Questions about events or have an event you are attending? Email Halie Chavanelle.
Our business office and the Contoocook students and staff came together for their annual clean up day!
Hello
Everyone,
First, I want to take a moment to thank so many of you who responded to my recent email question, "What is the one thing NFI North does for you that you love?" I was overwhelmed with so many responses, too many to reply individually Let me assure you, I read each and every answer and they touched my heart. I shared some of your reasons you love NFI North to the Board of Directors, and we plan on putting these all together to share with all of you. It truly is heartwarming to hear how you feel valued and respected in your work
As we approach the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history. This milestone not only invites reflection on our rich heritage but also inspires us to envision a future filled with hope and opportunity. For nonprofits, this anniversary presents a unique chance to engage communities, celebrate shared values, and reaffirm our commitment to service
This year, we honor the spirit of resilience and innovation that has defined our nation and our agency. As we reflect on the past, we also have the opportunity to address pressing challenges, foster collaboration, and ignite a renewed sense of purpose within our communities
In the very near future, the year 2027, NFI North will be celebrating its 35th year of operation. Again, it will be important for us to take the time to reflect on where we began, 1 program and 9 staff members, to where we are now, over 30 programs and 500 employees We have worked hard to earn the respect of our state partners and deliver a service that reflects our values of empathy, resilience, dedication, trust, and of course belonging We are so proud of the journey we have taken yet there is so much more to do Join us in exploring how this momentous occasion can fuel our mission and inspire action
Finally, I want to share that the one thing I love about NFI North is all of you. I know it's corny, but it's so true. You all are the reason I am still here after 34 years It is the people I work side by side with who make the difference Together we have changed 1000's of lives and made a real difference in this world
Thank you and Happy July!
HR NEWS AND INFORMATION
July Anniversaries
3 Year Employees
Thiery Amani
Paula Aliano
Shawn Boyce
5 Year Employees
Jaymi Foster
Sagar Gurung
Christine Paul 10 Year Employees
Annie Holden
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE FIELD: CELEBRATING OUR STEPS TO SUCCESS COHORT!
New Hires
Lamar Austin
Dawn Bedell
Diane Carter
Louisa Carey
CC Dixon
Scott Gabriel
Kyia Miller
Oghogho Nwokedi
Augustine Pietro
Rebecca Wingfield
Glenda Woodson
Tammy Worster
Congratulations to our incredible team members for successfully completing the University of New Hampshire (UNH) classroom portion of the Steps to Success Apprenticeship Program! This major milestone represents months of hard work, dedication, and a serious commitment to professional growth.
Please join us in celebrating the outstanding individuals who completed this first phase: Faith Alexander, Amiee Belanger, Michael Black, Roger Comins, Sue Ann Desrochers, Caitlyn Fortier, Sean Gravel, Angelique Hall, Steven Heiser, Anne Holden, Logan Parsons, Niamh Toomey, Dacoda Whitman, Carolyn Whitney, Maddie Rowe
Now, the real work begins. The cohort is shifting their focus to the practical side of the program: applying their new classroom knowledge directly to the field Over the next 2,000 On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours, these employees will work closely with mentors to sharpen their skills and elevate their competency levels
We are incredibly proud of their dedication so far and look forward to watching them master their craft on the job Thank you all for your hard work, and best of luck in this next exciting phase!
Unleash Your Creativity!
We invite you to participate in a friendly competition that encourages creativity! We're asking programs to design a flag that embodies their mission while also connecting to the essence of the United States. Join us in this exciting challenge!
Rules: Must be 3ftx5ft and can be made out of anything (fabric, poster board, paint, etc.)
Please include a photo AND a write-up describing your flag and send it to Halie: haliechavanelle@nafi.com Due July 6th
New Hampshire News
THS Concord is celebrating with their community!
The month of June 2026 here at Concord THS has been truly astounding. With many moving pieces across the program, both staff and participants have demonstrated remarkable flexibility, learning positive and effective ways to bend and adapt to change together.
We were also able to celebrate our community with two wonderful events. Our Cook-Off at the Howard Recreation Activity Center brought participants and staff together to share their favorite dishes, with everyone enjoying and voting on their favorites it was a great display of creativity and connection.
We also hosted the Co ment and Constantly Pizza for “Corn Hole with the Cops.” Participants enjoyed several rounds ficer Notarangeli and Sergeant White, along with Roy from our Campus Police. It was a day fill er, and meaningful engagement.
Suesan Trow Direct
Care Counselor
THS Bradford
Over the past two years, Suesan has become a bright, stea
ence at THS Bradford Through the relationships she has built with participants a s discovered her strengths and embraced the work with a full heart.
