2024 Community Partner Awards

Since its founding in 1898, the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, the state's oldest environmental organization, has advocated for the Lake Sunapee Region's lakes and watersheds at the local, state, and federal levels while also engaging with the local community through educational and research opportunities. The LSPA's partnership with Colby-Sawyer dates back to its first student internship in the 1980s, followed by the establishment of the LSPA Water Quality Laboratory on campus. The LSPA Water Quality Laboratory is where 100% of the association's water samples are analyzed. Even the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has benefited from the partnership between Colby-Sawyer and the LSPA, as 25% of water samples collected as part of this year's Volunteer Lake Assessment Program were analyzed at the college. Colby-Sawyer is grateful for the partnership and for the LPSA's stewardship of our beautiful lakes.

The association ``Ελληνικός Σύλλογος Ατόμων με Νόσο του Κινητικού Νευρώνα`` or “Hellenic ALS Association”, has been recently established to address the significant challenges faced by ALS patients and caregivers. ALS being a progressive, degenerative, neurological condition with no known cure and short life expectancy, raising awareness is of primordial importance. In this context, Mrs. Roulia, Adjunct Faculty at Hellenic American University (HAU), was asked by Mrs. Karabela, a Hellenic ALS Association Board Member, to translate the European ALS Coalition Policy Paper. The translation was assigned to eighteen HAU students, in the context of Politis Program. The students were provided with a term base and style guide by Mrs Roulia, who also edited the translation.

The Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP) has been a wonderful partner to Franklin Pierce over the years. Their mission is to respond to domestic and sexual violence and stalking in our community by providing a care and support system for survivors, and to work to end interpersonal violence in all forms through primary prevention, community engagement and collaboration. Franklin Pierce recently partnered with MCVP on a grant from the Department of Justice focused on prevention of domestic, dating, and sexual violence and supportive services for survivors. Under Executive Director Mick Hirsch, the Center has also offered in-depth training for student workers at least two times each year, and their advocates have sat beside our students who have survived traumatic assaults as they navigate both Title IX and criminal proceedings. This level of support at each step of the process has helped survivors to feel safe and empowered as they walk through one of the most difficult times of their life. Franklin Pierce remains immensely grateful for this partnership.

In Summer 2022, the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA) initiated a collaboration with Great Bay Community College (GBCC) to launch an educational initiative benefiting residents of Ruth's Place, PHA's newest downtown property in Portsmouth. This endeavor, fueled by generous funding and rental discounts for Ruth's Place residents enrolled in college, was further bolstered by a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, facilitating the hiring of a College Navigator and enhancing the Academic and Community Support Coordinator position. Collaborating with PHA has provided educational resources for current and future GBCC students who reside at PHA properties. This partnership serves as a gateway to educational opportunities, connecting individuals with resources such as scholarships, utility assistance, and mental health support. Notably, four residents of Ruth's Place have embarked on or completed their higher education journeys at GBCC, with one student excelling in the Medical Assisting program and advancing to Surgical Technology Assistant courses while employed in the medical field. Expanding their efforts to Gosling Meadows, another PHA property, PHA and GBCC have extended their reach, providing information and resources to diverse audiences. This partnership underscores a commitment to traditional and non-traditional students alike, offering comprehensive support services to foster economic and social mobility. Such impactful work is made possible by the shared vision, concerted efforts, and aligned missions of both organizations, their leadership, and dedicated staff, all dedicated to serving and empowering resident students.

The Keene International Festival showcases and celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Keene, NH, community through activities that engage and connect people to each other. The dedication of the planning committee to bring this wonderful community together is phenomenal. Keene State College students who come from many different parts of the world have been part of this festival as they get to perform and share their culture with a bigger audience. This gives them an opportunity to share and contribute to the global community. KSC Faculty members have also showcased their cultural talents through this festival. The best part of this is that Keene International Festival allows the platform to provide our community to come together and celebrate diversity.

We are honored to award Lakes Region Mental Health with this year's Community Partner Award. For over five years, LRMHC has been an invaluable ally to LRCC, offering unwavering support to our students as they navigate various challenges. Their commitment to flexibility and creating safe spaces for our students is truly commendable, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive. LRMHC's recent involvement in a community health panel underscores their dedication to promoting wellness and awareness within our community. Moreover, their proactive assistance in establishing and upholding safety protocols at LRCC reflects their steadfast commitment to the well-being of our students.

