Film Screening and Discussion: The Definition of Insanity
On May 20th at 3 PM, join Rob Reiner for a screening of the documentary “The Definition of Insanity” that recently aired on PBS and explores Miami-Dade’s humane and effective criminal justice approach to mental illness and substance use disorders.
Joining Mr. Reiner will be speakers Judge Steven Leifman, Norm Ornstein, and Dr. Stephanie Le Melle with opening remarks provided by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.
Save the evening of Thursday, May 20th for a free film screening of the award-winning film “God Knows Where I Am” and discussion panel!
New Futures is partnering with NAMI New Hampshire, the Family Connections Center at the NH Department of Corrections, and Reach 1 Teach 1 Love 1 to bring you this must-see documentary about Linda Bishop’s chilling account of mental illness and the systemic failure to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
“Spring Showers Bring May Flowers”… Things are really popping up here at Safe Harbor Recovery Center!
Veterans Support Group: Held every Monday from 12pm to 1pm, this group is facilitated by a former service member. It offers veterans fellowship where each can share common struggles unique to veterans. As a recovery-focused group, we encourage sharing strategies that participants have found effective to strengthen and enrich their recovery journey.
Families Hoping & Coping Group: Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 8:30pm, this group offers support to family and loved ones of those struggling with addiction. This is a safe, confidential support group to find resources, education and peer based support for parents, families and loved ones struggling from substance use disorder.
For more information contact Elaine or Tim at 603-315-177 or 603-703-3948
Over the Edge: Please help our 6 brave staff get Over the Edge while supporting the important work of Granite Pathways.
If they reach their goals, they will be rappelling off the top of the 24 story, 300-foot Brady/Sullivan Tower at 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, NH on August 17th. They are participating in this fundraising event because they believe in the work of Granite Pathways which positively affects families and children through reunification, job acquisition and peer support. Our families face the pain, trauma and stigma of substance misuse and mental illness daily.
For those we serve, the isolation of the last year has been especially difficult. It is during times like these that we must expand our reach, dig deeper, and recognize our obligation to serve.
You can help to make a big difference!
Please join us in raising awareness/donations by posting this on your social media pages and do not forget to include the link below that will take everyone to our United Way of Greater Nashua’s, EDGERS page!
From Amanda Lentendre, Field Supervisor, about Amanda Durand, Family Peer Support Specialist – both of Granite Pathways’ Strength to Succeed Program.
“Amanda facilitated Strength to Succeed’s (STS) first Parenting A Second Time Around (PASTA) session in collaboration with the Kinship Navigators in New Hampshire. PASTA is a six-week evidence-based workshop offered to any relative caregiver, that focuses on educational subjects for kinship. Amanda facilitated the session on May 6th and there were eight caregivers in attendance who enjoyed the session. Amanda offered to take the lead on this session and will do the same for sessions that are happening in the coming months.
Amanda is a true team player and a pleasure to supervise. She is always willing to take initiative to help other staff and collaborate with community partners. Since starting with STS last year, Amanda has received her Certified Recovery Support Worker credential and is currently working with both relatives and parents in the program.
Amanda is an asset to the STS team, and it is an honor to watch her continue to grow. Great job, Amanda!”
The Racial Unity Team is excited to share the 2021 Art & Poetry Challenge, an annual event hosted by the organization. Up to $2,000 in prize money will be awarded to winners in elementary, middle school, high school and adult categories of both art and poetry.
Adults and children are invited to submit an original poem or visual work of art inspired by a line they choose from Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
We encourage you to take part in this exciting proof of the power of the arts to convey the meaning of racial diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Granite Pathways Loves and Appreciates Our Volunteers!
April 26, 2021
The National Volunteer Week theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose.
Volunteers are the heart of our Granite Pathways organization and the backbone of what we do! We could not do it without our Volunteers!!!
Granite Pathways Team Members Recognized by the State of New Hampshire
Lisa Bee, a Parent Partner in the Strength to Succeed program; and Lori Herbert, STS Program Director.
Granite Pathways is thrilled to announce that two team members have been recognized by the State of New Hampshire for outstanding service! Lisa Bee, a Parent Partner in the Strength to Succeed (STS) program, was presented with the Exemplary Leadership and Service Award for her outstanding work by NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Lori Shibinette, and Joe Ribsam, Jr., Director of the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Lisa was nominated by DCYF staff as a leader whose work is exceptional and as someone who goes above and beyond for the parents with whom she works. For those parents, she is a beacon of hope and inspiration.
