SEPTEMBER 2024 EDITION A PLACE TO BELONG MISSION
NFI North staff, families, and board members attending the Delta Dental Elliot 5K
Hello Everyone,
As we say goodbye to summer, the season that never stays long enough, we welcome fall and all the changes it brings. Change is good they say, yet it always brings a bit of trepidation, a longing for things to stay comfortable and predictable
In the past 6 months NFI North has experienced many changes such as our new brand, new leadership, and new programs. Yet one thing that hasn’t changed is our high standards and how you, our loyal and faithful staff, have voted us Best Place To Work yet again for both Maine and NH.
This honor is the greatest testament to who we are, and what we believe in, as an agency. To receive this honor from hundreds of you who took the time to complete an anonymous survey is humbling. We thank you for the honesty you provided in your comments on what you liked most about NFI North and what you would change. I would like to share a few of these.
I am always felt heard and supported by my supervisor and coworkers. Everyone is there to help each other and work as a team.
The nature of the work itself is heavy and demanding but also fun and rewarding, NFI North adequately utilizes resources to maintain a work culture that enhances both the relationships between staff members and the relationships between staff and participants.
They (NFI North) listen to their employees. They are fair and truly want us all to succeed and be happy.
While we revel in the positive, there were also constructive and candid comments on how we can make NFI North even better. The Administrative Team gives you our word that we are continuously striving to provide you with a better wage, the best benefit package, and an environment which is safe and fun to work in. We remain focused on our employees as our greatest assets, and maintaining a workplace culture where people are heard, valued, and trusted. One thing that will never change is our appreciation for all of YOU, as you continue to inspire and empower others, creating A Place to Belong.
Jill Allen Chief Operating Officer
Updates from the Business Office
NFI NORTH 25TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
2024
NFI North is gearing up for its 25th Annual Conference, set to take place in a few days! The dedicated conference and empowerment committee has been diligently organizing this fantastic event. We are excited for this year's theme: "Cultural Kaleidoscope: Building A Place to Belong."
We are excited for our 21st Annual Empowerment Awards, where we will be recognizing five exceptional individuals! During this event, we will honor one outstanding volunteer, as well as four individuals who have made remarkable strides in living independently in their homes and communities. Their dedication and resilience have resulted in significant achievements, and we are thrilled to commemorate their success
NEWS AND UPDATES FROM HR
Let’s celebrate our team members!
Did you know that NFI North recognizes all staff that reach a milestone anniversary?
Below is some FAQ’s on the Agency’s Staff Anniversary Program.
What is a milestone anniversary?
The agency celebrates milestone anniversaries on an employee’s
3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and each 5 year increment thereafter.
Who is the vendor that administers this anniversary program?
The agency just recently signed on with AWARDCO to oversee this benefit.
How do I access this benefit?
There is a chicklet on your OKTA profile named; Awardco simply click on this chicklet to take you to the recognition site.
What can I do once I gain access to the site?
You can post on the feed much like any social media site to recognize your colleagues. If you are celebrating a milestone anniversary you will earn points for this event and can redeem them for a gift of choice.
September
Emily Baker, 3 Years
Susan Daigle, 3 Years
Allison Dionne, 3 Years
Megan Goomishian, 3 Years
Mackayla Keith, 3 Years
Lois Tanguay, 3 Years
Sheila White, 3 Years
Alison Carr, 5 Years
Candi Chipp, 5 Years
Hannah Fowler, 5 Years
Matthew Jeralds, 5 Years
Emmanual Mwenewirhu, 5 Years
Donnie White, 5 Years
Terri Brennan, 25 Years
NEW HAMPSHIRE UPDATE:
The Foster Care Program has had a busy month! We participated in the Concord July 27th Friends-A-Palooza, Littleton's Cultural Arts Commission's August First Friday on August 2nd and then attended the Littleton Farmers Market on August 25th. Many connections were made as we keep growing the program Currently, we have eight licensed homes, and three in the process to become licensed. Along with supporting these families, we are busy preparing for our September 17th meeting with the State to renew our Child Placing Agency License and Certification for Payment
September is National Kinship Care Month! Whether you’re a grandparent, aunt, uncle or another relative, taking care of a loved one’s children full-time...Thank You!
Kinship Caregivers are more likely to understand their relative’s circumstances and support them long-term through difficult times, which has a positive impact on their mental and physical well-being
We were thrilled to greet our Contoocook School students for the 2024-2025 academic year! The school year commenced on August 21st, and we are eagerly anticipating the year ahead.
Question: What is the suicide hotline number?
Be the first to email Halie at haliechavanelle@nafi.com for a prize!
MAINE UPDATE:
Stetson Ranch students had the chance to learn about the process of a caterpillar's life. Staff brought in caterpillars in a small habitat. The students provided the caterpillars with milkweed to eat and sticks for them the build their chrysalis Following observation of the caterpillar's stages of life, the students were excited and amazed to see the result of the beautiful monarch butterflies. They held a releasing celebration as the butterflies stretched and strengthened their wings and then took flight What an amazing learning experience!
Beacon House staff and participants enjoyed a Projects Day in August to complete task around the program and celebrated with a BBQ lunch! Everyone had a fantastic time working together and celebrating their hard work
We are also very excited to welcome new staff to our Bridge Crossing Academy team! Please join us in welcoming Meghan Hill: Educational Coordinator, Angie Sanchez-Dow: Special Ed Teacher, Taylor Corrin: Ed Tech, and Travon Wilcher: Ed Tech. What a great way to start a new school year!
