# Waypoint NH

> Admin Email: info@waypointnh.org


## Posts

### Waypoint's Fall Along the Way

We're excited to share our fall Along the Way. The stories in this newsletter—from Amanda and Ben who found stability after aging out of foster care, to the family who rose again after everything fell apart—illustrate the complex challenges and needs in our communities. Our dedicated staff are at the heart of this work, walking alongside people every step of the way. And it’s your commitment that makes their work possible. Thank you for being an integral part of this work.

 



Waypoint Along the Way Newsletter Fall 2025

Excerpt: We're excited to share the latest Along the Way.

### Supporting the Whole Human: Kimberly Walker’s Social Work Career at Waypoint

“Culture is a huge piece of Waypoint, and it’s important to me.” 

Kimberly Walker began her journey with Waypoint in 2018 as a Master of Social Work (MSW) intern, launching what would become a meaningful social work career in New Hampshire. She quickly felt at home, finding her values reflected in Waypoint’s community-based approach to care. After completing her internship, she joined Waypoint full-time. By August 2020, she had advanced into a Clinical Supervisor role in the Family Preservation Department, 

No two days look the same for Kimberly. She provides daily supervision and ongoing support to staff across New Hampshire, leads weekly meetings (from provider gatherings to Child-Parent Psychotherapy discussions), manages key administrative responsibilities, and, three times a year, organizes Waypoint’s Solution-Based Casework training— a required five-week training program for all new Community-Based Voluntary Services (CBVS) staff.  

“It’s important to me when I’m in supervision or another meeting that I can give it my full attention,” Kimberly says. Still, she acknowledges that not everything goes as planned. “Families are messy, whether they’re our clients or a family walking down the road—that's just a phase of life.” 

To stay flexible, Kimberly leaves time in her day open for the unexpected—whether that’s a call for encouragement or an urgent update needing quick action. What truly drives her, though, is caring for her team. Her supervision philosophy is simple but powerful: support the whole human. This approach reflects Waypoint’s supportive workplace culture—one that prioritizes both professional development and personal well-being for staff. 

She works to ensure staff feel seen not only as professionals but also as people. “If I have a better understanding of the person working, then I can make sure the family and staff are getting what they need,” she explains. 

Drawing on her own field experience, Kimberly knows how challenging casework can be. She wants her team to feel they never have to make decisions alone. Whether it’s talking through a tough case, confirming a next step, or simply offering a listening ear, she is there to provide steady support.

With compassion and patience, Kimberly lives out Waypoint’s values every day. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, flexibility, and deep respect—for the families served and the colleagues she guides. In doing so, she not only upholds Waypoint’s culture but actively shapes it—showing future social workers, clinicians, and human services professionals why Waypoint is a supportive place to build a lasting career in New Hampshire. 

Explore career opportunities by visiting waypointnh.org/jobs.  

Excerpt: Drawing on her own field experience, Kimberly knows how challenging casework can be. She wants her team to feel they never have to make decisions alone.

### A Voice for Children, Youth, and Families: Waypoint’s Advocacy Priorities

Waypoint’s Advocacy Team works to ensure all children, youth, and families in New Hampshire have the opportunity to thrive - whether it’s a young person aging out of foster care, a new mother seeking support, a senior needing access to care and independence, or a family in crisis – Waypoint’s mission is truly to provide help along the way. Over the 2025 legislative session, our priorities reflected the urgent needs we hear from the communities we serve every day.

Our focus ranged from securing funding for our emergency shelter for youth and young adults, to defending health care access, supporting new parents, and protecting vulnerable children. Here’s a closer look at what we fought for, and why.

Securing Funding for those Experiencing Homelessness

Homelessness is a growing crisis in New Hampshire, yet resources remain limited. Waypoint operates the state’s first and only low barrier emergency shelter for young people ages 18–24. For most, it’s not just a bed - it’s a first step toward stability and a brighter future. Reliable support, it risked closure - leaving youth vulnerable to chronic homelessness, trafficking, or unsafe living situations. That’s why we prioritized securing ongoing funding. Waypoint's strong advocacy increased State support for services and shelters for those experiencing homelessness.

Defending Medicaid from Cuts and Barriers

Medicaid is a lifeline for thousands of New Hampshire families. Medicaid covers essentials - medical care, medication, even diapers - and allows people to live safely at home with dignity., Forty percent of families in our home visiting and family resource programs rely on it, as do seniors and individuals with disabilities in our Choices for Independence program.

The evidence is clear: early investments pay off. Ninety percent of brain development occurs before age five, and every dollar spent on early intervention can return up to $17. Medicaid-funded services reduce child maltreatment, improve maternal health, and lower long-term costs. In short, Medicaid keeps families healthy and saves the state money.

This year, despite strong advocacy, work requirements and premiums were passed at both state and federal levels.  This change will burden families or potentially make it impossible for individuals and families to access  healthcare. We were able to successfully eliminate a proposed 3% reimbursement rate reduction that would have hurt providers. We continue working with partners, legislators, and state agencies to help families maintain coverage and protect their health.

Protecting Foster Youth SSI Benefits

Youth aging out of foster care face steep challenges - financial instability among the most pressing. Nationally, 23% of foster youth experience homelessness by age 21. Federal Supplemental Security Income benefits can mean the difference between stability and poverty.

For years, New Hampshire has used foster youths’ federal benefits to cover care costs the state already provides to all foster children in its care. We’ve been working to change that by advancing legislation requiring the state to conserve or invest these benefits to support youths’ disabilities, reunification, and transition into adulthood.

Protecting their benefits gives foster youth a fair chance at success.

Expanding the Right to Counsel for At-Risk Youth

Every child involved in an abuse or neglect case deserves a voice in the decisions that shape their life. In 2024, Waypoint and our partners successfully advocated for a new law requiring that children at risk of, or placed in, institutional facilities be provided with legal representation. This year, the Governor proposed delaying implementation by two years, but our concerted advocacy efforts reduced that delay to just six months. As a result, the law will now take effect on January 1, 2026.

Legal counsel ensures children’s wishes are heard in court, promotes more appropriate placements and services, and can reduce unnecessary institutionalization. This not only leads to better outcomes for children and families but also lowers state costs.

Supporting Moms and Children

The well-being of mothers and infants sets the stage for lifelong health. We championed legislation expanding maternal depression screenings and extending postpartum health care. Untreated maternal health issues affect both mother and child, while early detection prevents long-term challenges.

Extended coverage helps mothers address complications, stay healthy, and avoid having to choose between their health and financial stability.

Improving the Child Care Scholarship Program

Child care costs remain a major barrier for working families. Thanks to recent legislative wins, more families now qualify for the NH Child Care Scholarship Program (CCSP), which provides financial assistance to households earning below 85% of the state median income. For many, CCSP is the only way to secure quality child care while parents work.

While CCSP helps more than 5,000 families afford child care, enrollment remains far below the 55,000 children that UNH researchers estimate are eligible. Low enrollment is due in part to complex administrative requirements. Advocates successfully pushed for reforms last session to ease access, including reduced reporting requirements and, starting in January, a pilot program that offers preliminary screening so families can enroll children quickly while completing the full application.

Why We Focus Here

Waypoint’s advocacy agenda reflects what we hear directly from children, youth, and families. Every day we see people start with very little and go on to achieve extraordinary things - finishing school, building careers, creating healthy routines, and living with dignity.

None of this is possible without dedicated service providers and strong policies. By securing resources, protecting care, and strengthening safeguards, we move closer to a New Hampshire where no child is left without support, no parent without care, and no family without hope.

Excerpt: We are working for a NH where no child is left without support, no parent without care, and no family without hope.

### How Waypoint Created an Outdoor Classroom to Meet Community Needs

When the Richie McFarland Center in Stratham and Waypoint merged in 2022, there was a small outdoor space in the back that needed some tender, love, and care. Family Resource Coordinator, Heather Flewelling, saw the opportunity to transform the space into something the community desperately needed.  

“As a team, we started talking about what we could do to make it a bit different than just a typical playground. We wanted to make it a natural space that focused on nature and getting families outdoors.” 

Waypoint's Stratham Office Team spent years figuring out how to make nature-based play accessible to everyone. “There's a lot of awesome forest schools and opportunities that cost money," says Heather. "And we have a lot of families that can’t spend money on that sort of thing.”  

The community lacked a controlled environment where children could explore nature safely, without it being a financial burden for families. Waypoint then made it their mission to create an outdoor classroom. Peggy-Small Porter, the Executive Director at Richie McFarland Center for 31 years, was a huge proponent of the project. To honor her legacy, the nature-focused playground was named in her honor, named “Peggy’s Playgarden.”  

Now, the space behind Waypoint at Richie McFarland Center (RMC) has been completely revitalized. A vibrant forest and interactive sensory garden invite children to explore nature with all their senses. Heather recalls the wildlife she saw during the playgardens construction – a turtle crossing the lawn, a bobcat in the winter – hoping that visiting families get the chance to have encounters of their own.  

Looking to the future, Heather hopes that the garden will be in use not just during the summer months, but year-round, encouraging families to continue exploring nature in the winter. The playgarden also plans to set a schedule for weekly playgroups to keep the garden focused on small, community-oriented gatherings.  

Peggy’s Playgarden has been open and growing at Waypoint at RMC. Last week, we had a joyful time hosting its official Open House. We were proud to celebrate with the families we serve and the community that made it possible to celebrate this outdoor classroom and all it represents. 

“Nature is such a connective force,” Heather shares. “Those moments you can’t plan; we want to be able to offer them to our families and our community." 

Excerpt: “Nature is such a connective force,” Heather shares. “Those moments you can’t plan; we want to be able to offer them to our families and our community." 

### Four Years In: How CBVS Is Changing the Landscape of Prevention in Child Welfare 

Breaking the Crisis Cycle 
Imagine this: A family is struggling. Maybe it's financial stress, or a parent dealing with depression, or a child acting out at school. The family doesn’t know what to do and there is nowhere they can turn. So, the family gets no help. The stress builds. The problems escalate. Eventually, they're back in the system—but now with a finding that requires Division of Child Youth and Families’ (DCYF) involvement. 

 In New Hampshire, state involvement through the Division for Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) usually only happens when there is clear risk of harm or imminent danger.  

 But what about families experiencing a crisis that do not meet that threshold?  

Until four years ago, this cycle repeated countless times across New Hampshire. But Waypoint (New Hampshire's first child protection agency) saw an opportunity to rewrite this story entirely. 

The Numbers Tell the Story 

Four years after launching Community-Based Voluntary Services (CBVS), the results speak for themselves: 

 	3,582 families referred to and then connected to our services 


 	1,868 families actively engaged with Waypoint 


 	270 families served in year one → 585 families served annually now 


 	600 annual referrals initially → 1,000 annual referrals today 


 	A 73.4% increase in the number of clients who completed* the CBVS program (*participated for the full 6 month period) 

This isn't just growth. It's proof that New Hampshire needed a reset in how we approach child welfare. 
Pioneering Prevention 
After years of advocacy from Waypoint and other providers pushing for more preventative services in 2019, DCYF issued a call for proposals for programs to support families before they enter the formal child welfare system. Waypoint answered that call with a new approach, becoming one of the state's first providers to pilot this program. 

"This was uncharted territory," said Caryn Lemay, Waypoint's Director of Family Preservation and Strengthening services. It is a lot of work to build and design a program from the ground up. But we had a real team who were invested in the model and in prevention." 

The innovation got to the heart of the system issue: What if, instead of waiting for families to reach crisis, we caught them earlier? What if we offered help to struggling families—preventing the escalation that leads to deeper system involvement?" 
The Challenge of Creating Something New 
Building a prevention program from scratch meant navigating the unfamiliar. Even DCYF staff were initially unclear on when to refer families given this new approach. Families were understandably wary of a program connected to the child welfare system. 

"It can be a challenge for families to trust the system," recalled Shannon Moore, a Family Support Worker. "To see our partnership with DCYF and have that transition to voluntary support with us. Building trust and making it clear we work together, but we are not the same, took time." 

Initially, staff were hired with minimal experience under the assumption that prevention work would be lower intensity. Early hiring assumptions proved wrong.  

"We had a lot of turnover at the start," Caryn says. "The work is really hard, and staff need a solid foundation. But we learned, adjusted, and started hiring people who were better prepared." 

These growing pains led to crucial insights that strengthened the program's foundation. 

“Launching a program from the ground up has its ups and downs and learning curves and figuring out. It's not perfect," Caryn acknowledged. "It's always a work in progress. But I think this program is thriving." 
Innovation Based on Evidence 
What makes CBVS work isn't just good intentions—it's the strategic combination of two practices: evidenced-informed Solution-Based Casework (SBC) and evidenced-based Motivational Interviewing (MI). 

"SBC gives staff a framework of what they need to do to help families get to a certain place, and Motivational Interviewing is the language to build on that and get families to talk change," explained Jacob Dolan-Bath, a CBVS Supervisor. "With just one, we would not be able to help families move forward in six months. Combined, these two evidence-based programs make sure we can really help families move forward in the timeframe." 

But the real innovation lies in three key elements that set CBVS apart: 

 	Flex Funds provide immediate, practical support—covering utility bills, groceries, or rent assistance. This immediate relief builds trust and stability that makes deeper work possible.
 	Family-led planning ensures families collaborate to address safety, setting their own goals and maintaining ownership of their journey. Unlike mandated services, CBVS is entirely voluntary.
 	Warm handoffs from DCYF mean families already have a relationship when services begin, reducing anxiety and resistance. 

"We're not going in saying, 'Here's what you need to fix or else,'" Shannon explained. "We're saying, 'What do you want to work on? How can we help?' That makes all the difference." 
Proof of Concept 
Over the past four years, CBVS has proven effective, particularly with families with moderate risks. And families are happy to have this support.  

 "We've had people say, 'My friend worked with you and had a great experience. I want to enroll, too.'" Shannon noted. 

Even more telling, Shannon observed, "Most families who complete the program aren’t returning to the system. In my eyes, it's definitely working." 

DCYF has also taken notice. What began as a program primarily for high-risk families has expanded to serve moderate-risk families statewide—a recognition that prevention works across risk levels. 

One of CBVS’s greatest strengths is the collaborative relationship with DCYF. The two organizations have worked hand in hand: adjusting eligibility, refining processes, and improving family engagement strategies.  

"We've built something special," Tammy Boucher, a Senior Manager said. "And when we go to the state with feedback or ideas, they listen. It's a partnership unlike anything we've had before." 

The 67% increase in referrals (from 600 to 1,000 annually) demonstrates that DCYF workers increasingly see CBVS as a valuable tool, and that trust in the program has grown throughout the system. 
What’s Next 
Four years in, CBVS has proven that prevention isn't just possible; it's transformative. Looking ahead, Waypoint plans to keep evolving the program, responding to what families need, and exploring broader access. 

