EDITION
UPCOMING EVENTS
5/1- Mental Health Awareness Month
5/2- Mental Health and Wellness Fair
5/12- NH Non-Profit Conference
5/13- Child and Family Provider Network
5/14- Newport Hiring Event
5/16- YMCA Health Kids Day
5/19- Health and Wellness Fair
5/20- 23 Annual Empowerment Awards rd
5/24- Maple Lodge Art Exhibit
5/27- Portland Pie Fundraiser
5/29- THS Bradford Open Mic Night
5/31-6/9- Charitable Gaming Week
Questions about events or have an event you are attending? Email Halie Chavanelle.
Pictured: Maple Lodge planted a Pinwheel Garden in recognition of Prevention Month,
Hello and Happy Spring!
May is one of my most favorite months because the days are longer, the temperatures are warmer, and the flowers are beginning to bloom. It is a month filled with hope of what’s to come.
As I write this I am preparing for a vacation to the sunny Florida Keys I have never been there before, and look forward to exploring the little islands with my sister I may even try snorkeling for the first time! I love meeting new people and learning about other cultures.
I also love sitting by the ocean and reading a good book I am looking forward to getting rest and refilling my cup so when I return to work I can be the best version of myself. We all need to take the time to recharge so we can do this important work of taking care of others. Where is a place or what is something you do to recharge? Email me with your answers, Please!
When I return we will be focused on the Empowerment Awards and the inspiration and hope that event brings to us. I hope to see many of you at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord to celebrate our wonderful honorees. You are the backbone of everything we do here at NFI North and the inspiration behind our honorees success Until then, please help us to continue our mission to create a place where everyone belongs
I’m wishing you a great month ahead, and remember, fill your cup!
Jill
HR NEWS AND INFORMATION
May Anniversaries
3 Year Employees
Alex Comeau
Charles Creteau
Kaitlin Feaster
Joseph Grant
Dil Gurung
Shelby Minor
5 Year Employees
Alecia Loveless
Megan Soukup Thayer
Paula Tracy
OPEN ENROLLMENT IS COMING!
Have questions? Full Benefits Presentation:
Thursday 5/14 10am - Full Benefit Presentation
Tuesday 5/19 2pm - Full Benefit Presentation
Thursday 5/7 3pm -Full Benefit Presentation
Medical Benefits Only Presentation:
Tuesday 5/5 10am - Medical Benefit Presentation
Tuesday 5/12 3pm - Medical Benefit Presentation
15 Year Employees
Andrew Phillips
Welcome!
Ashley Crawford
Sagar Dahal
Robin Deschene
Jared Drinkwater
Cliff Gelina
Joe Hoye
Teddy Lavoie
Ambrose Ormsby
“NFI North Around the World!”
WE’RE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE A NEW, FUN WAY TO STAY CONNECTED ACROSS NFI NORTH!
AS YOU HEAD OUT ON ADVENTURES THIS SUMMER, WHETHER IT’S ACROSS TOWN, AROUND NEW HAMPSHIRE OR MAINE, ACROSS THE COUNTRY, OR EVEN AROUND THE GLOBE, WE INVITE YOU TO BRING NFI NORTH WITH YOU. WHETHER IT BE YOU WEARING AN NFI NORTH SHIRT, DRINKING OUT OF A MUG, WEARING YOUR BACKPACK, ETC. SNAP A PHOTO OR SELFIE ALONG THE WAY AND SHARE IT WITH US! IT MIGHT BE A SCENIC VIEW, A LANDMARK, A FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT, OR A MEANINGFUL MOMENT.
THIS IS A CHANCE FOR ALL OF US TO CELEBRATE THE EXPERIENCES, DIVERSITY, AND SENSE OF CONNECTION THAT MAKE NFI NORTH SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE TO BELONG. WE’LL FEATURE SUBMISSIONS IN UPCOMING NEWSLETTERS SO WE CAN ALL TRAVEL A LITTLE FURTHER TOGETHER, ONE PHOTO AT A TIME.
New Hampshire News
Newport and Pathways are hosting a hiring event Thursday, May 14th in Newport, NH!
Here in Newport, we’re continuing to focus on building up our teams. We are working hard to staff our community residence program, as well as Pathways as it prepares to move from Concord to Newport.
This move is a big step for our program, and making sure we have the right staff in place will be key to supporting both our current residents and the transition of Pathways into the community.
One way everyone can help is through referrals. If you know someone who might be a good fit for NFI North, sending them our way can make a real difference—and there’s an incentive for you, too. Full-time employees can receive a referral bonus once their referral completes two months of benefits-eligible employment:
Silver Recruiter (1–6 hires): $500
Gold Recruiter (7–14 hires): $550
Platinum Recruiter (15+ hires): $650 (These amounts are temporary and may change.)
We appreciate everyone’s continued support as we grow our teams here in Newport and get ready to welcome Pathways!
Suman Gurung
Direct Care Counselor
Spotlight
Click the radio to hear our radio ad for this event!
