated just once, it is important to spread kindness year round!
The business office shared donuts with students and staff at Contoocook School and exchanged kind words and uplifting quotes throughout the week.
Maple Lodge came together to practice kindness, they created kind rocks and put them in their communities, as well as a had kindness box for people to spread positivity
THS Concord went to Office of Public Guardian, our local Fire Department, and our New Hampshire Hospital Campus Police, with banana bread and a Kindness card.
On behalf of the CME, Kristin Demers delivered groceries to her old neighbor, although he doesn’t live next to her anymore, she still helps him out
New Hampshire News
Spotlight
Foster Care and Youth MOVE
February has been a busy month for our NH Foster Care Program. There are currently seven licensed homes in NH and of those six are caring for children in foster care. There are four more that are in the licensing process and could be ready by April. There is a critical need for more foster homes. Who do YOU know that should be a foster parent? NFI offers a $500 employee bonus or “finder’s fee” if you refer someone who becomes licensed. Our Foster Care options give parents a choice: to provide short-term respite, or emergency care (10 days only), or a longer term foster care option.
Youth MOVE New Hampshire Program Director Hannah Raiche and Youth Peer Support Coach Haley Heinrich are excited to be sharing our coaching model and bringing strategic sharing training to NAMI NH's team of family peer support specialists and new coaches! The ability for peer supporters to strategically share their own lived-experience(s) and come from a place of true understanding is the most essential tool for building authentic, destigmatizing, empowering, and caring relationships that can validate and offer hope to others who are currently struggling and often feeling very isolated
Maddie Rowe, Clinical Case Manager, Community-Based Services
Maddie started with NFI North in May of 2024 as a Clinical Case Manager. This is Maddie’s first post-college job, and she has made quite the impression. Maddie is a go-getter and has emerged as an invaluable team partner who is frequently recognized by her own team members– and by outside agencies as well. Maddie has stepped up and taken on multiple challenging cases within her first year, and with each case, her positive attitude reinforces she is up for the task.
Multiple team members have expressed that Maddie is a “Rockstar” and a pleasure to work with Maddie has even started to have funding sources request her for cases She has shown that she is a quick learner, an amazing communicator and is able to coordinate and manage difficult cases, including juggling multiple schedules Maddie has exceeded expectations as a new employee and is an incredible addition to our team!
Spotlight Maine News
CCM
Brandon
NFI North CCM Associate Program Director
Brandon Ingaharro spent the day with one of his participants at the Maine Winter Special Olympics at Pineland Farms
Josh was competing in the snowshoeing event and despite the impending weather forcing a condensed schedule, Josh persevered with the support of Brandon and the rest of his team cheering him on to the finish! Josh completed his heat in the 200-M snowshoe race in 55 seconds and an hour later, Josh’s efforts culminated in his first place win in the 400-M snowshoe race in an all-out sprint to the finish. Congrats Josh!
It was a great way to spend the day and celebrate with Josh
Caroline McCarthy
Assistant Program Director
Bridge Crossing, Bridge Crossing Academy
Caroline McCarthy has been an outstanding staff member at NFI North’s Bridge Crossing for the past 26 years She has been the APD at Bridge Crossing Academy for the past seven years and throughout her tenure she has been an amazing and integral part of the team and culture Caroline's approach focuses on the genuine care and attention she brings to every interaction For more than two and a half decades, she has maintained that same enthusiasm and dedication that she brought on her very first day. Caroline's loyalty, and persistent spirit elevates those around her and her unwavering commitment to excellence is what makes Caroline truly exceptional.
Her colleagues often share stories of how Caroline anticipated their needs in advance, offered solutions to problems they had not yet recognized, and how she provided support during challenging times She is always ready and available to address the multitude of program demands on any given day We are incredibly fortunate to have Caroline as part of our team The positive culture of kindness that Caroline helps nurture contributes to making NFI North a place to belong for everyone
Thank you, Caroline, for showing us what it means to be not just a colleague, but a rockstar team member whose professional and personal impact resonates throughout our entire organization.
You are an inspiration to all of us.
Clinical Connections
Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
March is
Self-Harm Awareness Month
Self-injury Awareness Month is a chance to set aside stigma, understand the problem and be open about mental health challenges and recovery. Self-injury or self-harm is a response to severe emotional distress. Intentional, non-suicidal injuries are a way for a person to mirror psychological pain with physical pain. In some cases, the physical injury has a temporary calming effect and, in others, a self-inflicted wound is a means of “feeling something” to combat emotional numbness Teenagers are especially vulnerable and often believe they’re the only ones in the world coping with these issues. But with treatment and support, self-injury can move from the present to the past.”
don't Judge
Far too many people suffer needlessly because they’re afraid of being judged When helping a person through the trauma of self-injury:
Listening is key
Don’t judge
Don’t act disgusted
Be Proactive Stay Supportive
What do they need?
Be proactive, i e drive them to an appointment
Or, visit them in treatment when appropriate
Stay supportive
Encourage positive actions
Take the opportunity to educate yourself about the condition and the underlying causes that often lead to it