The program continues evolving, with leadership exploring broader access possibilities. 

 "Eventually, I'd love to see it open to low-risk families, or even self-referrals," Caryn says. 

CBVS represents more than a successful program: the landscape of child welfare in New Hampshire has fundamentally changed. Families no longer have to endure a pattern of crisis to get help.  

"Our goal is for families to never need DCYF involvement," Caryn said. "And if we can keep them from reaching that point through early support—that's success." 

Prevention in NH is no longer just an idea. It's reality. 

Excerpt: A groundbreaking program that started with 270 families now serves nearly 600 annually—and it's reshaping how New Hampshire thinks about child welfare.

### Waypoint Honors First NH Child Advocate with the Jack Lightfoot Voice for Children Award

Waypoint honored Dr. Moira O’Neill with the Jack Lightfoot Voice for Children Award on June 18 during the organization’s 175th Anniversary Celebration at the Bedford Event Center. As the first New Hampshire Child Advocate, Dr. O’Neill was recognized for going above and beyond in her advocacy for children.

“This award honors someone who embodies what it means to be a fierce advocate for children. Someone who speaks up, shows up, and lifts up the voices of young people who need to be heard,” said Borja Alvarez de Toledo, Waypoint President and CEO, at the event with 200 supporters. “As this year's honoree, Moira has gone above and beyond to create meaningful change, demonstrating a tireless commitment to children across New Hampshire.”

Waypoint established the Voice for Children award in 1986 to recognize a New Hampshire citizen or group who has shown an outstanding commitment to and made a tremendous difference in the lives of children and families.  

Lori Weaver, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner, introduced the award and highlighted O’Neill’s critical contributions to children’s wellbeing in the Granite State.  

“Moira supported community-based voluntary services, led efforts to improve child protection and juvenile justice, and introduced a critical incident review process grounded in safety science. But above all, she has been steadfast in one belief: that children must be heard. That focus helped shape important reforms, and it continues to influence how the office does its work,” said Weaver. 

Before coming to New Hampshire, Dr. O’Neill spent 11 years as an Assistant Child Advocate in Connecticut’s Office of the Child Advocate. Her dissertation, Pulling Back the Curtain: State Children’s Ombudsman at Work, is nationally recognized for its in-depth examination of the history, and function of Child Advocate offices across the country. She brought that expertise and compassion to New Hampshire’s newly created Office of the Child Advocate, growing the team from one to six and establishing the office as a trusted part of the state’s child-serving system. 

“It is truly an honor to be part of the 175th anniversary of an organization I deeply admire,” said Dr. O’Neill. “The creation of the Office of the Child Advocate and the progress we’ve made would not have been possible without the leadership of Borja, the Waypoint board, and their dedicated policy advocates. Congratulations to the entire Waypoint team. Here’s to another 175 years of progress for children." 

During the event, Laura Knoy, founding host of New Hampshire Public Radio’s The Exchange, emceed a question-and-answer session on the past, present, and future with Jen Stebbins Thomas, Waypoint Board Chair and Managing Director of PROCON; Tom Donovan, former Waypoint Board Chair and former Director of Charitable Trusts at the Attorney General’s Office; and Michelle Merritt, CEO of New Futures.  

 All three shared their admiration for Waypoint’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to its mission. They spoke about Waypoint’s unique role in New Hampshire—often stepping in to meet community needs long before government systems were in place. As Jen noted, “I’ve learned so much more from Waypoint than I’ve given.” 

Alvarez de Toledo closed the evening with a message of hope. “Waypoint has stood strong for 175 years not because of buildings or programs alone, but because of the community that surrounds us. With your continued support, we can ensure the next 175 years will continue to be as impactful and transformative.” 

Learn more about Waypoint’s 175th Anniversary and milestones here. 

See past winners of the award here.  

 

### 2024 Annual Report

Waypoint has never stood still. For decades, we’ve been at the forefront of advancing social services in New Hampshire, and that spirit of innovation continues to define us in 2024. This year, we expanded parenting workshops across our Family Resource Centers, strengthened support for youth through creative efforts like our Artist in Residency Program and new professional development opportunities, and remained committed to a strategic shift toward prevention.
We’re deeply grateful to our partners and community for walking alongside us on this journey.
This report reflects what we can achieve together—thank you for being part of it.


Waypoint 2024 Annual Report

Excerpt: We're excited to share with you our accomplishments in this year's Annual Report.

### The real price of Medicaid cuts: New Hampshire’s children

This op-ed was written by CEO and President of Waypoint, Borja Alvarez de Toledo and was originally published in the New Hampshire Bulletin. You can find the original piece here. 

When a child walks through our doors at Waypoint, we don’t just see a case file — we see a future. One that could be bright if that child has the necessary tools they need to grow up healthy, safe, and strong. One of the most powerful tools we have to make that future possible is Medicaid and its expansion through the Granite Advantage Program.

Right now, that critical lifeline is at risk.

At Waypoint, we work every day with families facing poverty, trauma, and mental health challenges. We see firsthand how access to Medicaid transforms lives — not just for children, but for entire families. It’s no exaggeration to say that Medicaid is one of the most important investments we can make to ensure New Hampshire’s children grow up healthy, stable, and ready to succeed.

Medicaid’s impact starts before a child even takes their first breath. Last year, almost a quarter (22%) of births in New Hampshire were covered by Medicaid, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report. That coverage means access to prenatal care that reduces complications and improves birth outcomes leading to healthier babies and mothers.

And the support doesn’t end there. Today, roughly 1 in 4 children in New Hampshire is enrolled in Medicaid, making children the largest group Medicaid serves. It covers doctor visits, dental and vision care, immunizations, mental health services, and critical care for children with complex needs or a history of trauma. For children in foster care, Medicaid is a guarantee — offering stability to those who need it most.

Yet the state budget bill now being considered by the New Hampshire Legislature proposes drastic changes to the Medicaid and other programs that are unnecessary, concerning and potentially damaging to the health of children and families. The House-approved budget includes a 3% rate cut to Medicaid providers along with reductions in funding for mental health, community health, and public health programs. It would even eliminate the Office of the Child Advocate, a critical partner to our staff who rely on that office for independent oversight in complex and high-risk cases involving child safety.

Beyond the budget, a proposal to impose a work requirement for adults in the Granite Advantage Program would very likely cut off access to care for many current enrollees, because of the administrative burdens it will impose. And Medicaid cuts under consideration at the federal level could eliminate Granite Advantage entirely, forcing all 60,000 individuals on the program to lose their health insurance coverage.

And when parents lose coverage, children suffer. Research consistently shows that children are more likely to be insured and receive regular checkups and timely care when their parents have access to health insurance.

Medicaid is also a shield against financial disaster. By covering essential services and reducing out-of-pocket costs, Medicaid helps families stay afloat. Without it, an unexpected illness can become a life-altering crisis. Families risk losing their homes. Parents can lose their jobs. And children — caught in the storm — lose their safety, support, and stability.

Medicaid and the Granite Advantage Program are also one of our most effective tools in addressing the growing mental health crisis. New Hampshire has some of the highest rates of childhood behavioral and mental health disorders in the country. Untreated mental health conditions in parents are linked to poor developmental outcomes for children. Medicaid helps break this cycle by ensuring access to mental health care for both parents and kids, supporting more resilient and healthier families.

The evidence is clear: traditional Medicaid and the Granite Advantage Program are a game-changer for New Hampshire’s children. We cannot afford to lose or limit the benefits Medicaid provides to our New Hampshire children and families. We should be strengthening the systems that help families weather life’s storms, not reducing them when they are most needed.

In New Hampshire, we pride ourselves on being a place where families come first. We say we value our children. But values mean nothing without action — especially when the well-being of our kids is on the line.

So, we must ask ourselves: What kind of New Hampshire do we want to be? A place where every child has a chance to thrive? Or one that turns its back on its most vulnerable?

Let’s choose the healthier path forward. Let’s invest in New Hampshire’s children by supporting Medicaid and the Granite Advantage Program.

Excerpt: In New Hampshire, we pride ourselves on being a place where families come first. ...But values mean nothing without action — especially when the well-being of our kids is on the line.

### Play, Progress, & Possibilities

It’s time to play! Michael toddles into the playgroup, his Spider-Man shoes flashing as he checks out what the other kids are doing. He might decide to parallel play with cars alongside another child. Meanwhile, his mom, Krissy, is chatting with the other parents, and they’re all cheering on Anthony, one of the children in the playgroup, who has just discovered a tambourine and is gleefully exploring the instrument.

“Before we started playgroup, we would go to the park and he didn’t really understand personal space. He would just rip the toy out of another kid’s hand,” Krissy recalls. “Through playgroup, he now understands when another kid tells him no. Just being comfortable playing around other kids has been the biggest thing that he’s gotten out of this. It’s been huge.”

Michael was originally diagnosed with congenital torticollis and his family was referred to Waypoint at the Richie McFarland Center for Early Supports & Services by his orthopedist. He began receiving physical therapy when he was 3 months old and continued in the program due to delays in other developmental milestones. At Waypoint, Michael received occupational therapy from Tracey and speech therapy from Kristen and later started going to the playgroup. Michael then got an additional diagnosis of autism, which Waypoint at RMC has been instrumental in helping Krissy and her husband navigate.

“Heidi sent me different classes for autism awareness to learn more about how these children learn so you can help them on their journey.” Krissy says. “Kristen gave me this amazing book on different strategies for speech -- just anything I needed.”

Krissy says that the comradery with the parents of the playgroup has been the best part for her. She has built friendships that go beyond the playgroup, with some parents meeting up outside to take the kids to the park.

“...To be able to have a space where every part of him is completely accepted - he’s just blossomed so much.” she says. Choking up with gratitude, she continues, “I get so excited because to have people see your kid, the way you see your kid, instead of looking at him, like he’s weird or different... Everybody is not only rooting for my kid, but they understand him. And they love him for it. That’s been the coolest thing.”

“Michael just started talking recently.” Krissy shares. “He’s going through his journey in his own way. There is no timeline.” She believes it’s important to embrace every single part of the process. “They will get it. They will figure it out. It might not be in the traditional way or what society says it should look like, but they are going to progress. It will happen. You just have to keep trying.”

Through Waypoint, Krissy has learned not to fight or force Michael’s development. This meant embracing alternative communication strategies. It wasn’t what she envisioned, but by welcoming these opportunities and accepting Michael’s own timeline, he is now vocally speaking.

“If you told me a year ago that he was going to talk, I would’ve said no way,” she says. “But you just gotta keep going.”

Excerpt: A family supported through Waypoint's Early Supports and Services program.

### 2025 SleepOut Raises $320,800 to Combat Youth Homelessness in New Hampshire

Picture this - it’s cold, it’s windy, it’s dark and you have no other place to sleep than outside. On March 21, passionate advocates braved the cold and wind at a public gathering at Bronstein Park in Manchester to take a stand against youth homelessness. Together more than 1,000 donors helped raise $320,800—and counting—to support Waypoint’s critical services for young people experiencing homelessness across New Hampshire.

The annual SleepOut is more than a fundraiser—it’s a powerful demonstration of solidarity for young people who do not have a safe place to sleep. This year, over 150 individuals and teams spent the night at a location of choice outside in the elements, to send a clear message: homelessness is preventable.

Throughout the night at Bronstein Park, participants walked among signs created by youth, visited a memorial table honoring young lives in NH lost to homelessness and listened as Waypoint staff read personal stories written by young people who have experienced homelessness. One of the most moving moments came when a young person, D, shared a powerful poem: "Am I just a statistic? Am I lost in the count? Am I a face without value or a soul to discount?”

Each year, Waypoint supports more than 500 youth in exiting homelessness. As the sole provider of comprehensive services for young people between the ages of 12 and 24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness, Waypoint staff provide early intervention and crisis support, including case management, survival aid, and emergency assistance. Waypoint also operates the state’s only low-barrier 14-bed emergency youth shelter and time-limited housing, providing safe spaces and the wraparound services needed to transition into permanent housing.

“SleepOut is more than just an event—it’s a symbol of our collective commitment to ending youth homelessness in New Hampshire,” said Waypoint President and CEO Borja Alvarez de Toledo.

Waypoint’s vision is clear: to end youth homelessness in New Hampshire. Through events like SleepOut and the ongoing support of the community, Waypoint is helping young people to not only survive—but thrive.

Over the past decade, SleepOut has raised $3.2 million for programs in support of young people experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to all who helped make this possible.

Excerpt: On a cold, windy, day, passionate advocates braved the cold and wind to support critical services for young people experiencing homelessness across New Hampshire.

### Along the Way Spring 2025 Newsletter

We’re excited to share with you all that’s been going on at Waypoint! Thank you for reading the Along the Way Spring 2025 Newsletter.

### Caring Runs in the Family: A Mother-Daughter Team’s Story at Waypoint

As we celebrate Waypoint’s 175th anniversary, we’re highlighting a mother-daughter team that plays a vital role in our mission! Dawn Wheeler has been with Waypoint for over 40 years, serving as the Home Care Office Manager, where she ensures everything runs smoothly— handling paperwork, managing state authorizations, and keeping operations on track. Her daughter, Katelyn Soucy, first joined Waypoint in 2010, returned in 2020, and now serves as the Home Care Service Manager. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Home Care and supervises 65 staff across New Hampshire, handling all hiring, training, evaluations, retention, and recruitment. Katelyn also ensures that standards of care are maintained for the Home Care Program and develops relationships with community partners. We sat down with Dawn and Katelyn to discuss their journeys at Waypoint. 

What have been your most fulfilling or rewarding experience(s) at Waypoint? 

Dawn: My most rewarding experience is working with the clients and helping them maintain independent living. Without Home Care services, many would be in nursing homes or assisted living. Seeing them thrive in their own home with our caregivers’ help is wonderful. Our direct care staff are amazing, and I love working with them and our office staff to make it all possible.  

Katelyn: We work with high-need clients referred from Adult Protective Services, and recently we were able to help a client by bringing him a pillow, blanket, food, and personal hygiene products. He has no support system in the State of NH and bringing him these items together was very rewarding. This is just one example of the impact we are able to have.  

How do you balance your professional relationship with your personal relationship as mother and daughter? 

Katelyn: Having the opportunity to work alongside my mother, who is also my best friend, has been such a rewarding experience. Who can actually say that they work with their mother 40 hours a week and don't get sick of them? We work so immensely close: tag-teaming program projects, going out together on Big-Chore assessments to vulnerable client homes, and spending weekends together. Working together has so many benefits: a strong sense of trust, a solid support system, and a shared purpose: helping disabled and/or older adults remain independent in their own homes. Working with people who share common goals and have fun doing it makes you look forward to going to work every day. We've built so many lasting memories - huge thank you to Waypoint for allowing us to thrive in our careers together. 

Dawn: I think Katelyn summed it up. 

