OCTOBER 2024 EDITION A PLACE TO BELONG MISSION
Employees Celebrating at the 25th Annual NFI North Conference
Happy October Everyone!
It’s hard to believe that fall is official here! I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the recent NFI North 25th Annual Conference and the 21st Annual Empowerment Awards Luncheon It was an event that not only celebrated our accomplishments but also provided a powerful reminder of our shared desire to create "A Place to Belong." I would also like to provide a special thank you for all of you who had to work at your programs during the conference. It is because of your willingness to cover this time, that we can celebrate and come together. I hope that many of you not able to attend this year will be at our next conference
As I reflect on the events of the conference, I realize how appreciative I am for the incredible opportunity for growth and connection. The diverse range of workshops, training sessions, and team-building activities demonstrated our commitment to professional development and strengthening our community.
From exploring the "Cultural Kaleidoscope" to learning about emotional intelligence, community resources, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, each session was thoughtfully designed to inspire and equip us with the tools we need to continue making a meaningful impact. These opportunities for learning and reflection were invaluable, and the knowledge gained will undoubtedly enhance our work in serving children, adults, seniors, and families across Maine and New Hampshire
I felt that the Empowerment Luncheon was truly the highlight of the event. It was an honor to hear the inspiring stories of this year's honorees and to witness their journeys of perseverance, growth, and achievement Their courage and resilience serve as a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we offer support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. This year we had a remarkable group of Empowerment winners that should make each of proud as we were a part of their journey.
A huge thank you goes out to our Conference and Empowerment committee, speakers, trainers and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Your dedication and hard work ensured that every detail was executed seamlessly, from the engaging workshops to the heartfelt employee award ceremony It is through your efforts that we were able to create such an uplifting and empowering experience for all.
As we continue our journey together, let's carry the inspiration from this conference forward, remaining committed to empowering individuals and families to reach their full potential. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary experience and for everything you do to make NFI North a truly special place to belong.
As you all know, this has been a year of significant transition for NFI North, and I appreciate your dedication, patience and support as we settle in our new roles I feel truly lucky to be part of such an amazing team.
With heartfelt appreciation,
First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the 25th Annual NFI North Conference and the Empowerment Luncheon. A big thank you to those who couldn't attend but helped keep everything running smoothly The trainers were exceptional, and the Empowerment Luncheon was both emotional and inspiring. We would like to extend our congratulations once again to our Empowerment Winners: Samira, Shelby, Kevin, and Patricia. We eagerly look forward to doing it all over again next year!
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM HR
Don’t be caught in this situation: Tax Season/W-4 Withholdings
Now is the time you should be reviewing your payroll stubs to be sure you are having proper federal taxes withheld.
Often times we receive panicked phone calls from staff members when they go to file their income tax return at the beginning of the New Year saying, “I owed money as I didn’t have any taxes taken out.”
It turns out, the employee may have filled out their W-4 incorrectly and find themselves not having any federal tax deductions.
To avoid this unfortunate situation please check your paystubs so you will not be caught off guard at tax time! Verify your tax exemptions in UKG by selecting: Myself –Pay - Income Tax – Add/Change Withholding Form W-4
NFI NORTH EMPLOYEE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
October
3 Years-Stephen Heiser
3 Years-Ada Hunter
3 Years-Heather Commeau
5 Years- Erica Paradis
5 Years- Julianna Chrostowski
5 Years- Nicole Wright
5 Years-Amanda Commeau
25 Years-James Stacey
MAINE PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:
Bridge Crossing Academy, located in the quaint downtown area of Bridgton, Maine, opened its doors to services in October of 2021. Our private special purpose school, previously named Dodge House School, originated in February of 1997. For 27 years, NFI North has offered new learning experiences to children in our community that are at risk of falling through the cracks in our educational system. They are in need of a smaller setting with comprehensive wraparound support services in order to access their educational needs NFI North's monthly program highlight is proud to focus on Bridge Crossing Academy. This innovative day treatment program has been specially designed to support at-risk children with new opportunities to grow and learn while also tending to their mental health. Bridge Crossing Academy (BCA) aims to provide a structured, consistent and nurturing learning environment for youth facing behavioral and emotional challenges. Our Mission we lead by is: Working together, trying our best, helps us learn and leads to success.