Suesan is known for her thoughtful approach and dedication to participant wellness. Whether helping participants explore healthier eating habits, collaborating with staff, or creating meaningful activities like the annual tie-dye tradition, she brings creativity, connection, and care to everything she does. Her willingness to learn and step outside her comfort zone has earned her the trust of both participants and her team.
Although she entered the field with no prior experience, Suesan jumped right in and continues to grow every day Her reliability and leadership have led her to step into the role of shift lead when needed, making her an invaluable member of the THS Bradford team We are grateful for the positive impact she makes on our program and the lives of those we serve
Maine News
CCM is gearing up for the Special Olympics Competition!
As the snow melts and the rain subsides NFI North Case Management clients begin their final preparations for their Special Olympics competitions. Over the past month or so, case managers have moved meetings and been flexible to make sure needs are met while also allowing the athletes a path to compete. The athletes have selected sports and been practicing both individually and on teams to compete in everything from Bocce to track and field events. One of NFI North’s case management clients was boasting to team mates and challengers about how he is competing this year at the Special Olympics Nationals for Soccer later this month.
Spotlight
Phil Keenan Direct Care Counselor Oliver Place
This year during the Bocce competitions in Orono, amongst the intense sun, lack of shade, and long hours all that could be seen were smiles and all that could be heard were cheers. Smiles and a hand shake after a match for a job well done. Clapping for friends competing until it was their teams turn. And the joy in sharing in their accomplishments through the day with their paid and natural supports. From the regionals around the state in Fryeburg and Hallowell last month to the fierce competitions all last weekend Case Management staff felt honored to be invited to share in their hard earned glory.
Phil has been a valued member of the NFI North team for the past six years, serving as a dedicated Direct Care Counselor at Oliver Place Throughout his time with the agency, he has consistently gone above and beyond to create meaningful connections with the youth he supports. Phil’s calm, supportive nature makes him someone both youth and coworkers naturally gravitate toward He is
known for being an excellent listener, offering encouragement, and creating a welcoming environment where others feel heard and valued
One of Phil’s most unique contributions is organizing an NFL Fantasy Draft group for the kids, encouraging friendly competition, teamwork, and engagement. He even collects redeemable bottles throughout the year, saving the proceeds to purchase prizes for participants, a thoughtful gesture that reflects his commitment to making activities fun and rewarding
This year, Phil expanded his contributions by taking on the additional responsibility of Medication Technician at Oliver Place, further demonstrating his dedication to the program and the individuals we serve We are grateful for all that Phil brings to our team and the positive impact he continues to make every day.
Clinical Connections
Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Month (NMMHAM), which means it’s time to raise awareness regarding the unique mental health experiences and challenges that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States.
This initiative was inspired by the work of Bebe Moore Campbell, a Black author, journalist, and advocate. Campbell faced mental health challenges in her own family and witnessed the disparities in mental healthcare among minority communities. Campbell’s vision was to shed light on the mental health needs of marginalized populations and to encourage communities to rally together to support those affected. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within minority communities.
According to hhs.gov, “Racial and ethnic minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to multiple factors, including lack of access to quality mental health care services, cultural stigma surrounding mental health care, discrimination, and overall lack of awareness about mental health.” National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month plays a crucial role in creating a dialogue to destigmatize mental health conversations, removing barriers to care, and enforcing equity and equality for access to mental healthcare.
A Place to Belong: Inclusion at Finson Road
Inclusion means more than simply being present At Finson Road, it means feeling welcomed, valued, respected, and having opportunities to participate in meaningful ways
Our participants bring a lifetime of unique experiences, traditions, talents, and stories Whether sharing memories of growing up in New York City, diving for sea urchins along the Maine coast, writing and performing songs and poetry, or talking about family traditions, we celebrate the many cultures, experiences, and perspectives that make each person who they are
At Finson Road, we believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and connected, regardless of age, background, culture, beliefs, abilities, or life experiences. We recognize that each individual brings something valuable to our community, and those differences enrich the lives of everyone around them.
Inclusion also means creating opportunities to share parts of ourselves with one another. Sometimes this happens through stories, traditions, music, celebrations, or food Recently, one participant shared a meaningful part of her family culture by preparing her family's chicken cacciatore recipe for the house Through preparing and sharing a meal that held personal meaning, she created connection, conversation, and an opportunity for others to experience something important to her
Others have shared memories, life experiences, talents, and personal stories that have helped us learn more about one another and deepen our sense of community
Moments like these remind us that belonging grows when people feel comfortable sharing who they are and when others respond with curiosity, appreciation, and respect. Through kindness, compassion, and everyday moments of connection, we continue building a community where everyone truly belongs.