Dawn, how does Waypoint help support a work-life balance for you and your family? 

Dawn: I’ve been with the agency for 40 years, so the main thing that has kept me for work-life balance is the flexibility. If my children had games, or doctor’s appointments, it was always flexible enough that I could make up time. The people here are wonderful and caring. They allow you to take time off and enjoy your family. Half-day Fridays are wonderful. You can leave early and relax at the beach. 

Katelyn, what aspects of your mother’s job at Waypoint made you want to follow in her footsteps? 

Growing up and seeing her ability to be there for me at my sports events, concerts, and everything else really stood out. She was always able to be right beside me and cheer me on. I heard many inspiring stories throughout the years about helping clients, the wonderful co-workers, and the family-like environment. That definitely drew me here. 

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful mother-daughter team here at Waypoint. Their commitment to helping others is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for everything that they do!  

Excerpt: Having the opportunity to work alongside my mother, who is also my best friend, has been such a rewarding experience.

### 11th Annual SleepOut 2025 On March 21

The 11th annual Waypoint SleepOut on March 21 will raise awareness and funds to address critical needs to help end youth homelessness in New Hampshire. The experiential fundraising event supports vital services for youth experiencing homelessness, including the state’s only low-barrier emergency youth shelter, youth drop-in centers in Manchester and Rochester, and a range of supports that help young people achieve long-term stability.

On March 21, SleepOut will kick-off with an in-person gathering at Manchester’s Bronstein Park (Hanover and Beech streets), across the street from Waypoint’s Emergency Youth Shelter. The gathering at Bronstein Park will be from 6:30PM – 8:30PM and is an opportunity to hear accounts of young people who are experiencing homelessness and those with inspirational stories of success to share. The event also features Waypoint’s Artist in Residency Program, which provides opportunities for healing and skill building through art. There is a memorial planned to remember young people lost to homelessness as well as a tribute to the hundreds of young Granite Staters who experience homelessness annually. All are welcome to join.

This year, instead of sleeping outside together as a public demonstration of support for youth experiencing homelessness, Advocates will sleep remotely outside at a location of choice. This change is necessary as a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 regarding Grants Pass vs. Johnson, which allows municipalities to criminalize sleeping in public places.

“While SleepOut traditionally brings people together as a group to sleep outside to raise awareness, the Supreme Court ruling over the summer made it allowable to criminalize homelessness,” said Borja Alvarez de Toledo, President and CEO of Waypoint. “Our young people can now be fined simply for having nowhere to go.”

Each year an estimated 15,000 young people experience homelessness across the Granite State. Waypoint is the sole provider of comprehensive services for young people between the ages of 12 and 24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

“Too many young people in our state are either homeless or at risk and facing significant challenges to finding a safe home,” said Mandy Lancaster, Director of Waypoint’s Homeless Youth and Young Adult Program. “Through SleepOut, our goal is to end youth homelessness in New Hampshire.”

Over the past decade, SleepOut has raised $2.9 million for programs in support of young people experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit WaypointNH.org/SleepOut.

Excerpt: Too many young people in our state are either homeless or at risk and facing significant challenges to finding a safe home. Our goal is to end youth homelessness in New Hampshire.

### Michael's Journey to Home

At just 17, Michael found himself without a stable home. After years of family turmoil, an explosive argument led him to leave, seeking refuge with a close friend. “It wasn’t even something I thought could happen.” Michael recalls.  

The next day, he and his friend went to the police, hoping to find a path forward. But since Michael wasn’t legally an adult yet, his options were limited. The police advised that Michael get permission from his family to stay with his friend rather than return home. What started as an uncertain and painful moment became a turning point that redefined his sense of family and home. 

Michael didn’t initially seek out Waypoint—Waypoint found him. After his parents informed the school that he was no longer living with them, school staff followed protocol and connected him with Waypoint. That’s when he met Mandy, a Waypoint social worker, who helped him navigate his situation and understand the resources available to him. At first, Michael was hesitant to accept help, taking pride in being self-sufficient. “It’s hard when you’re a kid and you’re like, ah I don’t need help, but lowkey you need it,” he admitted. 

Through Waypoint, Michael received weekly case management support and was able to take driver’s ed with financial assistance – an opportunity that changed his life. He also got a job working at McDonald’s, while preparing for his next steps, with Mandy even accompanying him on a college tour. Though he was building stability, the uncertainty of his situation weighed heavily on him. Until he turned 18, he lived with the constant fear that his family could demand his return at any moment— an anxiety that made it difficult to focus, sleep, or feel secure. While he was grateful to have a safe place to land, the emotional toll of that fear lingered.

Michael was fortunate to have a strong support network, including lifelong friends who helped him navigate sudden independence. Among them is his friend Cammie and her family, who took him in without hesitation. Waypoint provided support to Michael’s host family and helped Michael plan for his long-term stability.  

One of the most memorable things Waypoint provided was a simple backpack that he still has to this day. “It had basic hygiene items I could actually use,” he recalls. Though it seemed small at the time, it eased his daily stress. “Looking back, it was things like that from Waypoint that got me through. I didn’t have to worry every single day about how I was going to afford deodorant on a $7.85-an-hour job.” Those little things allowed him to focus on school and work without the constant worry of meeting his basic needs.

For youth experiencing homelessness, it’s often the small, everyday necessities that make the biggest difference. “Little stuff goes a long way,” Michael explains. Many young people are hesitant to ask for help, whether out of pride, fear, or uncertainty. But having consistent access to basic needs like food, shelter, safety, and even prescriptions can alleviate stress, allowing young people to focus on their future and not just moment-to-moment survival. 

If Michael could go back in a time machine and reassure his younger self, he’d say, “It’s gonna work out. It’s a big deal right now, and it’s going to be a part of who you are, but it’s not going to destroy your future.” Today, Michael works in logistics at Lonza, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in New Hampshire. He lives with his fiancée and one of his best friends and has found the stability he once only hoped for. His journey wasn’t easy, but it proves that even in the most challenging circumstances, a future full of possibility is still within reach. 

Want to help young people like Michael? Sign up to be an advocate or donate for SleepOut2025 to raise awareness and funds for youth experiencing homelessness.

Excerpt: At just 17, Michael found himself without a stable home. 

### Accessible Virtual Parenting Classes in 2025

We’re thrilled to continue to offer free, virtual parenting classes in 2025, making it easier than ever for parents and caregivers to access valuable resources. All are welcome. To simplify your planning, we’ve organized all our classes into a convenient calendar! 

Here’s what we’re offering this year: 
Positive Solutions for Families 
This workshop series is designed for parents and caregivers of children up to age 10. Participants will gain insights into child development and behavior management while learning strategies to support social and emotional growth. Complete all classes to earn a certificate. 
Parenting the Positive Discipline Way 
Learn the principles of positive discipline in this engaging class series. Positive discipline helps children develop a sense of belonging, teaches essential life skills, fosters confidence and capability, and is effective long-term. Attend all classes to receive a certificate of completion. 
Super Dads, Super Kids 
This series is exclusively for dads! Super Dads, Super Kids empowers fathers to embrace their role as strong, positive role models. Complete all classes to earn a certificate and build a lasting impact in your child’s life. 

Take a look at our class schedule below to find the program that’s right for you. 

2025 Virtual Parenting Class Schedule 

 



Month
Class
Dates/Times


January

 
Positive Discipline
Wednesdays 1/8/25-2/19/25 from 5-6:30pm


February
Positive Solutions
Tuesdays, 2/4/25 - 3/18/25 from 6 to 7:30 pm


March

 
Positive Discipline
Wednesdays, 3/12/25 to 4/16/25 from 2:30-4pm


April

 
Positive Discipline
Thursdays, 4/3/25-5/22/25 from 12:30-2:00 pm


May
Positive Solutions
Thursdays, 5/1/25 – 6/12/25 from 6-7:30 pm


June

 
Super Dads/Super Kids
Mondays and Wednesdays, 6/2/25 to 6/25/25 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.


July

 
Positive Discipline
Tuesdays, 7/8/25-8/12/25 from 9:30-11am


August

 
Positive Discipline
Tuesdays, 8/5/25-9/9/25 from 6-7:30pm


September

 
Positive Solutions
Wednesdays, 9/3/25-10/15/25 from  2:30pm-4pm

makeup class if needed.


October
Positive Solutions
Tuesdays, 10/7/25 -11/18/25 from 3:00-4:30pm


November

 
Super Dads/Super Kids
Mondays and Wednesdays 11/3/25-11/26/25 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.


December

 
Positive Solution for Families

 
Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm,

December 3rd, 2025 - January 28th, 2026, (No class December 24th or 31st)



Classes will be posted on the Activities Page as registration opens. For any questions, please contact Carolyn George at GeorgeC@waypointnh.org

Excerpt: We’re thrilled to continue to offer free, virtual parenting classes in 2025, making it easier than ever for parents and caregivers to access valuable resources. All are welcome.

### How Waypoint is working to expand access to the NH Child Care Scholarship Program

Child care is not a new need for families, nor a new challenge for communities to resolve. One of the earliest programs Waypoint provided was a daycare and nursery for mothers who were working at the mills in Manchester (launched in 1882).  While there have been improvements in child care since the late 1800s, New Hampshire is now seeing a crisis due to increased costs to families and challenges for providers - making child care increasingly more difficult to obtain. 
As part of our work focused on Early Care and Education (ECE), funded through a grant from the Couch Family Foundation, Waypoint’s ECE Project Manager has been working to increase awareness of a recent expansion of resources available to families accessing child care.  We are also gaining a better understanding of families’ experience with services like the NH Child Care Scholarship Program.   
The NH Child Care Scholarship Program (Scholarship program) helps eligible families access child care by providing payments directly to the family’s provider of choice to help offset the cost of care.  Families are eligible for the Scholarship program if they have children under the age of 13, the family meets income eligibility limits and parents or guardians are working or in school.  
The Scholarship program is an important support that helps families access quality early child care that is often too costly for many families to pay out of pocket without assistance.  According to the NH Fiscal Policy Institute, for many NH families “with two children under five, $31,868 in annual child care expenditures will be their single highest annual expense, exceeding housing, food, and health care costs.”1 
Legislative wins in 2023 resulted in expanded eligibility for the NH Child Care Scholarship for families earning up to 85% of the state median income. Since this change was enacted in January 2024 there has been a 31% increase in participation in the Scholarship program. 
To further these wins for families and increase awareness of the program, Waypoint has undertaken several strategies to promote the changes in the Scholarship program to our staff and families. Our ECE Project Manager has been meeting with program staff to increase their understanding of the Scholarship program so Waypoint staff are able to assist eligible families in accessing this resource. At the same time, the ECE Project Manager is also working with program staff to collect information from families to better understand the barriers families face when accessing the Scholarship program and other services. These stories provide the insight needed to create policies and programs that fit the diverse and complex needs of New Hampshire families.   
Many of our staff, from Home Visitors to Family Support Therapists, work with families that receive or are in need of child care resources. Even with support services in place, the Scholarship application process can be complicated, requiring a list of financial documents and an interview that can be challenging for families, according to Athena, a Family Support Specialist with our Healthy Families America (HFA) Home Visiting program in the Seacoast. HFA serves families with young children, prenatal to three, who may be at risk for adverse childhood experiences. One family that Athena works with has applied for, and been denied, the Scholarship program 4 times. This is largely due to the families’ seasonal employment causing their income to fluctuate during some months above eligibility rates and resulting in delays with verifying past employment.     
Staff working with families referred to our Community Based Voluntary Services Program by the Division for Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) report that families have varied experiences applying for and using the Scholarship. When eligible families can find appropriate care that accepts payment through the State, the Scholarship program is a great resource, helping them maintain employment while their child is in an environment that fosters healthy growth and development.  Unfortunately, the availability of programs that accept Scholarships varies greatly across the state.  
It is clear by the increase in families using the Scholarship program that recent legislative accomplishments have increased access and made child care more affordable to many families in New Hampshire.  This is a huge win for families. However, work remains to ensure the system is accessible to all families and that unnecessary administrative hurdles are resolved. Waypoint looks forward to continuing to advance efforts that better support children and families in New Hampshire and ensure all children have access to affordable, quality early care and education. 
 

Resources:

1 https://nhfpi.org/blog/annual-price-of-2023-child-care-for-two-granite-state-children-under-five-averaged-nearly-32000/

 

Excerpt: While there have been improvements in child care since the late 1800s, New Hampshire is now seeing a crisis due to increased costs to families and challenges for providers.

### Waypoint SleepOut 2025 to Raise Awareness and Funds for NH Youth Experiencing Homelessness

SleepOut on March 21, 2025 to help end youth homelessness in NH

Manchester, N.H. (November 21, 2024) – During November’s National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Waypoint announces the date of the 11th annual SleepOut on March 21, 2025. With a goal to end youth homelessness in NH, SleepOut is a night spent outside each March to raise awareness and funds to address critical needs and transform lives. The experiential event supports New Hampshire’s only low-barrier emergency youth shelter and safe space located in Manchester, youth drop-in centers in Manchester and Rochester, and a range of support services that help lead to long-term stability.

“Youth homelessness is hard, dangerous and preventable,” said Borja Alvarez de Toledo, President and CEO of Waypoint. “Every young person deserves a bed and a place they can call home, but this is just not possible for many young people in our state. There are many consequences associated with youth homelessness, including long-lasting trauma, health problems and the risk of becoming chronically homeless as adults. Through SleepOut, our goal is to end youth homelessness in New Hampshire.”

Each year an estimated 15,000 young people experience homelessness across the Granite State. At least 70 percent of them do not have the option to return to a safe and stable home. Through SleepOut, participants serve as Advocates and spend a night outside in the cold to stand in solidarity with these young people and fundraise through their personal networks.

“I feel like most people do not understand that a lot of youth homelessness is caused by external factors like big family issues, safety or not having the right guidance to adulthood,” said a young person requesting anonymity who is experiencing homelessness in NH and is being supported by Waypoint. “This creates stigma around what youth homelessness looks like.”

As the sole provider of comprehensive services for young people between the ages of 12 and 24 at risk for or experiencing homelessness, Waypoint offers resources for a safe night’s sleep and a range of support services that lead to long-term stability. The 14-bed shelter in Manchester is the state’s only low-barrier shelter and safe space dedicated to young people ages 18 to 24 with services tailored to their unique developmental needs and individualized care. Waypoint also provides runaway and homeless youth prevention, street outreach, transitional housing and rapid rehousing services.

Mandy Lancaster, Director of Waypoint’s Homeless Youth and Young Adult Program said, “The young people we work with are determined. They have grit. They are survivors. They want to be seen and heard. They want the community to help keep them safe. They want to build a future that includes stability and support. With help and the right community supports in place, they can.”