The Red River Foundation partnered with Manchester Community College to completely renovate the Veterans Center. Through a connection between RRF and the CCSNH Board of Trustees, RRF connected with the Veterans Club and initiated a conversation to determine what the MCC Veterans wanted and needed in their space. From there, they fully funded and took on the renovation, bringing in their partner organization, FSRP of Bedford, and spent two full volunteer days painting and updating the facility and building all the new furniture for the space. The result is a comfortable living-room style area with updated height-adjustable computer stations and a dining area with a coffee station for students to gather and spend time. The space is more accessible and welcoming and has seen an increase in usage this year. Their contribution will continue to support Veteran students for years to come. We are so grateful for the generous and supportive partnership of the Red River Foundation.

For more than 70 years, the St. Teresa Rehabilitation and Nursing Center has been serving the elderly community and their families of all faiths with respect for their religious and spiritual beliefs. The staff take their responsibilities for a high standard of care very seriously by providing direct medical support, assisting with daily tasks, and finding new ways to enrich the lives of their residents. MCPHS began collaborating in 2016, and each year, St. Teresa's Life Enrichment Director, Ellen Hastings, graciously and enthusiastically allows our student volunteers to be placed at their Bridge Street facility and provides them with an immersive experience through interactions with the elderly residents living there. The students are often tasked with playing games, reading, and assisting the residents and staff with other activities. Students placed there over the past years have shared their enlightened and relevant experiences and focus on how this impacts them becoming future pharmacists. Furthermore, they express gratitude for the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact of their volunteerism and the compassionate care provided by St. Teresa's on a community in need.

In Spring 2023, the YMCA of Greater Nashua initiated a transformative partnership with Nashua Community College (NCC) to enhance services for the local community. Recognizing the pressing need for Early Childhood Education (ECE) instructors and the accessibility gap for ECE professionals, both organizations collaborated on a plan. This initiative led to the launch of a three-class ECE certificate program at the Merrimack YMCA facility in Fall 2023, catering to YMCA ECE staff and the broader public. With funding support, including ECE grants and Early College funds, students enrolled for free, with remarkable success stories emerging by Spring 2024. Notably, one student accelerated through the program, poised to earn their ECE certificate by the semester's end. The initiative not only addressed critical educational gaps but also fostered confidence and community among participants, especially older students who found comfort in familiar surroundings. This collaboration embodies NCC's mission to serve the diverse needs of the community, showcasing the impactful outcomes of innovative partnerships forged by the YMCA.

Since our collaboration began in 2020, the Hillsboro-Deering School District has been an outstanding community partner, playing a pivotal role in our teacher licensure track programs at New England College (NEC). The commitment and contributions of the SAU 34 have elevated our educational initiatives. Each semester, SAU 34 goes above and beyond to facilitate and ensure optimal student placement in various components of our program, including fieldwork practicum courses, methods courses, culminating student teaching experiences, and paid internships. The immersive learning environments provided by the district have significantly enriched the academic journey of NEC's pre-service educators, offering invaluable experiences that are unparalleled in their impact. Over four years, the SAU 34 collaboration has resulted in an impressive 30,000 collective field placement hours for our students. This remarkable statistic is a testament to the depth and breadth of their commitment to fostering excellence in education and preparing the next generation of teachers. Notably, the inclusion of the Washington Elementary School, under the SAU 34 umbrella, through a Project Pericles grant opportunity has further expanded the horizons for our students. This unique rural school setting has offered additional fieldwork opportunities, enhancing the overall educational experience for our aspiring educators. In addition to providing exceptional support from cooperating teachers and collaboration across grades K-12, the SAU 34 has consistently facilitated necessary criminal record checks and State of New Hampshire Dept. of Education training at no cost to the students. Their commitment to ensuring our students are well-prepared for their future roles as educators is exemplary.

The New Hampshire Food Bank contributes exceptional efforts in alleviating hunger and fostering community well-being. The NH Food Bank and its dedicated employees demonstrate unwavering dedication, innovative approaches, and a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. The Food Bank is committed to providing food while educating the community about nutrition, budgeting, and sustainable food practices. Their innovative outreach programs empower individuals and families to break the cycle of food insecurity. At NHTI-Concord's Community College, the NH Food Bank was a founding partner for our on-campus Lynx Food Pantry. Their support to establish and maintain the pantry is essential to its success. Each day in the pantry, students find tasty and nutritious food that can readily be consumed or taken to their dorm or home to prepare a meal. The Food Bank's efforts have contributed to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community here at NHTI-Concord's Community College and all of New Hampshire.

Scott Weden, the Town Manager of Plymouth, has been supportive of the Plymouth State Student Senate, attending meetings and inviting students to community gatherings and events. He also serves on the Campus & Community Mental Health working group and helps at Orientation events. Additionally, Scott attended the annual Ski Day event to support and connect with students. The Town of Plymouth also partners with the Plymouth State University Office of Community Impact to identify areas of the community that would benefit from community clean-ups.