The recognition was given virtually at the annual DCYF conference. “It is hard to express how honored I am to receive this award,” Lisa said. “I am humbled to be able to help build relationships with families here in New Hampshire.”
Lori Hebert, STS Program Director, was presented with the Granite Award for Exceptional External Partnership and Collaboration with DCYF. “It is truly an honor to be recognized by DCYF. I share this award with our entire team who have tirelessly worked to build and expand peer services for families involved with child protection. Together with the Division, we are helping families find healing through sustainable recovery and I look forward to continuing this work together.”
The State of NH deserves significant credit for its commitment to innovation. Recognizing the challenges faced by families impacted by substance use disorder (SUD), DCYF introduced STS as a collaborative, voluntary approach to support children and parents through a peer-to-peer support model. STS staff, who also serve families impacted by mental health issues or chronic neglect, provide recovery, social, health/wellness and in-home supports for families. These staff offer something that DCYF-involved parents need most at this critical and tremendously painful juncture in their lives—strong support from an ally who “gets it” and withholds judgement while recognizing that these parents can do better. Granite Pathways provides STS services in nine DCYF catchment areas across New Hampshire.
Parent Partners guide families to advocate for themselves, and help parents to meet the requirements of DCYF safety plans. They help participant parents to navigate social service, mental health, and addiction services, and offer critical guidance to find stable housing, food assistance and employment, or to enroll in medical plans.
Lisa Bee has been a Parent Partner in the Southern NH district since October 18, 2018. She does not have a traditional employment background—the extraordinary empathy and remarkable interpersonal skills that drive her success as a parent partner are based on her own life experience. Lisa is driven to learn and to grow, educating herself about every aspect of addiction and recovery services. Shy when she first joined Strength to Succeed, Lisa now leads presentations for state and private partners.
Even though in-person family sessions were cancelled for most of 2020 due to COVID-19, Lisa facilitated these important meetings online, with great success.
“Every parent needs a Lisa Bee, I think that really sums it up” said STS program Director Lori Hebert.” She helps parents to envision a different future, to find the courage to change and to rediscover their voices so they can better be there for their children. What sets Lisa apart is that she continually pushes herself to do better. She is a consummate professional, but so humble and open to learning.”
Patricia Reed, NH State Director, strongly believes in the power of parent peer support and education to impact the lives of NH’s children. “Granite Pathways is committed to change the trajectory of children’s lives—to provide early and evidence-based interventions for both parents and children that will promote healthy development and social and emotional growth. We know that early intervention can change the course of a child’s life—supports provided to parents, relative caregivers and children will, without a doubt, enhance long-term positive outcomes for these children to succeed in all life domains. We are proud of our amazing staff and honored to be part of this initiative.”
From Lori Hebert, Program Director, about Anna Battle, Field Supervisor, both of the Strength to Succeed Program at Granite Pathways.
“Anna stands out on many levels from her supervisory skills to her facilitation skills. The annual Division for Youth, Children and Families (DCYF), the program funder, had their annual conference last week. Anna led a team in delivering a workshop to roughly 100 DCYF workers and community partners. The workshop: The Five Stages of Change (Transtheoretical) Model of Behavior Change focused on strategies of engagement with parents for DCYF workers within each stage. The workshop was developed for 50 attendees or under, over 100 individuals registered and participated.
Anna with her team, pivoted without hesitation in adjusting the training to present to double the number anticipated. Anna’s presentation style was informative and engaging. She led the other presenters with confidence and delivered the message with clarity. She facilitated the large group in an impactful conversation on engagement. Anna is a leader at all levels, represents the program’s mission with professionalism that deserves recognition.
From Amanda Lentendre, Field Supervisor, about Amanda Durand, Family Peer Support Specialist – both of Granite Pathways’ Strength to Succeed Program.
“Anna stands out on many levels from her supervisory skills to her facilitation skills. The annual Division for Youth, Children and Families (DCYF), the program funder, had their annual conference last week. Anna led a team in delivering a workshop to roughly 100 DCYF workers and community partners. The workshop: The Five Stages of Change (Transtheoretical) Model of Behavior Change focused on strategies of engagement with parents for DCYF workers within each stage. The workshop was developed for 50 attendees or under, over 100 individuals registered and participated.
