This is a friendly reminder to please review and update your personal information in UKG. As we prepare for year-end and W-2 form processing, keeping your details current is important for accurate records and ensures we can reach you with important communications
Please take a few minutes to log in and check the following:
Contact information (phone number, address, emergency contact)
Tax Withholdings
Beneficiary information
Any other relevant personal details
New Hires
Welcome!
Michaela Ames
Jillian Berto
Cadence Clukey
Melissa Companion
Rachael Haviland
Joshua Holt
Danielle MacNevins
Karen Mehos
FOOD AND HYGIENE DRIVE
Throughout October, our programs came together to fight food insecurity in our communities, thank you to everyone who donated and participated!
Although the drive has ended, we’re still counting donations to see which program contributed the most. If you haven’t yet tallied your items, please do so as soon as possible.
Your generosity and community spirit truly make a difference. Thank you for helping support our neighbors and families in need!
WE WILL SOON ANNOUNCE THE TOTAL AMOUNT THAT NFI NORTH WAS ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE!
Please take a photo of your donations and email them to Halie if you have not already: haliechavanelle@nafi.com
New Hampshire News
THS Bradford having summer and fall fun
THS Bradford has enjoyed a fun filled Summer and Fall seasons, through community engagement, seasonal activities, and meaningful outreach.
Over the summer months, participants and staff explored New Hampshire, visiting beaches and lakes across the state These adventures provided opportunities for recreation, social connection, and enjoyment of local attractions, including sampling a variety of ice cream shops, which of course was the favorite activity of the summer
As autumn arrived, the program did our usual seasonal traditions such as apple picking and leaf peeping Participants and staff enjoyed making many tasty desserts with the apples that were picked
A major highlight of this fall was the First Annual Bake-Off, held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Staff from THS Manchester, THS Bradford, and CRP Newport showcased their baking talents by preparing a selection of baked goods. Participants had the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite entries, making the event both interactive and festive The success of this inaugural event has generated excitement for next year’s Bake-Off, which will expand to include all THS and CRP programs
In addition to all the fun we are having with outings, THS Bradford continues to prioritize Mental Health Awareness. Participants have taken a proactive role in promoting mental health advocacy within the Bradford community Their efforts included crafting Mental Health Awareness ribbons and distributing them locally, as well as baking and delivering cookies to area businesses. These initiatives not only raised awareness about living with mental illness but also strengthened community ties and provided participants with meaningful opportunities for outreach
Spotlight
Aimee
Belanger
Residential Counselor Pathways
Aimee received the Courage to Grow Award at the NFI North Conference this year. She is someone who shows up with intention and finds creative ways to make a difference; not just within the team, but in the lives of every participant they serve. Her commitment to personal and professional growth shines in the way she carries herself every day She doesn’t wait to be asked or told; she sees a need and steps in, always ready to lend a hand, offer
an idea, or bring a little extra light into the room. Whether she’s organizing meaningful volunteer opportunities, planning enriching outings, or attending groups right alongside participants, she does so with passion, purpose, and a deep sense of care She is always coming up with ways for the participants to volunteer and some of the participants are now going weekly to the "Upreach Riding Center" to help clean the horses’ stalls Aimee’s energy is contagious, her presence uplifting, and her work ethic unmatched She is the kind of teammate who elevates those around her, and the kind of role model who quietly inspires others to dream a little bigger. Aimee welcomes feedback, embraces challenges, and is actively pursuing her long-term goal of becoming an Assistant Program Director, even taking college courses to make that dream a reality Her journey is one of purpose, growth, and courage and we are lucky to walk alongside her as she continues to rise
Maine News
Summit View Strengthening Community Ties & Getting a Little Muddy
At Summit View, we’re filling our time with meaningful connection, laughter, and a little bit of dirt: just the way we like it!
One of our recent highlights was deepening our partnership with a local clothing store that shares our commitment to supporting youth. Our staff and youth gave back by volunteering their time, energy, and smiles at the store In return, the store generously provided much-needed clothing for our young people This partnership reflects one of our core values, community service, and we’re proud to see our youth engaging with and contributing to their community in such a positive and impactful way
But it wasn’t all hard work. We made sure to have some fun, too! In true spirit and creativity, we hosted a “Dadurday” event, where everyone dressed up in their best "dad" gear Think sneakers with socks and sandals, corny jokes, and plenty of fanny packs The day was full of laughter, bonding, and good-natured silliness On another day, we had some good old-fashioned messy fun, playing in the mud and embracing the joy that comes from letting go and getting a little dirty Through these simple, and often silly activities, we build connection with our youth
These moments, whether through giving back or simply enjoying each other's company, are what make our program special We are so proud of our youth and staff for living out our values, strengthening community connections, and never forgetting to have fun along the way
Spotligh
Here’s to more memories, more mud, and more meaningful connections in the months to come!
Chris Porter Clinical Case Manager
Chris Porter is a phenomenal asset as a CCM on our Bangor team He values authenticity and relationships and in doing this, is able to create movement and help others grow as he joins to work with them. He focuses on quality and “being human” and this allows others to feel safe and let their guard down Chris has a wealth of knowledge about resources and opportunities for the adults we work alongside. He is sought out regularly by team members for his understanding of processes with the OADS world, sharing information on resources, or in helping manage crisis situations with participants. Chris has helped so many participants and colleagues along the way, and we are so honored to have him on our team
Clinical Connections
Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
November is Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month
November is Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time to focus on the mental and emotional development of infants and preschoolers and crucial role of caregivers.
What is early childhood mental health?
It is the developing capacity of a child to form close and secure relationships with adults and peers. It includes the ability to experience, manage, and express a full range of emotions. It involves the ability to explore the environment and learn, all within the context of family, community, and culture.
This capacity is the foundation for all future development, including self-regulation, cognitive abilities, and self-worth.
A Place to Belong: THS Ashland
At THS Ashland, we take great pride in celebrating individuality and embracing the unique qualities that each staff member and participant brings to our community. As part of our Day Program, we recently launched a cultural exploration series designed to highlight the diversity and traditions that make our world so vibrant.
Each week, participants selected a different country to explore from a list they collaboratively created, which included Great Britain, China, Italy, Greece, and Poland. The program began with an engaging introduction to each country’s history, geography, and cultural landmarks, often paired with hands-on activities such as traditional crafts inspired by that region.
As the weeks progressed, participants immersed themselves in the country’s music, sports, and popular pastimes—discovering both the differences and shared experiences that connect people across the globe. One of the most anticipated sessions each week was our international cooking class, where participants worked together to prepare and enjoy authentic dishes from the featured country These culinary experiences fostered teamwork, curiosity, and a true sense of cultural appreciation, making this series one of our most enjoyable and enriching Day Program initiatives.