THS Manchester
Suman Gurung began his role as a 3rd Shift Direct Care Counselor on 7/14/25, and it quickly became clear that he would be a valuable addition to the team. Despite working overnight, he builds strong, meaningful connections with participants and consistently demonstrates compassion and professionalism.
He has navigated challenging situations on 3rd shift with calmness and grace, always prioritizing the well-being of those in our care. Suman is highly reliable, consistently showing up, and contributing positively to the team.
He truly enjoys working 3rd shift and brings a steady, supportive presence each night. We are fortunate to have him on our team
Maine News
Bridge Crossing Strikes a New Chord in
the Program
“Music for the Mind is about planting seeds that grow good humans, connection, and healing — one note at a time” We started a project at our Bridge Crossing program called Music for the Mind. We quickly realized how meaningful the music experience was for this group of children. Through these sessions, we saw increased confidence, improved emotional expression, stronger connections, reduced aggression, and genuine moments of joy—all through something as natural and accessible as music. For many children and individuals living with mental health challenges, it’s not always easy to put feelings into words. Music offers a different way to be heard— creating a safe and supportive space for expression, building confidence, and connecting with others and yourself. These experiences became the foundation and inspiration for wanting to expand this into more programs and communities, leading to the creation of the Music for the Mind Project.
Spotlight
Danasa Carson Residential Counselor Stetson Ranch
Danasa recently celebrated her 10 year with Stetson Ranch In addition, Danasa is one of our "sabbatical employees" who spent several years working between Stetson Ranch and Miller Terraces in early to mid 2000's During her years of experience, she has provided opportunities for loads of fun and new experiences including outdoor education and a variety of art projects th
You will often find her in the yard with a line of participants practicing fly fishing, facilitating a
The Music for the Mind Project was created to bring the power of music into programs and places that focus on mental health, healing, and personal growth. It began with a shared passion for helping others and a deep belief in the impact music can have on emotional well-being.Through rhythm, melody, and storytelling, young people are able to process emotions, release stress, and explore a healthy and creative outlet. In addition to emotional expression and healing, music supports cognitive and developmental growth.
Music for the Mind is led by Cliff Gelina, a Nashville recording artist and lead singer of Breakin’ Strings. With over 30 years of music experience and a background working with youth and adults in therapeutic and residential settings, Cliff brings both skill and heart to this program. His approach begins with a simple but powerful message: “Be a good human.” This philosophy helps create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for growth.
jewelry making group, or being the lead guide on a multiday camping trip (one of which was a 26-mile canoe trip on Moose River!) Danasa obtained her Lifeguard certification several years ago which has helped the program expand its experiential learning opportunities
She is a SAFE trainer for the agency, and those who have attended her trainings have most certainly heard her speak passionately about the importance of showing unconditional positive regard in all situations Danasa's artistic talents can be found throughout the program. She has painted outdoor themed murals (selected by the participants) in our common areas, has drawn an entire adult coloring book which participants often request to use, and recently put together select group trip and photography class photos which are displayed in the program hallway. This talent will continue through Danasa's co-lead in a spring nature journaling unit supported by the NAFI Art Grant
Happy 10 years Danasa! We appreciate all you do!
Click the photo to hear a song that one of our kids wrote!
A
Place to Belong:
Clinical Connections
Empowering Lives, Inspiring Hope
Maple Lodge Belonging Through Service
Recently, something meaningful took place in the kitchen of the Episcopal Church in Littleton, NH Eight of our program participants, each working toward stability, confidence, and renewed connection, came together to prepare a full community meal for more than 200 neighbors What unfolded was more than a dinner service; it was a genuine expression of belonging, generosity, and shared purpose
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
Did you know?
The official color for Mental Health Awareness Month (May) is green, representing hope, strength, support, and encouragement It is used to reduce stigma and promote awareness through wearing green ribbons/clothing, lighting up landmarks, and using digital campaigns like #GreenForMentalHealth
Usage Examples for Mental Health Awareness Month
Wear Green: Wear green clothing or ribbons, particularly on "Wear it Green" Day
Light Up Buildings: Landmarks and buildings are illuminated green to symbolize support
Social Media Campaign: Use green ribbons, green heart emojis, and hashtags such as #GreenForMentalHealth or #MentalHealthAwareness.
Virtual Backgrounds: Display green-themed or mental health awareness virtual backgrounds
Throughout the evening, the kitchen moved with steady teamwork. Participants chopped vegetables for fresh salads, stirred large pots of homemade Sloppy Joes, and assembled trays of desserts. There was quiet collaboration, problem solving, and the kind of easy conversation that happens when people are working side by side. For many, it was their first time cooking at this scale, and they approached it with focus, pride, and a clear sense of responsibility.
When the doors opened and the dining hall filled, our participants stepped into hosting roles with confidence They greeted guests, served plates, and helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who came along the line The meal itself was simple and comforting, but the experience carried deeper significance
It wasn’t just about preparing food It was about showing up for others, contributing skills and effort, and recognizing that everyone has something valuable to offer In serving this meal, our participants helped create a moment of community, dignity, and shared humanity
In a world where belonging can sometimes feel hard to find, they helped build it, one chopped onion, one warm smile, one plate at a time.