An in-person gathering will take place at Manchester’s Bronstein Park (Hanover and Beech streets) on March 21 followed by remote SleepOuts at a non-public location of choice for Advocates across the Granite State, instead of sleeping outside together as a public demonstration of support. This change is in direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 regarding the City of Grants Pass v. Johnson which allows municipalities to criminalize sleeping in public places.

Over the past 10 years, SleepOut has raised $2.9 million for programs in support of young people experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit WaypointNH.org/SleepOut.

Established in 1850, Waypoint is a statewide, private, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy serving more than 8,000 people through 21 programs at centers in 11 regions across the state. Visit WaypointNH.org for more information.

Excerpt: During November’s National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Waypoint announces the date of the 11th annual SleepOut on March 21, 2025.

### Shining Bright: Jill Lowell’s Career Journey at Waypoint

 
There are a few things that Jill Lowell, Supervisor of Waypoint’s Business Office, knows about herself: 
 1. Working for a nonprofit is a must.

 2. Her superpower is creating supportive systems.

 3. Success means being good at what she does, loving it, and contributing meaningfully. 
“You can earn a living in many ways, but there’s no substitute for feeling good about what you do,” says, Jill, “There’s no doubt that working at Waypoint makes me feel like I’m contributing to society as a whole.”  
Jill started at Waypoint in 2016 in an administrative role in the Business Office, where she knew her special skills in multi-tasking, organization, and systems would benefit the organization. This provided her with a strong foundation in understanding Waypoint’s administrative operations. After a few years, she used this skillset in a new role as a scheduler and, later, as a Supervisor in the Home Care Program. 
Jill played a key role in the Home Care Program for several years. Kristen Campbell, Director of Health, Wellbeing, and Independence, recognized her abilities and wanted to support Jill so she could shine. 
“Kristen was the first person who gave me the opportunity to make this role [Home Care Supervisor] my own and be successful in the way that I defined success.” 
Kristen saw Jill sparkle when she designed spreadsheets or systems. This led to multiple conversations about how Waypoint could nurture Jill’s talents. When an opening as Supervisor in the Business Office came up, Kristen said, “This position is for you,” and encouraged her to apply. While the Home Care Program would feel  Jill’s absence, Kristen knew it was more important for Jill to be in a role where she could thrive.   
Justice and equity are extremely important to Jill. “It’s what I want in where I work, and that’s what brought me here,” she says. “There is dignity and respect in what we do at all levels... One thing I love about this organization is that Borja (CEO of Waypoint) treats everyone the same, whether he’s at a board meeting with someone donating a million dollars or talking to the lady who vacuumed the floors last night. He treats you all the same.” 
For Jill, a successful Business Office supports the entire organization by making people’s jobs easier. This is why she’s passionate about creating procedural guides. If you are unsure how to do something, Jill has likely created a guide to help, readily available to all staff.  
Jill is excited to continue ensuring Waypoint staff have the information they need and teaching staff how to use these systems. She’s also looking forward to continuing to learn about all the different aspects of Waypoint, a statewide agency. “I’m looking forward to creating my own way, building a system for my team, and finding ways they can continue to support Waypoint as we change and grow. We are changing so fast that the Business Office has a real challenge to keep up and stay relevant so we can remain part of Waypoint’s success.”  
What perhaps is most rewarding for Jill though is making sure that the people Waypoint serves are treated with dignity the moment they walk in.  “So many people feel so dejected, they’re so down, and they’re so used to going to places and being told they’re scum, they’re dirt, they’re worthless...To be treated like an actual human being, treating someone with dignity is the biggest thing you can do with your day.”  
Jill is literally shining in her role.  She was recently given the Rising Star Award by the Administrative Department for her efforts and passion for supporting the Business Office during a time of transition.  It is clear to everyone who works with Jill that she makes Waypoint a better place, and that it wouldn’t be the same without her.  
If you’re interested in exploring our wide range of career opportunities, visit waypointnh.org/jobs and apply today! 

Excerpt: “You can earn a living in many ways, but there’s no substitute for feeling good about what you do.”

### Along the Way Fall 2024 Newsletter

We're excited to share with you all that's been going on at Waypoint this year! Thank you for reading the Along the Way Fall 2024 Newsletter. 

### Unified by Impact: Measuring Success Across Services

By Colleen Kelty, Director of Impact 
Waypoint provides a broad range of programs that support New Hampshire residents. While programs range from home care for seniors to emergency shelter for youth experiencing homelessness – common goals link all programs. This includes addressing non-medical factors that shape a person’s health and quality of life called Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).  
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), SDOH are “the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes and risks.” 
In November 2023, the federal government released its first-ever U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health, recognizing the powerful role these factors play in shaping lives. SDOH have become essential benchmarks for understanding well-being. 
SDOH are grouped into five core areas and Waypoint’s work interacts with each of these, with most programs impacting multiple areas:  
Economic stability - encompasses employment, food insecurity, housing instability, and poverty. Waypoint’s comprehensive approach to addressing youth homelessness and housing instability—through drop-in youth centers, outreach programs, and transitional living—demonstrates our commitment to creating positive economic impacts.  
Education Access & Quality – includes early childhood development and education, high school graduation, and language & literacy.  Waypoint’s programs directly and indirectly influence educational outcomes. Our Early Supports & Services program has a direct impact by providing interventions for young children with developmental delays. This positively affects their overall educational experience and increases the likelihood of them graduating high school.  
Health Care Access & Quality - covers access to health services, primary care, and health literacy.   Many Waypoint clients lack access to high-quality health care. Our Home Care program helps seniors and individuals with disabilities maintain independence, while our Health Care Coordination program ensures children with chronic health conditions and their families receive the care they need.  With 90% of our clients living below the poverty line or with low incomes, these services are crucial for those most vulnerable to gaps in healthcare access 
Neighborhood and Built Environment – This includes access to healthy foods, crime and violence, environmental conditions, and housing quality. Waypoint’s services are community-based. We provide a key link for individuals and families to partners and additional services that can improve conditions in homes and neighborhoods. Our supportive services aim to prevent child abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of violence within homes and communities.
Social & Community Context –  This area addresses factors such as discrimination, incarceration, social cohesion, and civic participation. For example, playgroups offered through our Family Resource Centers promote social cohesion, and our family preservation services have the potential to reduce incarceration rates. Events like our bilingual Storytimes further promote community connection. 
However, the diversity of Waypoint’s services presents a challenge: how do we measure our collective impact? A successful outcome for a senior facing social isolation is vastly different from that of a youth experiencing homelessness or a parent learning new skills. How can we capture the full scope of the difference we're making across all our programs while adopting a consistent approach to measuring impact? 
We're developing a new framework that will assess our impact through the lens of Social Determinants of Health. While SDOH has always been a focus in our programs, they haven’t been used as metrics to measure program success—until now. Our new impact framework will allow us to quantify our success according to SDOH criteria, offering a clearer view of the transformative effects of our services. Using SDOH also allows us to illustrate impact in a way that aligns with Waypoint’s values and the diverse needs of the communities we serve. As we implement this framework, we’ll continue to evolve, ensuring our programs meet the real needs of the people we serve, now and in the future. 
Resources:  
DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL | OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY. (2023, November). THE U.S. PLAYBOOK TO ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH. https://www.whitehouse.gov/. https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SDOH-Playbook-4.pdf 

Excerpt: How can we capture the full scope of the difference we're making across all our programs while adopting a consistent approach to measuring impact? 

### Waypoint is Adapting to Better Serve Spanish-Speaking Families

By Melissa Hugener, Waypoint's Director of Early Childhood and Family Support

Waypoint serves families from all backgrounds in our Family Resource Centers (FRC), with the mission of helping families get what they need to succeed.  We have been working hard to better serve our Spanish-speaking families.  Waypoint provides language services for any family that needs it and hosts several activities for Spanish speakers through our FRCs. For example, through the Manchester FRC, we hosted a Craft and Storytime event where we read Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, in English and Spanish. The Manchester FRC hosts several crafts and story-times in Spanish multiple times per year. This honors the family's background and helps children from predominately Spanish-speaking households learn English.  

At our Nashua FRC, staff are now sharing a monthly newsletter written for both English and Spanish speakers.  Waypoint works to ensure that the families and individuals we work with know about additional resources in the community, both Waypoint’s services and other providers.  Being able to share information in Spanish and English helps us to better reach and consistently inform the families we serve. This project was a work of coordination, effort, and love from Cindy Blanchard, our Nashua Family Resource Center Coordinator. Through this newsletter, Spanish-speaking families now have access to important information, such as where mobile health service buses are.  “Having the FRC newsletter and other flyers in Spanish has been extremely beneficial for our families,” says Barb Walden, our Early Childhood & Family Support Supervisor, “...it makes them feel connected to our services.” 

In the Upper Valley, we are working to create an opportunity for families to come together to immerse their children fully in Spanish culture in response to feedback from our bilingual families and community members. Over the past several months we have hosted morning playgroups and an evening Spanish Immersion group in partnership with the Upper Valley Buena Gente Social Club. Moving forward we are rethinking the time and place for this group in response to additional feedback from families and are working with a volunteer, a fluent, Spanish-speaking mom, who is interested in supporting this work. Renée Casey, our Upper Valley FRC Coordinator, exclaims, “How genuine for this person, who is part of our community, to bring something from within that she has a passion for and wants to share. That is what being a Family Resource Center of Quality is all about. Strengthening families, communities, and leadership, while empowering families, and engaging them to participate in program development...”  

For the past 175 years, we have adapted our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are committed to expanding our offerings to ensure that all our clients feel welcomed, understood, and included, and we look forward to continuing this important work. 

Excerpt: By Melissa Hugener, Waypoint's Director of Early Childhood and Family Support

### Waypoint Launches a First-in-the-Nation Program to Prevent Youth Homelessness

By Mandy Lancaster, Waypoint’s Director of the Homeless Youth and Young Adult Department

Ramona was living out of her car and working three jobs, while trying to attend college. With a family struggling with mental illness and other issues, she had no one to lean on, no support. Eventually it got to be too much, and she left college. Trying to figure out what to do – she found Waypoint and our emergency shelter and began the next steps to find a path forward.

While we are thankful to have a range of services to support youth like Ramona – being homeless results in long-term negative impacts. Inadequate food, increased chance for violence, risky behaviors to make it through a night – this has consequences on health and mental health and makes going to school or holding down a job difficult to impossible. Research has found that every day a young person is homeless - the harder it is for them to find and maintain future stability.

Imagine the impact if we could intervene before a youth is homeless and prevent those long-term consequences? At Waypoint, we are piloting a project to do just that.

Waypoint was one of 10 inaugural organizations across the country selected to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Family and Youth Services Bureau to create and test strategies to prevent youth homelessness. Waypoint’s three-year pilot program is focused on Manchester and began with a a planning process in October 2023 and launched in May 2024.

We are collaborating with many organizations and community members to identify youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are at risk for homelessness but have intact families, whether that family was comprised of a parent, adult relative or other adult guardian. Services are entirely voluntary, and we have worked to keep the barrier to participation low so we can reach as many youths and their families as possible.

Prevention efforts include flexible cash assistance to cover short-term financial emergencies and supportive services. One strategy we are piloting is therapeutic mentoring for youth using a positive youth development framework. This is focused on helping youth understand and build upon their strengths. High quality and effective mentoring have been shown to help youth achieve greater academic success, have healthier relationships, and view their future more positively.

Waypoint hopes to work with 100 youth over the course of the pilot program. As the director of the Homeless Youth and Young Adult Department at Waypoint, I envision success if half of the youth served are prevented from becoming homeless, another 35 continue to engage in services to prevent future homelessness, and the remaining 15 are immediately connected to  Waypoint’s Homeless Youth and Young Adult services when prevention strategies are not effective. If 75 youth increase their self-sufficiency and stability through our prevention efforts, the benefits to both the youth and society are huge. They have a path forward to a brighter future and the cost to society for increased healthcare, criminal justice and emergency shelter is reduced.

Sometimes all it takes is an unaffordable car repair or a high heating bill to start a spiral that results in homelessness. Our goal is to identify youth and families at risk and provide support to help them navigate these challenges and stay housed. By identifying early risk factors that lead to youth homelessness – we can prevent homelessness.

With the spotlight on clearing homeless populations from public spaces, programs to prevent homelessness in the first place are essential. We are honored that Waypoint has been selected to implement a youth homelessness prevention program in Manchester and hope that this will serve as a model across NH and in the country.

Learn More

Excerpt: Sometimes all it takes is an unaffordable car repair or a high heating bill to start a spiral that results in homelessness.

### Waypoint Early Childhood Care and Education Work

Waypoint is thrilled to be the recipient of a three-year grant from the Couch Family Foundation to support work within a coalition to advance early childhood education and care practice (ECE) in New Hampshire.

We are excited to join our ECE partners who are already in place and who have done such effective work. Over the next three years, Waypoint will work closely with other stakeholders, such as New Futures, Save the Children Action Network, the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, and others in the early childhood education and care field, to support and grow the early childhood education and care system, especially as part of a strong system of family supports for young children and their families.

Our program work in early childhood and family support services provides us with a unique perspective and will help inform this work. Our efforts on the front lines inform our work at the legislative level, and likewise, our work at the state level empowers our work on the front lines.

We are excited to announce Liz Belsito has joined us as our Early Childhood Education Project Coordinator. This is a new position within Waypoint dedicated to supporting the ECE efforts. Liz will be working with our Advocacy Team, the Early Childhood and Family Support programs, other advocates, community members, and relevant stakeholders to help strengthen and further New Hampshire’s early childhood education and care system.

Liz has an extensive background working to build capacity within early childhood systems, including convening a regional network of early childhood professionals and coordinating local coalitions. She formerly worked with the Granite United Way as the Director of Early Childhood Initiatives. Prior to moving to New Hampshire, she worked in Massachusetts and New York developing policies and coordinating work around early childhood systems.

Waypoint believes that as a community we can build upon and strengthen New Hampshire’s early childhood education and care system to best support children and families by ensuring access to quality, affordable early education and care for children across the state.

Excerpt: Waypoint is thrilled to be the recipient of a three-year grant from the Couch Family Foundation to support work within a coalition to advance early childhood education and care practice (ECE) in New Hampshire.

### Opinion: Criminalizing homelessness is a heartless response to a complex issue

Mandy Lancaster is the director of the Homeless Youth and Young Adult Department at Waypoint, a statewide nonprofit human services and advocacy organization, and is based in the Dover office.

Imagine you are a young adult struggling with a toxic, dangerous environment at home. You flee but there is no permanent, safe place to go. You couch surf for as long as you can, you can’t afford an apartment, and beds at youth-oriented shelters are hard to secure because they have limited space with no open beds. Your only alternative is to sleep in a park or on a city street. 

Thanks to a decision issued by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 28, your lack of options could now lead to arrest or a costly citation. In City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Court overturned a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which had held that it was unconstitutional to subject people experiencing homelessness to criminal and civil penalties for sleeping in public spaces. 