Key Program Features:
Individualized academic instruction
Specialized academic supports and curriculums such as:
Daily living supports and Life skills
Mental health services: Individualized and family therapy led by fully licensed Clinicians
Group treatment: Play therapy, Collaborative Problem solving & our other modalities and Clinician and staff based expertise
Case management opportunities
Family engagement and support services
Smaller classroom learning design
Special Education teachers with years of experience and expertise
Experienced Behavioral Health staff to provide direct support in the classroom
Bridge Crossing Academy's goal is to equip students with the tools they need to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and successfully transition back to their communities and public-school settings. The program combines evidence-based and trauma-informed practices with compassionate care to create a transformative experience for participants.
The NH NAMI Walk is taking place during the first weekend of October, and we have numerous individuals registered and eager to walk in support of Mental Health!
The Maine NAMI walk was in September, and it was a wonderful turnout. Thank you to everyone who attended and showed your support of NAMI and Mental Health.
NEW HAMPSHIRE UPDATE
The Contoocook Office gathered to honor Terri, our Director of HR, as she celebrates her 25th work anniversary with NFI North. We are immensely grateful for you, Terri, and truly appreciate all that you do!
Employees from NFI North participated in the Best Place to Work NH Breakfast with the Best event held in Manchester, NH.
Clinical Connections: Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
October is National ADHD Awareness Month, but also includes National Depression Screening Day, and World Mental Health Day!
National Depression Screening Day is observed annually as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week during the first week of October. “Roughly 40 million adults in the U.S. struggle with depression or anxiety. Not to mention the family, friends, and coworkers that are also impacted National Depression Screening Day is held annually on October 10. It’s important for many reasons. First, it can help people make an informed diagnosis. It also drags depression out of the darkness. And perhaps most important, it can bring help to those that need it ”
ADHD Awareness Month’s goal is to provide reliable information and resources to help people thrive with ADHD. Although the month of October is designated as ADHD Awareness Month, learning and sharing information about ADHD is beneficial all year long!
This year World Mental Health Day is held on October 10th. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
National Depression Screening Day Information Click the photo for additional information
Myths and Facts About ADHD Click the photo for additional information
World Mental Health Day Click the photo for additional
What It Means To Be A Filipino-American
NFI NORTH October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Upcoming DEIB Events:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In the article “How I Learned What It Means To Be A FilipinoAmerican”, Kevin Nadal reflects on his journey of embracing his identity as a Filipino-American. Growing up, he struggled to reconcile the cultural expectations of his heritage with the realities of life in the U.S. Through personal experiences, including confronting stereotypes and exploring his family's history, Nadal learned to take pride in his Filipino roots while navigating the challenges of being bicultural. His story highlights the complexities of balancing cultural duality while finding one's true sense of self, celebrating the beauty of his heritage. For more, you can access the article here.
Making Strides in New Hampshire
The Making Strides, presented by Concord Imaging Center, is set for Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Memorial Field in Concord, NH. This annual walk supports the American Cancer Society's fight against breast cancer The event includes various fundraising efforts, such as team-led initiatives, with proceeds going toward breast cancer research, education, and patient support services Participants are encouraged to raise funds and walk together to help further the organization's mission of saving lives. For more information, visit the the American Cancer Society website.
Bullying Prevention Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Filipino-American Heritage Month
German-American Heritage Month
Italian-American Heritage Month
Polish-American Heritage Month
2nd – International Day of Nonviolence
2nd – Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish)
3rd – Navrati begins (Hindu)
10th – World Mental Health Day
11th – National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+)
11th – Yom Kippur (Jewish)
14th – National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
16th – Sukkot (Jewish)
October 20 – Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)
October 20 – Sikh Holy Day
October 31 – Diwali (Hindu)
Know of DEIB events happening in your community? Let us know: deibc
Media of the Month
One of Us is a 2017 documentary that follows the lives of three individuals who left the ultra-Orthodox Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn The film highlights their struggles with isolation, abuse, and the challenges of adjusting to life outside the insular religious world. It explores themes of identity, freedom, and the emotional toll of leaving a deeply traditional community Through their personal journeys, the documentary sheds light on the complex dynamics between faith, community, and personal autonomy.