Clinical Connections: Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month
September is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide and people who are living with depression. In the United States, it's a leading cause of death and is an important topic to discuss with loved ones. Take time to raise awareness about mental health by sharing resources with loved ones or colleagues this month.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States
Resource Corner
National Addiction Professionals Day
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate health improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. This observance reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
5 Ways You Can Get Involved Host an Event 1. Attend and Event 2
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
DEIB Newsletter NFI NORTH September Starts
Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrating Diversity
Hispanic Heritage Month in New Hampshire began with a vibrant celebration by the Salvadoran community in Manchester. On September 15, around 20 people gathered at Manchester City Hall for the raising of the Salvadoran flag, marking both the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and El Salvador's Independence Day. The event was filled with national pride and cultural expressions, highlighting the contributions of Salvadorans to the local community. This celebration is part of broader festivities across New Hampshire, honoring the rich heritage and diverse cultures of the Hispanic community throughout the month (Maine Public. NEPM)
September is Suicide Prevention Month and support awareness NAMI has cread a public toolkit that acts as a comprehensive resource for suicide prevnetion. This toolkit provides a range of materials like educational resources and action guides, aimed at increasing awareness of suicide prevention, and reducing stigma By equipping individuals, communities, and organizations with these tools, NAMI empowers people to spread the message that suicide is preventable and that support is available. Download for Toolkit for free on the NAMI Suicide Prevention page
Upcoming DEIB Events:
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Guide Dog Month
Suicide Prevention Month
15th – International Day of Charity
10th – World Suicide Prevention Day
15th – International Day of Democracy
16th – Mexican Independence Day
18th – International Equal Pay Day
21st – International Day of Peace
27th – National Native American Day
30th – National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Canada)
Know of DEIB events happening in your community? Let us know: deibcommitee@nafi com
edia of the Mon
LatinX Lens addresses a gap of Latinx representation in media criticism. Hosted by Rosa Parra and Catherine Gonzales, it began with a tweet and blossomed into a platform that celebrates and critically examines Latinx contributions to the industry Their discussions extend beyond the screen, offering a fresh perspective on the narratives shaping Latino culture in media.
MEDICALTEAM SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
ThePowerofPrevention:WhyGetting theFluVaccineisEssential
By Melissa Light
As summer nears its end, many of us are busy cramming in last minute trips, preparing for back to school, and dreading the thought of a long New England winter. During this time, we often forget that the flu season is quickly approaching, with the start of it beginning as early as the first week in October. Now is the time to start thinking about planning a flu vaccine for yourself and your family. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get their flu vaccine by the end of October at the latest. This allows time for your body to start producing antibodies, which can take up to two weeks It’s best to get your flu vaccine early to make sure you and your family are protected when the virus begins to spread. There are several places you can go to receive your flu vaccine, making it increasingly accessible for everyone. Some places include your primary care office, local pharmacies, and convenient care clinics. Watch out for community events too! You may find a flu clinic at your local schools, churches, or other businesses. Getting vaccinated against the flu provides benefits for not only yourself, but everyone around you. Some of the most important benefits of flu vaccination are as follows:
1. Protection: When you get your flu vaccine, you’re protecting yourself against a disease that can be severe and life-threatening, especially for at-risk populations like infants, elderly, and those who are immunocompromised.
2. Reduced Severity: While the flu vaccine doesn’t offer guaranteed protection, it can help lessen the severity and duration of the illness.
3. Herd Immunity: Getting vaccinated not only benefits yourself, but everyone around you! The more people who are vaccinated against th flu, the slower it will spread in a community. This is known as herd immunity, and it’s a key factor in keeping those who are at-risk of ser illness safe
4. Less Strain on Healthcare Systems: When we reduce the number of and severity of flu cases, we help lessen the burden on already struggling hospital systems. This also means resources can be more effectively allocated.
5. Prevention of Flu-Related Absences: Getting the flu means being out of work or school for several days For adults, we can reduce the number of sick days taken from work, and for children, it can reduce school absences, helping maintain productivity and educational progress.
SeptemberisHealthyAgingMonth
By Becky Underhill
Healthy Aging® Month began more than 30 years ago thanks to the Educational Television Network, Inc., as part of the National Healthy Aging® campaigns effort to continue to draw attention to healthy, active lifestyles at any age. September was chosen as the second time of the year to celebrate positive aging, in addition to May being Older Americans Month.
The mission is to encourage everyone to take personal responsibility for their own health. Healthy living is healthy aging. Additionally, there is a need to draw attention to the myths of aging by to shouting out “Hey, it’s not too late to take control of your health, it’s never too late to get started on something new.”
Use September as the motivation to take stock of where you’ve been, what you really would like to do. These activities are designed to encourage people to rejuvenate and get going on positive actions that can impact the areas of physical, financial, social and mental wellness.
Some Tips for Reinventing Yourself during September for Healthy Aging Month:
1. Do Not Act Your Age: Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but we say it’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself. (Tip: Don’t keep looking in the mirror, just FEEL IT!)
2. Be Positive, Ditch the Negative: Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. (Stop watching the police reports on the local news). Have negative friends who complain all the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only depress you and stop you from moving forward. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too.
3. Walk Tall, Stand Tall: Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Come on! Examine your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling? Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heels first, and wear comfortable shoes. Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Check out how much better your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better 4. Lonely?: Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, take a class, invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee.
5. Walk 10,000 Steps A Day: Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. If you aren’t currently active start with small walks daily and then increase your walks each week. Make it a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day. Want to lose some weight or belly fat? Make it 15,000. Want to learn to swim. Join your local YMCA. You can do it!
6. Get Those Annual Check-Ups: Regular checkups help doctors catch chronic diseases early and can help patients reduce risk factors for disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In some cases, regular checkups have been linked to improved quality of life and feelings of wellness. Go to the appointments and then, hopefully, you can stop worrying about ailments for a while.
7. Find your inner artist: Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped. Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait in oil? What about working with wood? Sign up for a fall class now!