The Grants Pass decision does nothing to solve the problem of homelessness. Simply because an unhoused person has no option other than sleeping on a park bench or in a tent on a public sidewalk, they could now be issued citations with fines they cannot pay and may face a future that is forever hampered by a criminal record. When our society should be extending a helping hand, we are instead delivering a slap in the face. 

Ariel Hayes is the director of sustainability and a past co-director of the Youth Success Project, which is spearheaded by young people who draw from their own lived experiences to end youth homelessness in New Hampshire. She does not mince words about the Supreme Court decision, saying, “When we are harassed and charged for just trying to survive, it becomes even harder for us to gain housing, employment, and get our needs met.” 

“Young people like us will be more likely to stay in dangerous places or domestic violence/trafficking situations because we fear being arrested. Criminalization also disproportionately impacts marginalized communities that are already overrepresented in both the homeless and incarcerated populations. This ruling is not only cruel and unusual punishment, but directly opposes commonsense and evidence-based practices shown to help reduce and end youth and adult homelessness.” 

Homelessness is a complex issue, made even more challenging by the housing affordability crisis in New Hampshire and elsewhere. Yet there are solutions that lift people up rather than hold them down. This benefits not only the individual but our communities. 

Some people advocate building more emergency shelters and affordable housing, so individuals removed from public parks and streets have a place to go. While these initiatives are needed, they will take time to implement and only address the outcome of homelessness rather than the cause. Supportive services and prevention programs need to be part of the solution as well. 

At Waypoint, we have helped young people experiencing homelessness by taking a deeper approach focused on providing stabilizing preventive services so that homelessness is rare; offering easily accessible emergency and intervention resources so homelessness is brief; and creating enough support to avoid relapse so homelessness does not recur. 

Waypoint is piloting a youth homeless prevention program in Manchester that provides resources and support to youth and families before they are unhoused. We have also found that rapid rehousing paired with supportive services is an effective way to both get and keep young adults off the streets. 

Despite New Hampshire’s tight rental market, Waypoint has had great success working with local landlords to provide housing for young people ages 18 through 24. Local landlords provide rental housing for up to 24 months with rental support from Waypoint while the young adults participate in supportive counseling and skills development to become self-sufficient tenants. 

The Supreme Court’s Grant Pass decision created a conundrum. Unhoused people can’t sleep outside in public spaces, but what if there is nowhere else to go? Criminalization and citations may remove homeless encampments, but at what cost? 

Incarceration is a massive drain on taxpayer dollars with long-term impacts and will make it even harder for our unhoused citizens to build a brighter future. 

Early interventions and creative housing programs paired with support services provide long-term solutions, in response to a complex issue, as well as being more humane and cost-effective. Effective programs take time. As we develop solutions, criminalizing homelessness is not the answer. 

This op-ed was originally featured in the Concord Monitor and you can find the piece here. 

Excerpt: The Grants Pass decision does nothing to solve the problem of homelessness. Simply because an unhoused person has no option other than sleeping on a park bench or in a tent on a public sidewalk, they could now be issued citations with fines they cannot pay and may face a future that is forever hampered by a criminal record. When our society should be extending a helping hand, we are instead delivering a slap in the face.

### Johnson Vs. Grants Pass Ruling Statement

On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that opens the door to fining and incarcerating individuals experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside. Waypoint is deeply disappointed in this decision. This ruling fails to acknowledge the harsh realities faced by many young people who have no other option but to sleep on the streets or in parks due to the shortage of shelter beds.

Punishing individuals for circumstances beyond their control does not address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, it exacerbates the challenges faced by an already vulnerable population. At Waypoint, we firmly believe that homelessness should be met with compassion and support, not with punitive measures.

We remain committed to serving and advocating for young people experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to provide not only shelter but also the resources and support needed to build a brighter future. This ruling underscores the urgency of our work and strengthens our resolve to fight for policies that prioritize humane and effective solutions to homelessness.

For more information on how you can support our efforts, please visit our Get Involved page.

Excerpt: On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that opens the door to fining and incarcerating individuals experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside. Waypoint is deeply disappointed in this decision.

### 2023 Annual Report

Dear Friends,
Each year Waypoint works with thousands of individuals and families. We see firsthand the barriers and challenges that prevent well-being and quality of life in our communities. It is a gift to be able to provide support that helps individuals overcome these barriers and challenges to not just survive but thrive. Our goal is that everyone in New Hampshire has access to the resources they need for self-sufficiency, a quality life, and to realize their full potential. During 2023, we had several key achievements toward realizing that goal.
We're excited to share with you our accomplishments in this year's Annual Report. Thank you for reading and shaping this narrative of hope.
With Gratitude,
Borja Alvarez de Toledo - President & CEO, Waypoint
Mark Rouvalis, Esq. - President, Waypoint Board of Trustees

Excerpt: We're excited to share with you our accomplishments in this year's Annual Report. Thank you for reading and shaping this narrative of hope.

### Health Care Coordination: Guiding Families Through Chronic Health Challenges

As I speak with Carrie Richer, one of five regional directors of Waypoint’s Health Care Coordination (HCC) program (previously Partners in Health), it is hard not to be distracted by a picture that hangs on the corkboard behind her. A young man, about fifteen years of age (and all smiles), sits in an adaptive sled used to play ice hockey confidently defying the limits of his spinal muscular atrophy diagnosis. The picture is attached to a letter from his parents thanking Carrie for her help in securing this important piece of equipment that allows their son to thrive in his own unique way. 

This is one example of hundreds like it that showcases the critical and life-affirming work of Waypoint staff coordinating the Health Care Coordination program in five regions of the state. Waypoint staff partner with parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with a chronic health condition to help them live their best lives. Health condition management varies from one client to the next. Health Services Supervisor, Janice Boudreau, says, “We have funded everything from a special fire alarm for a hearing-impaired client to the addition of a ramp at a client's home to campership funds for clients normally unable to attend these healthy recreational activities.” 

Every NH family that cares for a child with a chronic health condition, regardless of their income or health care access, is eligible to participate in this program to receive support to help their child meet specific goals developed with their coordinator.  

While this program is supported in part through state funding, it can only stretch so far. Each coordinator is separately charged with the challenge of raising additional funds specific to each family’s needs and their commitment to doing so is truly admirable. When additional funds were needed by one family to make their vehicle handicap accessible, Janice got creative and worked with a group of college students to organize a charity baseball game, in the end raising $9,000.00. 

The benefits of the program go far beyond financial assistance. Carrie explains that many families need help navigating the school systems and advocating for individual educational plans that meet the specific needs of their children. Coordinators also help families understand the complexities of the health care system as they address medical bills and sort through different eligibility parameters of various plans. Carrie explains, “Often when we first meet with parents, they have just received their child’s diagnosis, are still in a state of shock, and are not able to articulate or even conceptualize their needs. They are afraid to even dream for their child, so we try to meet them where they are at, bring hope back into the equation, and offer suggestions about the different ways they can use the funds to enrich their child’s everyday life.” 

Recognizing the comfort in relating to one another, Waypoint staff also organize a few family-support events throughout the year to give parents and caregivers the opportunity to come together and bond on their parallel journeys. “It is always so refreshing for families to be in an environment, if only for a short time, that affirms their strength, empathizes with their struggles, and inspires them to get up and live it again tomorrow”, says Carrie. 

On average, regional coordinators work with 40 to 50 families at a time. The need is significant, and the fulfillment of that need is life-changing for hundreds of NH families each year. While pictures of smiling children and thank you notes do much to empower the coordinators in their work, Janice says the best motivation is when “...families that have been served refer other families in need. There is no better measure of our work. It feels good to know we made enough of a difference in their life that they want another family to reap the same benefits.”  

Excerpt: Waypoint staff partner with parents and caregivers of children with special health needs to help them live their best lives.

### A Voice for Children

“Empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy.” That’s Waypoint’s mission statement. The organization’s director of advocacy, Keith Kuenning, lives by those words.

There are a lot of people in New Hampshire who don’t have a voice of their own. As director of Waypoint’s NH Children’s Lobby, Kuenning’s job, along with his colleague John Dejoie, is to raise his voice on their behalf.

“We’re giving a voice to the voiceless,” he said.

At 10:30 pm, the night before this interview took place, Kuenning received a call about budget cuts that would have a serious impact on Waypoint’s programs, which provide critical and life-changing services to children, youth, and families. By 5:30 am he was up and trying to find solutions. With a $25 million decrease in the Health and Human Services budget, this year has been a challenge for Waypoint and their advocacy team.

Every year, Kuenning and Dejoie go through over 1,000 legislative bills to make sure Waypoint can continue to fulfill their mission.

With each bill, they search closely for details that will affect their clients—children, youth, adults, seniors—and spend hours narrowing those 1,000 bills down to 100 of direct interest. However, no one can manage that many bills. So, in collaboration with other agencies, that number drops down to 50, and eventually 15 bills that Waypoint will take lead on.

At that point, their job is all about maintaining a presence with the legislators. They attend hearings, point out flaws and do an immense amount of persuading. Ultimately, each legislator has to make their vote, so it’s Kuenning’s job to make sure they’re aware of the effect their vote will have.

“For those impacted, these are life and death decisions,” said Kuenning, and he makes sure the legislators are aware of it.

“At a young age, I decided to spend my life helping people who find life really difficult,” Kuenning said, which is why he went to law school right after graduating from college. He received his Juris Doctor from The American University - Washington College of Law, and a Master of Arts in Law and International Affairs from The American University - School of International Service.

With an elderly father and relative with special needs, he’s always understood the importance of service and helping others. On top of all of that, he makes sure to take time for his family life, spending time outside on the water, and tinkering with cars—a favorite pastime. It’s all about balance and building a strong personal foundation from which he can be of greater service to others.

Ten years ago, while serving as executive director of the NH Coalition Against Homelessness, Kuenning decided to join Waypoint where he succeeded the longtime advocacy director, Jack Lightfoot. He’s been there ever since.

“It’s a great moment when we pass a bill that’s going to help someone,” Kuenning said.

But things don’t always go that way. It’s a real blow when legislators don’t fund something they’ve been warned about. The ups and downs are part of the job, but Kuenning, DeJoie, and others like them in the state, never stop fighting.

In his time at Waypoint, one of Kuenning’s most memorable victories was helping to establish the Office of the Child Advocate. Politicians come and go, but this office does not. It provides impartial judgment and oversight to the NH Department for Children, Youth and Families, ensuring that it serves the best interests of children. This was a huge victory for children in New Hampshire.

Even with victories like that, their work never ends and they can always use your support. Whether by bringing issues forward to the Advocacy team, testifying in hearings, connecting with legislators or supporting their advocacy by donating, you can make an impact.

Excerpt: “Empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy.” That’s Waypoint’s mission statement. The organization’s director of advocacy, Keith Kuenning, lives by those words.

### Waypoint’s SleepOut Raises $430,000 for NH’s Homeless Youth

Manchester, N.H. (April 1, 2024) – Waypoint’s 2024 SleepOut hit a 10-year record, raising $430,000 to address critical needs for young people experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire. Nearly 170 supporters bundled up and slept outside in 40 mile per hour winds to stand in solidarity with young people who experience homelessness each night across the state. Money raised from the March 29 overnight experiential fundraiser supports the state's only low barrier young adult Emergency Shelter in Manchester and Youth Resource Centers in Concord and Rochester.

“When SleepOut started 10 years ago, Waypoint’s services included a very small drop-in center in Manchester with a handful of staff, a newly purchased outreach van on the Seacoast with a couple of staff and a few backpacks and our transitional living program sites,” said Erin George-Kelly, Waypoint’s Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives. “Because of the awareness and funds raised through SleepOut, the scope of services that we can offer youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and housing instability throughout NH has grown immensely. This includes a safe bed in a young adult emergency shelter, an apartment in our rapid rehousing program or a place in a host home family where a family opens their door to a young person in need. We will continue to respond to community needs to make change so homelessness among youth and young people becomes rare, brief and one time.”

Each year, Waypoint makes over 1,500 contacts with youth and young adults who are homeless. Nation­al research indicates that the actual number of youth likely to experience some form of homelessness in a year’s time in NH could be over 15,000. Youth homelessness is typically the result of family instability, parental mental illness, addiction, poverty, and a history of family violence including child abuse/neglect. Once homeless, youth are in constant danger of being victimized or exploited, and it is increasingly difficult for them to exit homelessness without assistance.

Participating in his second SleepOut, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais was among those who spent the night outside: “We need to lead with empathy, compassion and understanding and bring awareness to the young people who go to sleep every night without a roof over their head and a firm place to sleep. Raising awareness and being involved in efforts like this is a privilege and I want to thank all the people across the state who are supporting this effort,” he said.

For this first time this year, SleepOut’s were held in three locations - Manchester, Concord, Rochester - and remotely. As the sole provider of comprehensive services for young people at risk for or experiencing homelessness, Waypoint offers resources for a safe night’s sleep and support for the future. The 14-bed shelter in Manchester is a safe space dedicated to young people with services tailored to their unique developmental needs with individualized care. Waypoint also provides runaway and homeless youth prevention and street outreach, transitional housing and rapid rehousing services.

Donations are still coming in to support the 2024 SleepOut with a new 10-year total reaching $2.9 million. SleepOut sponsors include PROCON, Friendly Toast, Bank of America, Alumni Ventures, VELCRO Brand, and NH Business Review.

Established in 1850, Waypoint is a statewide, private, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy serving more than 8,000 people through 24 programs and 14 locations across the state. Visit WaypointNH.org for more information.

Excerpt: Waypoint’s 2024 SleepOut hit a 10-year record, raising $430,000 to address critical needs for young people experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire.

### Along the Way 2023 Stories



Excerpt: Check out this compilation of heartwarming stories from our staff over the past year, highlighting the meaning and depth behind the work being done at Waypoint every day.

### Fosters: SleepOut for homeless youth



Excerpt: The football field at Spaulding High School will look a little different with tents, sleeping bags and firepits taking over the space.

### UNH Partnership with Waypoint Bringing Aid to Granite Staters in Need

written by Keith Testa, UNH Marketing
photos by Jeremy Gasowski, UNH Marketing

Recently, Borja Alvare De Toledo, President and CEO of Waypoint, speaks with UNH President Jim Dean during an Embrace New Hampshire bus tour stop that brought UNH leadership to Manchester to visit organizations with which the University has strong partnerships with.

To read the complete article, click here...https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2023/08/unh-partnership-waypoint-bringing-aid-granite-staters-need.

Excerpt: Social services agency assists age groups from prenatal to senior throughout New Hampshire.