The Day Café, part of St. Patrick's Parish in Nashua, is a beacon of light for the community and a cherished partner to the Rivier campus. The Day Café acts as a safe space and environment for all. People can come as they are and are welcomed with complete acceptance and recognition of human dignity. The aim of the Day Café is to build lasting and supportive relationships with those who may have less stability in their lives. Their mission, and acceptance of all people is what has helped create such a strong affiliation with Rivier University, in particular the Division of Nursing and Health Professions and our students enrolled in Service-Learning classes. Nursing students are welcomed weekly at the Day Café to form connections and engage with patrons. Rivier students, through volunteer hours, experience the impact that providing service to others has on one's own learning and personal development. Rivier is honored to work alongside the staff at the Day Café as they provide such a meaningful opportunity to the Nashua community and the university.

Saint Anselm College and Saint Joseph Residence have been partners for several years and in that short time, the partnership has continued to grow and adapt to changes and challenges. The Saint Joseph Residence is committed to reciprocity, mutuality, and creativity. Since the beginning of our partnership and throughout the challenges of the pandemic, they have worked with the Meelia Center to develop opportunities for significant engagement for Saint Anselm students that also meet the needs of their residents. During 2020, when organizations and the college went remote, Saint Joseph Residence adapted and worked with partnering faculty and the Meelia Center to move programs to a remote platform. This included virtual visits with the residents and creating activities that residents could do when they were alone. The isolation created by the pandemic was extremely challenging for the residents, who often felt separated from the outside world. As the challenges and needs of the pandemic changed, the Saint Joseph Residence continued to be creative and adaptable. When the volunteers were able to return for in-person visits, the Saint Joseph Residence was ready and excited to welcome the students back. They continue to develop new and innovative ways for us to partner that meet both the needs of their residents and support the engagement and learning of our students.

Breakthrough Manchester at The Derryfield School works with middle school students, particularly those from under-resourced communities, on their path to college. Since 2016, Breakthrough Manchester has partnered with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to offer ongoing programming for high school students who have completed the three summers of academics, community-building, and fun in the middle school program. High school programming through Breakthrough Manchester College-Bound is in SNHU's Chandler Center. Both Breakthrough Manchester and Breakthrough Manchester College-Bound provide mentorship, social and emotional skill development, and college access support for rising 7th-grade students through high school graduation. The partnership is mutual-SNHU representatives serve on the Breakthrough Manchester board of directors and volunteer in the summer program, while SNHU students can serve as teaching fellows through Community Work Study. Breakthrough Manchester staff attend College Bound events and volunteer at monthly College Bound Saturdays. The best representation of this partnership working together to support access to higher education is in June with the annual Clap-in/Clap-out ceremony. On the first day of summer programming for the middle school program, outgoing seniors welcome the rising 7th graders, offer advice, and tell them what Breakthrough has meant to them. The 7th graders celebrate the graduating seniors and hear what colleges and universities they have chosen. The new students are ``clapped in`` and the seniors are ``clapped out.`` With both programs' dual mission of supporting kids and preparing them as equity-focused leaders, the collaboration is endless.

With great enthusiasm, the President's Community Partner Award is presented to the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Over the past 15 years, their consistent collaboration with UNH PrOVES has showcased an unwavering commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. Through meaningful service projects, they have enhanced the educational experiences of countless first-year students while significantly contributing to local environmental preservation. Their dedication extends to initiatives like the Alternative Break program, providing 12 students with hands-on experiences in environmental conservation. Additionally, their involvement in the Small Family Community Fellowship underscores their ongoing commitment to supporting students in making a tangible impact within the Granite State. Through collaborative efforts and dedication to student engagement, the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve exemplifies outstanding community partnerships, truly deserving this esteemed recognition.

The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies is proud to honor the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM) with the prestigious President’s Community Partner Award. MHCGM has demonstrated a commitment to supporting our students' mental health needs through both in-person and virtual counseling appointments. Their dedication to providing compassionate care ensures that our students receive the highest level of support during challenging times. MHCGM has also been a steadfast partner in assisting our faculty and staff in navigating recent hardships within our community. Through targeted programs and initiatives, they have provided vital resources and support to help our community heal and thrive. Their proactive and collaborative approach plays an essential role in the UNH Manchester community, enriching the lives of our students, faculty, and staff.

The community partners at White Mountains Community College truly define the relationships between community and education and help the college meet its mission. The VR New Hampshire - Berlin Regional Office mission aligns closely with the mission of WMCC, forming a collaborative partnership that has grown over the years. VR New Hampshire’s Level Up program is now a cherished annual event at WMCC, bringing together community partners to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn about the many resources available to help them achieve their goal of attending college and obtaining meaningful careers. The contributions of two former Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Steven Aylward and Rose Long, played an important role in building a collaborative relationship with WMCC and supporting northern New Hampshire residents with their higher education and employment goals.