### Waypoint designated as ‘Family Resource Center of Quality’ in Manchester

Manchester, NH, July 28, 2022…Waypoint, at 464 Chestnut Street, Manchester, has been designated as a Family Resource Center of Quality (FRC-Q) by the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council of the NH legislature.

A private, nonprofit human service agency, Waypoint is the oldest children’s charitable organization in New Hampshire. The agency offers over 24 programs throughout the state, to help people of all ages through life’s challenges.

“Waypoint is thrilled to have achieved this status as an FRC-Q in Manchester,” says Missy Oglebay, Family Resource Center coordinator, and supervisor of Family Support. “For those of us in the family service field in New Hampshire, this designation represents our commitment to the people we serve with programs that are proven to have positive impact. The “Q” reassures our community that we adhere to the highest standards of practice.”

Waypoint merited FRC-Q designation by demonstrating exemplary practice building family strengths. Over the past year, the agency engaged in ongoing self-assessment that included gathering feedback from participants and community partners, a site visit, and a lengthy application process submitted to the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council (WPPC) for review.

“Family Resource Centers throughout the state share that preparing to seek designation as a Family Resource Center of Quality has been affirming for their staff, illuminating to their board of directors, and reassuring for the families they serve,” says Maria Doyle, manager of Family Support Programs at NH Children’s Trust and co-chair of the WPPC.

Waypoint - Manchester is the eleventh Family Resource Center in the state to merit “Q” status, a designation that may be renewed every three years.

To learn more about Waypoint and its many family strengthening programs, visit www.waypointnh.org. To learn more about FRC-Q designation in New Hampshire, visit https://www.fsnh.org/frc-q-designation.html

Excerpt: Waypoint, at 464 Chestnut Street, Manchester, has been designated as a Family Resource Center of Quality (FRC-Q) by the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council of the NH legislature.

### Donate to the 25th Annual WZID Christmas for the Kids Radiothon Supporting NH Families

Manchester, N.H. (December 5, 2023) – Decking the halls and hanging twinkling lights embodies holiday spirit but it is generosity and the giving spirit that can make this time of year truly magical. To help meet the wishes of over 1,500 children in need this holiday season and beyond, Waypoint, the longest-running children’s charitable organization in New Hampshire, is partnering with WZID/95.7 FM for the 25th Annual Christmas is for Kids Radiothon. On December 8, the 11-hour event will support local children in need by raising much-needed funds to provide critical services to their families.

“This event makes a big difference for kids who are facing life at a disadvantage,” said Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint. “The children and youth who will be helped include those who face challenges that are unimaginable to most of us. This includes those who have suffered from abuse or neglect, live in or near poverty, are in foster care, are homeless, struggle with emotional or developmental concerns, or with trauma, loss, or family hardship. Waypoint is here to help through funds raised during the WZID Christmas is for Kids Radiothon. We ask for donations of any size to make the holidays and beyond brighter for children in need throughout New Hampshire. You can make a difference.”

In addition to providing gifts under the tree, the event will support Waypoint services such as in-home visits for families under stress, positive recreational experiences for at-risk youth, parent education, and support groups. Support will also subsidize equipment and transportation for children with developmental or chronic health concerns, care packs for children transitioning through foster care, and two weeks of summer camp for children from low-income families, including children of incarcerated parents.

From 7 a.m. through 6 p.m. on December 8, WZID Christmas is for Kids Radiothoninvites listeners to call in to make monetary donations. During the broadcast with Neil and Marga, listeners will hear holiday music, news, live activity, and the usual entertainment, along with stories and inspiration from local companies, children and families, and Waypoint staff who work closely with them. Over the past 25 years, Waypoint has raised over $3 million directly touching the lives of nearly 60,000 kids and families throughout the state.

Support New Hampshire children who are struggling this holiday season. For donations of $25 or more, donors will receive a Dunkin’ gift card and Granite State Freeze Dried Candy gift card, while supplies last, AND be entered to win a cash prize of $1,000, courtesy of cross insurance. Join Neil and Marga live and call 603-626-1106 to pledge financial support, or give online here. The WZID Christmas is for Kids Radiothon is sponsored by Bellwether Community Credit Union, Catholic Medical Center, Cross Insurance, Elliott Health System, Klug Law Offices, Eversource, and Granite State Credit Union.

Established in 1850, Waypoint is a statewide, private, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy serving 7,000 people through 24 programs and 14 locations across the state. Visit WaypointNH.org for more information.

###

Excerpt: Support will make the holidays and beyond brighter for NH children in need.

### Richie McFarland Children’s Center & Waypoint Merge

On January 1st, 2022, the Richie McFarland Center (RMC) and Waypoint, the two providers of early intervention services for Seacoast area children with developmental delays or disabilities, merged.

“The long and short of it is we believe in the power of partnership and know there is great success in collaboration,” said Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint.

The oldest children’s charitable organization in New Hampshire, Waypoint has seen the benefits of joining forces with fellow community service providers for over 170 years. “This merger will enhance our efficiencies and effectiveness,” said Alvarez de Toledo, “and will build our capacity for serving children and their families throughout our communities.”

RMC’s forward-thinking executive director of twenty-four years, Peggy Small-Porter, long considered the benefits of a merger. Nearly two years of careful and extensive research with members of the RMC board of directors supported the conclusion that Waypoint is the perfect partner.

“We serve the same population, share the same high standards of practice, and have deep respect for one another’s teams,” said Small-Porter. “We also share the desire to do more for the families we serve,” she added, pointing to the greater range of specialties in the larger team of therapists, and Waypoint’s diverse array of services across the lifespan.

Both organizations agree that the merger supports a holistic approach to helping families.

“Early intervention for any child is most successful when therapies are individualized around each family's specific priorities and needs,” said Small-Porter. “The merger streamlines access to Waypoint programs that can directly reduce outside stressors and enable parents and caregivers to focus greater attention on their child’s needs.”

Early intervention services continue to be housed at Richie McFarland Center on Sandy Point Road in Stratham, as a program of Waypoint. The namesake of Richie McFarland, the young hero and inspiration, will remain. Moving forward, other Waypoint services will be available under the same roof.

It really is a win, win situation,” said Small-Porter. “We can be, and will be, better together.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWwtCUJEL4w

Excerpt: On January 1st, 2022, the Richie McFarland Center (RMC) and Waypoint, the two providers of early intervention services for Seacoast area children with developmental delays or disabilities, merged.
“The long and short of it is we believe in the power of partnership and know there is great success in collaboration,” said Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint.


## Pages

### Stay in Touch

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### Waypoint's 175th Anniversary

175th Anniversary
As we celebrate the achievements of the past 175 years, we are also charting a course for the years to come. As the saying goes, “the only constant in life is change.” We are committed to remaining nimble and delivering services in alignment with our transformative mission.
Evolution Through the Eras
In 2025, Waypoint is excited to mark 175 years empowering New Hampshire citizens. We started out in 1850 as the City Missionary Society but quickly pivoted from an emphasis on spiritual growth to a focus on meeting the basic needs of children and families in Manchester. This early course change was just the first instance of constant evolution throughout our organizational lifetime to respond to the changing needs of the community. By anticipating shifting needs and responding with quality services to support New Hampshire’s people, Waypoint continues to play a vital role in our communities since we were established.

When we look back at our long history, we see many turning points. One of the biggest came in 2018 when we rebranded from Child and Family Services and updated our mission statement to “Empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy.” By including advocacy in our mission statement, we were underscoring our commitment to not only serve New Hampshire’s citizens, but to take an active role in creating change on their behalf.

Thank you to our 175 Anniversary sponsors:


Here is a look at the major milestones along our journey.
1850


Waypoint, originally known as the City Missionary Society, is founded to support families working at the textile mills in Manchester, NH.
1882
Waypoint opens a day care and nursery for unattended children of families working at the mills.
1897
Understanding the importance of in-home health care in improving quality of life, Waypoint establishes the District Nursing Association (now the Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester and Southern NH)
1918
Waypoint becomes the first agency to place children in foster homes and launches its adoption program, helping to keep children and infants out of institutions.
1930
At the request of attorneys and the courts, Waypoint becomes NH’s first child protection agency, assuming responsibility for determining custody of children.
1959
Waypoint establishes the Homemaker Services program, the first of its kind in the state, with the goal of stabilizing and strengthening family life.
1971
Waypoint establishes the family Advocacy Program, giving children and family a voice in NH.
1972
In response to the increase in youth experiencing homelessness, most with no access to services, Waypoint establishes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program in Manchester.
1989
In response to a need to elderly and children and their families struggling with illnesses, Waypoint establishes Adult In-Home Care program and the Respite Care services.
1995
Recognizing the critical importance of early childhood development on future success, Waypoint begins our Infant and Toddler Early Intervention Services in Rockingham County.
1997
Waypoint develops the Integrated Home-Based Services program model, designed to serve families needing multiple interventions.
2003
To support youth struggling with substance use, Waypoint establishes NH’s first out-patient adolescent substance abuse treatment program.
2017
As a result of Waypoint’s advocacy work, the Child Advocate office is approved by the Senate, increasing protection for children.
2018
Rebranded from Child and Family Services to Waypoint. This included a new mission that focuses on advocacy and the organization's work in the state.
2020
Waypoint receives its first Family Resource Center of Quality at Nashua Center, as a demonstration of quality and our commitment to families.
2021
Understanding the critical need for prevention services, Waypoint launches Community-Based voluntary services in partnership with the State of NH.
2022
Waypoint expands services for youth homelessness including the opening of the first low-barrier emergency shelter for this age group in NH, launching services in new regions, and opening a Drop-In Center in Rochester.
2025
Waypoint celebrates 175 years of impact!
Here's How You Can Help
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### Wishlist

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					Want to help? Check out our Wishlist.				
		There are many ways you can help advance Waypoint's life-saving programs and services for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth.Youth Resource Center (YRC) staff will accept items anytime the drop-in opens. The YRC is open on a variable schedule. Please check with us first to arrange drop-off.		
					Material donation or drive				
					Provide a material donation or do a drive to provide much-needed items: 				
		Clothing and Personal items:Socks (various sizes)Underwear (various sizes)Sports Bras/Bralettes (various sizes)Flip FlopsSneakersSeasonally appropriate clothing, including outerwearSweats (tops and bottoms)PantsHair accessoriesHoodiesNail polish Nail clippersReusable Water BottlesMakeupMagazinesBooks & Journals Over-the-counter non-drowsy allergy medicineOver-the-counter pain reliefHygiene Products:Wet WipesChapstickDeodorant/Body Spray (axe, etc.)LotionFoot powder/creamShampooPads and tamponsAdult diapersConditioner (for all hair types)Bath towels and faceclothsToothbrushesImportant Seasonal Items:ThermalsSweatersHand warmers BootsHats Mittens Survival Items:Sleeping bagsSleeping padsTentsTravel-sized first-aid kitsBackpacksBike locksFlashlightsBatteriesPhone chargers (solar, block, etc.)Track phones and cardsNourishing snacks to-goGift Cards:Movie theater gift cardsTarget/Walmart gift cardsGas Cards (Mobil, Cumberland Farms, etc.)Chipotle, McDonalds, Dunkin' gift cardsHousing Programs:Pots and pans sets, to support young people transitioning to housingDish sets, to support young people transitioning to housingSilverware, to support young people transitioning to housingBed-in-a-bag (twin beds), sheets, comforters, duvets, pillows, etc.)Board games (for young adults 18-25)Art suppliesTowel sets (kitchen and bath)String lightsBathmatsLaundry detergentHousehold cleaning supplies		
					Monetary Donation				
					Provide a monetary donation to support our program operations				
					
									Donate
					
					SleepOut				
																														
					Become a part of our annual SleepOur fundraiser.				
					
									SleepOut
					
					Volunteer				
					If you are interested in volunteering, 
opportunites are as follows:				
		Cater/order take-out meal to be delivered to Waypoint: You may also be able to help serve the meal. This can be a one-time opportunity or weekly/monthly.Career services: Assist participants with job search, resumes and cover letters, and interviewing skills.Internships:We can provide appropriate internship experiences for both undergraduate and graduate level programs in a variety of human service fields on a case by case basis. 		
					
									Ask About Volunteering
					
					Contact Information				
		Joss Birnie, Site Supervisor, Youth Services: BirnieJ@Waypointnh.org Jacqueline Carroll, Manchester Programs Manager: CarrollJ@waypointnh.org

### Touch-A-Truck

Waypoint’s 19th annual Touch-a-Truck in the Seacoast features construction equipment, emergency vehicles, a bus, a fire truck, landscaping equipment, an 18-wheeler, a line truck, a slingshot, and more, to look at and sometimes climb on and explore.
About Touch-a-Truck
Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  
Pease International Tradeport | Portsmouth, NHBetween One New Hampshire Avenue and Two International Drive Admission is $5 per person, not to exceed $20 per family. Pay CASH, VENMO, OR CREDIT CARD at the gate, day of event.

Rain or Shine!


Geared toward families with children of all ages, Waypoint's annual Touch-a-Truck in the  Seacoast features construction equipment, emergency vehicles, a bus, a fire truck, landscaping equipment, an 18-wheeler, a line truck, a slingshot, and more, to look at and sometimes climb on and explore. The event also features Kona Ice, kid-friendly activities, roaming railroad rides, and more. Proceeds will help children and families served by Waypoint at the Richie McFarland Center, specifically children who have developmental delays. Our Early Supports & Services team works in partnership with families to optimize cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development.
Thank you to our Sponsors!!
 Are you interested in being a participant or a sponsor? ParticipantsTruck exhibitors, food vendors, and vendors, please use this online form to participate in the event or print and mail or email the attached it to zorawowiczl@waypointnh.org.  SponsorshipsOur sponsorship levels are as follows: Big Rig: $3,000 - sponsors at this level receive premier location at event - vehicle and/or vendor; logo on posters and event banner; inclusion in releases to the media; company logo/link on event webpage; and 16 family packages (4 tickets each) Race Car: $1,500 - sponsors at this level receive central vehicle and/or vendor location at the event; company logo on posters and event banner; inclusion in releases to the media; company logo/link on event webpage; and 10 family packages (4 tickets each) Tow Truck: $1,000 - sponsors at this level receive vehicle and/or vendor location at the event; company logo on posters and event banner; company logo/link on event webpage; and 5 family packages (4 tickets each) Four Wheeler: $500 - company logo on posters and event banner; company logo/link on event webpage; and 3 family packages (4 tickets each) Interested in sponsoring, please use this link to fill out the sponsor form or fill out the attached and mail or email it to zorawowiczl@waypointnh.org.  Please reach out to Laura Zorawowicz for Sponsorship Opportunities and information regarding vendors, food services and volunteering.
Want to get involved with Touch-a-Truck?

Contact Us

### Get Help Results: I need home health care for an adult with a disability or a senior 60+

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Get Help Results: I need family support for a child with a chronic health condition

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Get Help Results: I need support to be a better parent/guardian

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Get Help Results: I am a parent/guardian whose child isn’t meeting developmental milestones

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Get Help Results: I am a provider looking for court-ordered or voluntary home services

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Get Help Results: I am a parent/guardian in need of childcare in greater Concord

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Get Help Results: I am a parent/guardian/caregiver involved with DCYF

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Get Help Results: All results

Here are some resources
that may help you
When life gets tough, we are here for you. Our programs support and empower people of all ages. If you need assistance after hours, on a holiday, or on a weekend, call 800.640.6486 for support.

### Get Help Results: I am age 12-25 and don’t have a place to live

Here are some resources
that may help you
Based on your selection, these Waypoint resources may offer the support you need. If you have questions or didn't find what you are looking for, please call us at 800.640.6486.

### Contact Us

Contact Us				
		Waypoint has regional offices throughout NH. For general support and questions, please use the form below. For specific program contact information, please visit the Programs Overview page. If you are looking for help for yourself or your family, please visit Get Help.

                
                        
                            
                        
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                I am interested in...(Required)Learning more about a programEarly Childhood and Family SupportsHomeless Youth and Young Adult programsThe Children's PlaceFamily Preservation & Strengthening programsHealth, Wellbeing, & Independence programsDonatingEmployee matchBecoming a Waypoint guardianLegacy givingApplying for a jobOther? Describe it in the field belowMessageUntitled
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
        
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Agency Headquarters464 Chestnut St.P.O. Box 448Manchester, NH 031051.800.640.6486TEL 603.518.4000FAX 603.668.6260		
					
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### Be a Caregiver

Empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy since 1850.

### Housing Programs

From overnight emergency shelter to longer-term transitional housing, Waypoint is here to provide shelter for youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Our housing programs connect youth to support and resources to chart a path to a more secure future.Have a non-emergency and need to chat? Dial our new on-call number at 603-518-4007. If no one gets back to you right away, just give it another try in 15 minutes. 

### Supportive Services

Waypoint has three designated Regional Access Points (RAPs) located in Manchester, one in Concord, and one in Rochester. RAPS are a single point of entry to vital systems and support services for young adults experiencing homelessness.Have a non-emergency and need to chat? Dial our new on-call number at 603-518-4007. If no one gets back to you right away, just give it another try in 15 minutes. 

### Regional Access Points

Waypoint has three designated Regional Access Points (RAPs) located in Manchester, one in Concord, and one in Rochester. RAPS are a single point of entry to vital systems and support services for young adults experiencing homelessness.Have a non-emergency and need to chat? Dial our new on-call number at 603-518-4007. If no one gets back to you right away, just give it another try in 15 minutes. 

### Family Resource Centers

Waypoint’s Family Resource Centers are gathering places where individuals and families can come for resources, services, support, supplies, connections, advocacy, professional staff, and opportunities. Each of our centers does something a little different, but all help families get what they need to succeed. Services are free and all are welcome!


Locations

### Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Last Updated On 27-Feb-2024
Effective Date 27-Feb-2024

This Privacy Policy describes the policies of Waypoint NH, 464 Chestnut St., Manchester, NH 03105, (603) 518-4000 on the collection, use, and disclosure of your information that we collect when you use our website (https://waypointnh.org). (the “Service”). By accessing or using the Service, you are consenting to the collection, use and disclosure of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not consent to the same, please do not access or use the Service.

We may modify this Privacy Policy at any time without any prior notice to you and will post the revised Privacy Policy on the Service. The revised Policy will be effective 180 days from when the revised Policy is posted in the Service and your continued access or use of the Service after such time will constitute your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We therefore recommend that you periodically review this page.

Your Rights
Depending on the law that applies, you may have a right to access and rectify or erase your personal data or receive a copy of your personal data, restrict or object to the active processing of your data, ask us to share (port) your personal information to another entity, withdraw any consent you provided to us to process your data, a right to lodge a complaint with a statutory authority and such other rights as may be relevant under applicable laws. To exercise these rights, you can write to us at P.O. Box 448, Manchester, NH 03105. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law.

Do note that if you do not allow us to collect or process the required personal information or withdraw the consent to process the same for the required purposes, you may not be able to access or use the services for which your information was sought.

Cookies Etc
To learn more about how we use these and your choices in relation to these tracking technologies, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

Security
The security of your information is important to us and we will use reasonable security measures to prevent the loss, misuse, or unauthorized alteration of your information under our control. However, given the inherent risks, we cannot guarantee absolute security. Consequently, we cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us and you do so at your own risk.

Third Party Links & Use Of Your Information
Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by us. This Privacy Policy does not address the privacy policy and other practices of any third parties, including any third party operating any website or service that may be accessible via a link on the Service. We strongly advise you to review the privacy policy of every site you visit. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Grievance / Data Protection Officer
If you have any queries or concerns about the processing of your information that is available with us, you may email our Grievance Officer, Tim Healey, at HealeyT@waypointnh.org. We will address your concerns in accordance with applicable law.

### Sleepout

Sign up to SleepOut!				
																														
		March 27, 2026SleepOut is a night spent outside to raise awareness and funds to address critical needs and transform lives in New Hampshire. Because every young person deserves a safe home. Join SleepOut!		
					
							
									Donate
					
					About SleepOut				
		SleepOut raises community awareness and funds to support essential services for young people who are experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire. Each year an estimated 15,000 young people experience homelessness in the state. Through SleepOut, participants  spend a night outside each March to stand in solidarity with these young people. SleepOut supports New Hampshire’s only low-barrier emergency youth shelter and safe space located in Manchester, youth drop-in centers in Manchester and Rochester, and a range of support services that lead to long-term stability.Participates in SleepOut will sleep remotely outside in a location of their choosing. This change is a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 regarding Grants Pass vs. Johnson which allows municipalities to criminalize sleeping in public places.Thank you to our Sponsors for supporting SleepOut 2025! For more information on 2025's event, click here.Here is how you can help.Participate: Volunteer to SleepOut and become an advocate for ending youth homelessness. You will be given tools to help obtain pledges from friends and colleagues to support a fundraising goal of at least $100 and meet or exceed it.Organize a Team: Gather a group of colleagues, friends and family for a collective effort to support this cause, and your organization may match the funds raised by participants. Promotional tools are provided to make it easy to coordinate a Team.Become a Corporate Sponsor: Encourage your company to sponsor SleepOut 2026. Recognition and benefits are commensurate with the level of sponsorship. Donate: Through an online portal, you can contribute to SleepOut directly or support an Advocate or a Team. To learn how to help us support youth through SleepOut, please contact Laura Zorawowicz at 603.518.4195 or zorawowiczl@waypointnh.org.		
					Youth Homelessness in NH				
		Almost 15,000 youth are likely to experience some form of homelessness in New Hampshire this year. Most people are surprised that the number is so high – primarily because youth homelessness tends to be an almost invisible problem. You can't always tell if a youth is homeless. Some are in school. Some have jobs.
But they are struggling. Some are escaping abusive or neglectful homes, or have been rejected from their own families. Some wrestle with trauma, mental illness, or addiction. Some are hungry, cold, scared, and are taking desperate measures to survive. Some will fall prey to human trafficking. And most are flying under the radar of their own communities.		
					Waypoint's Response to Youth Homelessness				
					Waypoint is the only agency in NH that provides comprehensive services for young people who are experiencing homelessness.				
		The Street Outreach team puts boots on the ground and serves as a lifeline to at-risk youth, offering two essential things: the basic elements to survive and the stuff with which to succeed.
The Runaway & Homeless Youth Program provides crisis intervention and prevention in schools and the community, and can help youth resolve family conflict.
The Youth Resource Centers in Manchester, and Rochester provide access to basic needs such as food, clothes, showers, and laundry, as well as life-changing services such as mental health counseling, substance misuse treatment, educational advocacy, job skills training, and more.The Transitional Living Program provides housing and supportive services to youth experiencing or on brink of homelessness as they advance toward self-sufficiency and success.The Rapid Rehousing Program provides short-term rental assistance and services to young people experiencing homelessness so they can obtain housing quickly, establish stability, and increase long-term self-sufficiency.Overnight emergency shelter provides a safety net for youth experiencing homelessness in Manchester.		
					SleepOut News

### Health, Wellbeing, and Independence for Families and Seniors

Health issues can turn daily life upside down. Waypoint's programs offer assistance to individuals with a disability or chronic health condition to help navigate challenges, access resources, and maintain independence in daily lives.


Department Leadership
Advocacy
The Advocacy Department worked intently over the past two years to increase home care rates to allow Waypoint to continue providing services to elderly individuals and disable adults.


Learn More

### Family Preservation & Strengthening

Waypoint supports at-risk families to improve long-range family functioning and independence. Our programs help caregivers overcome challenges, build resilience and skills, and gain the tools and resources necessary to provide safe, nurturing homes for their children.


Department Leadership
Advocacy
Waypoint's advocacy program works at the legislative level to shape laws and public policies that further the best interests of children and families. The advocacy team works closely with Waypoint's leadership and family preservation staff to identify themes, issues, and concerns that impact the families we serve.


Learn More

### Homeless Youth & Young Adult Department

The Homeless Youth and Young Adult Youth Department provides a range of support services to meet the needs of unstably housed youth and young adults. From Street Outreach to Host Housing, our programs are focused on keeping youth and young adults safe and providing a path to stability.Have a non-emergency and need to chat? Dial our new on-call number at 603-518-4007. If no one gets back to you right away, just give it another try in 15 minutes. 		
					Regional Access Points				
					Supportive Services				
					Housing Programs				
					Emergency Young Adult Shelter				
					Department Leadership				
					Advocacy				
		The Homeless Youth and Young Adult Department engages in advocacy at all levels - local, state and federal - with the goal of making youth homelessness in NH rare, brief, and one-time.		
					
									Learn More

### Early Childhood & Family Support

Raising a child is a big job. Waypoint is here to help through a wide range of services that are tailored to the needs of individual children and their families.		
			Family Resource Centers		
			Supportive Services		
			Department Leadership		
			Advocacy		
		The Advocacy Department worked intently over the past two years to increase home care rates to allow Waypoint to continue providing services to elderly individuals and disabled adults.		
			
									Learn More

### Why Work Here

Why Work at Waypoint				
		Waypoint's mission is to empower all people-including our employees. Waypoint encourages a work/life balance and flexibility that benefits you, your clients, and your family. We support our employees with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits that are always evolving to ensure that our employees' needs are met. Explore a myriad of opportunities and apply today. You'll love what you do here!		
					Overview				
		Waypoint is committed to transforming lives and improving the well-being of those in our communities by providing quality services based on best practices. When you choose to work at Waypoint, you will be valued and appreciated as a crucial part of our organization and mission. Satisfaction is found through positive work experiences and the impact made in your community.Through courageous leadership, transparency, and accountability, we cultivate collaboration and create a culture where our employees feel a sense of belonging. We are always finding ways to better serve our clients and employees, and seek out feedback to guide those changes.When you work for Waypoint, you will always have a great organization, great team, and supportive supervisors to be with you along the way!		
					The Benefits				
							
							
													
										Comprehensive core benefits package, including EAP program and paid family medical leave for full time positions
									
								
													
										Accepting company culture with an engaged leadership team
									
								
													
										Internal growth opportunities with many career choices at all levels
									
								
													
										Training opportunities and educational assistance programs
									
								
													
										Retirement plans with company match
									
						
							
							
													
										Ample paid time off, including personal, sick, and vacation hours plus an additional 10 paid company holidays
									
								
													
										Mileage reimbursement
									
								
													
										Qualifying non-profit employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
									
								
													
										Half-day Fridays in the summer and summer camp reimbursement program
									
						
					Browse Job Openings				
					
									Waypoint Jobs

### Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees is comprised of community members with diverse skill sets but a shared commitment to the well-being of their fellow citizens. Board members bring valued expertise and perspectives to guide our current work and develop strategies for the future.

### Staff Leadership

Waypoint Leadership		
		Waypoint’s workforce of over 300 individuals is a force for good with a mission to empower lives.Our leadership team is at the helm, providing strategic insights, innovation, and guidance to ensure we achieve our mission. Each member of our team brings deep expertise and creative thinking to their role.

### News & Stories

News and Stories
Learn more about current initiatives and the latest happenings as Waypoint works to empower people and address social problems in communities across New Hampshire.


Featured Story


News

### Who We Are

Who We Are				
		Waypoint has been supporting and empowering NH citizens since 1850. We have expanded our mission since we began as a child welfare agency, but have remained steadfast in our commitment to helping Granite Staters find paths to brighter futures. Our compassionate, dedicated staff collaborates with the State of New Hampshire and other nonprofits to serve people of all ages.		
																														
					Our name, tagline, and logo represent our mission and values. 
				
		A waypoint is a point along a journey at which you change course. We chose the word for our name because it captures exactly what we do. Our programs guide those who need help negotiating life's challenges in a new direction. Our tagline, "help along the way" communicates our commitment to be a lifeline across people's lifespans. Just as we rely on clear signs to guide us on unfamiliar roads, Waypoint is a beacon to help people find their way. The compass in our logo is a visual reflection of the important way-finding role that we play to help others navigate to a better future.		
					Tradition and distinction				
		We have been providing essential human services since 1850. While our services have evolved over the years to adapt to changing community needs, our long-standing commitment to empowering those who need help has never wavered. Waypoint is a founding member of the Child Welfare League of America, and we hold the distinction as NH delegate to the Children’s Home Society of America. To date, we are the only organization of our kind in New Hampshire to be accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), which means that we adhere to the highest standards of practice.		
					Our Mission				
					Empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy				
					Our Values				
					Community of StaffOur staff work as a united community to carry out our mission with competence and compassion.				
					Culture of Care We are leaders who cultivate an environment of continual learning, support, flexibility, and accountability.				
					Integrity in Action We are nimble and innovative, taking a leading role in addressing pressing issues in our communities. We are committed to supporting all Granite Staters. When everybody has a chance to succeed - our communities are stronger, healthier, better.
				
					Making an Impact The difference we make in New Hampshire is tracked by data and reporting, which helps us understand our impact and make continuous enhancements in our services.				
					Lifting Every Voice We are changemakers and vocal advocates in the state house and beyond, so New Hampshire has sustainably healthy communities.

### Become a Waypoint Guardian

Become a Waypoint Guardian
Waypoint Guardians are dedicated supporters who are the champions of our mission and our cause, each donating $1,000 annually to help the over 9,000 struggling families, youth, and elderly in NH. The steadfast support from Waypoint Guardians provides an essential foundation for our programs and services.
What is a Waypoint Guardian?
Waypoint Guardians are a group of extraordinary supporters who give generously to make a difference through Leadership giving. Guardians donate $1,000 or more between January 1 and December 31 each year. Annual giving is cumulative, and the $1,000 contribution may be made in one gift or recurring monthly gifts. Members receive invitations to Waypoint events and gatherings, as well as acknowledgment in donor listings.
Designate Your Gift
Where it is needed most
Unrestricted giving allows Waypoint to allocate funds where they are needed most – whether to help families who have children with a chronic illness, families with babies with developmental delays, or the elderly who may have limited family support. Unrestricted gifts ensure that all programs are funded and Waypoint is organizationally strong.
Youth Experiencing Homlessness
An estimated 15,000 youth and young adults in NH will experience some form of homelessness each year. They may be homeless because their parents have substance use disorders, or they experience abuse or neglect, or they may have aged out of foster care and have no family to support them. Waypoint helps to provide youth with resources ranging from survival aid to temporary housing and case management.
Home Care
Our companions, homemakers, and nurses provide in-home assistance to seniors and adults with disabilities. Most of our clients do not have family support and live in poverty. Waypoint helps clients remain at home for as long as they are able to safely. Without Waypoint, they would have no other options.
Helping Children & Families
Before there were state services to protect children, there was Waypoint. Today, independent from but in partnership with the State of NH, we remain committed to protecting and advancing the well-being of children. Whether through parenting support or advocacy, Waypoint provides a lifeline to families and children in need or at risk.
The Upper Valley
Waypoint is growing in the Upper Valley in response to needs in the region. Extreme poverty, lack of transportation, and addiction have created barriers for the most vulnerable families. Our Family Resource Center provides vital assistance to these families by offering a range of programs, a network of support, and connections to community services.
Ways to Give
To make a donation
of $1,000 or more:
Online

Donate Now

By Mail
Attn: Waypoint Guardians
Waypoint
PO Box 448
Manchester, NH 03105

Please make checks payable to Waypoint

Contact
Laura Zorawowicz, Development Manager
603-518-4195
zorawowiczl@waypointnh.org

### Fundraising Events

Fundraising Events
Fundraising Events are a key way we raise both awareness and funds to further Waypoint's mission of supporting NH people across the lifespan. When we come together as a community, we forge connections that create lasting impact and provide hope to the people we serve.




Youth homelessness is hard, dangerous, and preventable. SleepOut is a night spent outside to raise awareness and funds to address critical needs and transform lives in New Hampshire.


Learn More



Touch a Truck
Waypoint's annual Touch-a-Truck features construction equipment, fire trucks, a race car, coach buses, oil delivery trucks, landscaping equipment, limousines, emergency vehicles, and more, to look at and sometimes climb on and explore.


Learn More

### Ways to give

Ways to Give				
		Waypoint needs your support to provide life-changing services to NH residents of all ages. Your contributions help fund programs that create a social safety net for children, youth, adults, and families. By helping the most vulnerable among us, we build stronger and more resilient communities.		
					
									Donate
					
					
									Employee Match
					
					
									Become a Waypoint Guardian
					
					
									1850 Legacy Society
					
					Donate				
					Change a life today!				
		Your financial support helps us protect children from abuse and neglect, empower struggling families, provide compassionate services to children with special needs, change the trajectory for youth experiencing homelessness, and help elderly clients remain independent in their own homes.		
					
									Donate Now
					
																														
																														
					Employee Match				
					Boost your impact
				
		Many employers will match charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees. Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses. Be sure to check with your employer to see if a matching gift program is available to increase the impact of your giving!		
																														
					Become a Waypoint Guardian
				
					Donate at a Leadership Level				
		Waypoint Guardians are a group of dedicated supporters who champion our mission by donating at least $1,000 annually to help over 9,000 struggling families, youth, and elderly in NH. As a Waypoint Guardian, you direct where you want your gift to make the biggest impact.		
					
									Learn More
					
																														
																														
																														
					1850 Legacy Society
				
					Create a lasting legacy of support				
		We received our first planned gift in 1851, just one year after we were founded. Since then, legacy giving has become a vital tradition. Donors who make provisions in their will or trust, or who otherwise include Waypoint in their estate planning, are part of the 1850 Legacy Society. Including Waypoint in your estate plans supports our programs, serves a inspiration to others, and becomes a lasting legacy for you and your family.For more information about legacy giving, please contact Laura Zorawowicz, Development Manager, at 603-518-4195 or zorawowiczl@waypointnh.org		
					Ways to Give				
		Make your gift online, by mail, or by phone.Donate appreciated stock or mutual fund sharesGive through your donor-advised fundMake a qualified distribution through your Individual Retirement Account (IRA).Include a gift to Waypoint in your estate plan.		
					Online				
					
									Donate Now
					
					By Mail				
		Attn: Waypoint GuardiansWaypointPO Box 448Manchester, NH 03105Please make checks payable to WaypointContactLaura Zorawowicz, Development Manager, 603-518-4195 or zorawowiczl@waypointnh.org

### Jobs

Why Work Here
					
			
									Waypoint Jobs

### About

Who We Are
					
			
									News and Stories
					
			
									Staff Leadership
					
			
									Board

### Advocacy

Advocacy
Our advocacy team works at the legislative level to shape laws and public policies that advance the best interests of children. Since 1971, we have worked with other advocates – including teachers, lawyers, doctors, social service professionals, and others – as a collective now known as the NH Children’s Lobby.
About Us
The Waypoint advocacy program is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through legislative, judicial and public policy initiatives. Always at the forefront of social service and social justice, the impact of Waypoint’s advocacy work can be felt over generations.
Some of the ways we have helped create a more humane world for NH kids:

 	
Revised child abuse and neglect laws
 	
Co-wrote the guardianship of minors law
 	
Collaborated with other stakeholders in a campaign that resulted in historic investments in New Hampshire’s early childhood education system
 	
Worked with a coalition to obtain a $135 million increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates (as of January 1, 2024) to support Waypoint’s Choices for Independence program
 	
Promoted day care licensing
 	
Evolved a restorative juvenile justice model
 	
Revised action settlement laws to ensure availability and stability of critical services to children
 	
Guided every change in adoption laws since the laws were written.
 	
Championed CHINS (Children in Need of Services)
 	
Worked with coalition to raise the age of majority in NH to 18


 	
Worked to enact legislation to eliminate the use of corporal punishment in residential and educational facilities
 	
Coordinated a statewide effort to preserve funding for programs to improve birth outcomes for at-risk babies
 	
Prioritized the best interests of children in divorce and child protection cases
 	
Beat back legislation that would have impeded child abuse and neglect investigations
 	
Championed the continued availability of Medicaid, ensuring coverage for nearly 60,000 individuals
 	
Prompted the new Office of Child Advocate to oversee and improve state's child protection system the public
 	
Collaborated with stakeholders to close the Sununu Youth Services Center and replace it with a trauma-informed, evidence-based therapeutic treatment center for NH’s detained and committed youth

Voice for Children
In 1986, Waypoint (then Child and Family Services) established the Voice for Children award, an honor to recognize a New Hampshire citizen or group who has shown an outstanding commitment to – and made a tremendous difference in – the lives of children and families. Upon the retirement of long-time agency advocate, Jack Lightfoot, the agency renamed it the Jack Lightfoot Voice for Children Award. Our most recent honoree is:

2025: Dr. Moira O'Neill, the first NH Child Advocate



View Past Winners


Emily Lawrence
Advocacy Director 
After 10 years as a law clerk with New Hampshire Superior and Supreme Courts, Emily became the first Associate Child Advocate and legal counsel with the State of New Hampshire Office of Child Advocate. Emily holds a J.D. from New England Law and a B.A. in psychology with a concentration in child development from Barnard College.


Liz Belsito
Early Childhood Education Project Coordinator
Liz has an extensive background working to build capacity within early childhood systems. She formerly worked with the Granite United Way as Director of Early Childhood Initiatives.
NHCL Members
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A Lifeline Across Lifespans
Empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy since 1850.



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175th Anniversary



2025 marks a milestone year for Waypoint, the state’s longest-running human service / children’s charitable organization. Over 175 years, we have constantly evolved with the changing times to better support people as they change course in their own lives. As a lifeline across the lifespan, we provide support and services for all ages with a focus on advocacy that impacts the future for all.


Learn More

Get Involved
There are many ways to support our life changing work, from participating in events such as our annual SleepOut to increase awareness of youth homelessness, to joining our community as a valued donor.


Ways to Give 

SleepOut 

Fundraising Events 
Advocacy


Our advocacy team works at the legislative level to shape laws and public policies to advance the well-being of children and families. Since 1971, we have worked in alongside with other advocates across the state, including teachers, lawyers, doctors, social service professionals and others, as a collective now known as the NH Children’s Lobby. Always at the forefront of social service and social justice, Waypoint’s advocacy team continues to guard children’s rights and serve the evolving needs of each new generation.


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Activities


Waypoint offers a wide range of free activities and groups to create community, share knowledge, develop tools and skills, have fun, and empower individuals of all ages. From caregiver and parenting support, to family events and playgroups, these activities strengthen family bonds and the connections we have with one another.


Learn More

News and Stories


## Activities

### Parenting A Second Time Around Class

Kinship Caregivers will be guided in a 7-week curriculum for those Parenting A Second Time Around (PASTA).  

PASTA Curriculum includes such topics as: unexpected parenting, grief & loss, getting to know the children in your care and yourself, dealing with stress, rebuilding relationships, helpful resources, communication, disciplining differently, legal concerns, planning your future, standing up for your rights as caregivers, and living with teens to name a few. 

### Kinship Strong - Support Group

The Kinship Strong Support Group is a monthly group that provides a safe space to connect with other caregivers, share resources and build a community. This group serves as an opportunity for children to socialize and see they are not alone.

 

Childcare provided at limited capacity- *must register*

Bring your own snacks.

### Family Movie Night

Manchester City Library and Waypoint Present Polar express Movie Night

Gather your family, cozy up in your pajamas if you’d like, and join us for a screening of the Polar Express. Enjoy the magic of the season on the big screen, complete with festive treats and holiday cheer. Registration is required.

### Parent Chat & Play

Caregivers, come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while your children have fun in our large playroom with activity centers. As weather permits, we will go outside to play in the large playground with climbing structures, bikes, and a sand and water table. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

### Parenting Kids on the Spectrum - a Peer-Led Discussion Group

Parenting an autistic child comes with unique experiences, and having the right support can make all the difference. Traditional parenting advice may not always align with neurodivergent needs, leaving caregivers searching for approaches that truly support their child's growth and well-being.

Join us for a welcoming, ongoing monthly discussion group where parents can connect, share insights, exchange resources, and explore strategies that celebrate and support their child's individuality. Let's navigate this journey together!

 

### P.A.C.T Parents of Autistic Children Together: A Peer Support Group & Playgroup

A hybrid peer support group and playgroup gathering for parents and guardians of autistic children, or children suspected to be autistic, ages 0-5.

Each event will start with a playgroup and time for parents to freely connect with others. The group will split halfway through, with the adults switching to the learning session, engaging in the topic the presenter is sharing that day. The children will remain in playgroup supervised by our providers. Parents must register to attend to ensure we have enough staff for the playgroup. If you are joining the learning session virtually, you will be sent a Zoom link to the email you provided at registration. We look forward to you joining us!

To view registration and program information click here to view the flyer.

The location will rotate monthly between Waypoint UV-FRC & TLC Claremont.

Location Addresses: Waypoint Upper Valley Family Resource Center, 85 Mechanic Street, Suite B2-6, Lebanon NH
or TLC Claremont, 62 Pleasant St, Claremont, NH 03743

Contact Nicollette at nking@pathwaysnh.org to register.

### Community Collaborative Playgroup

Join us for a child and caregiver-inclusive group for social connections and fun. Hosted by The Family Place & Waypoint, this group rotates monthly between both locations to give families and caregivers exposure to different programs as we bridge the river and link with others in our community. Connect with Lori or Renée to find out which location we are at this month!

View the flyer here for more information.

For directions click here.

### PASTA (Parenting a Second Time Around) Support Group - Concord

PASTA is an ongoing support group for all kinship caregivers including grandparents and other caregivers in the position of raising a child or children 18 and under. This free support group is a great place to meet caregivers like yourself, learn new skills, and gather resources.

Topics of discussion can include child development, discipline and guidance, self-care, rebuilding a family, living with teens, legal issues, and advocacy. Childcare, provided by professionals at the YMCA, and dinner, provided by Waypoint, are both free.
Registration is required. Please confirm your participation and child care needs.


To register or for questions:


Beth Maltzie - 603-851-0239 or MaltzieB@waypointnh.org

### Positive Solutions for Families

Join our free, 7-week virtual workshop for parents and caregivers of children up to age 8.

-Discover why your child has challenging behavior

-Gain strategies to help your child learn appropriate behavior

-Help your child learn social skills and how to express emotions in a healthy way

A certificate is presented to those who have attended all of the classes.

### Upper Valley Playgroup

Meet new friends, encourage your child's play, and share parenting ideas at our weekly playgroup for children ages 0-5 and their parents/caregivers. Siblings welcome.

### Music Together

Join us for an engaging Early Childhood music and movement class, where babies, toddlers, children, and their grown-ups participate and experience various genres of music, explore musical instruments, and interact together while moving and grooving to different rhythms and beats. Parents and caregivers support different areas of their child's development and share in the music-making!

Presented quarterly in collaboration with Upper Valley Music Center.

 

### Family Fun Night

Enjoy relaxed time with your family! Bring the whole family for pizza, snacks, crafts, games, and lots of fun!

### Super Dads, Super Kids

This 4 week series is exclusively for dads! Super Dads, Super Kids empowers fathers to embrace their role as strong, positive role models. Complete all 8 classes to earn a certificate and build a lasting impact in your child’s life. This is a free class where you can earn a certificate.

### Positive Solutions for Families

Join our FREE, 7-week virtual workshop for parents and caregivers of children up to age 8.

-Discover why your child has challenging behavior

-Gain strategies to help your child learn appropriate behavior

-Help your child learn social skills and how to express emotions in a healthy way

A certificate is presented to those who have attended all of the classes.

 

### PASTA (Parenting a Second Time Around) Support Group - Nashua

Are you parenting a second time around? This free support group is a great chance to meet other grandparents and family caregivers who are in a similar situation, share ideas, find out about rights and resources, and get empowered and inspired.


## Team Members

### Terri Pastori



### Arnaldo Negron



### Megan Carrier



### Tim Soucy



### Lisa Kennedy Sheldon



### Courtney Fifield



### Ellie Salvo



### Gabriela McFadden



### Janet Ackerman



### Sharyn Zunz



### Michele Merritt



### Marilyn Mahoney



### Joanne Linden



### Stephen Langdon



### Brad Kuster



### Elliott Berry



### Katelyn Soucy



### Donna Pergande



### Dawn Wheeler



### Ann Brownell



### Kristen Campbell



### Jac Carroll



### Mandy Lancaster



### Alicia DeLoid



### Casey Wortman



### Emily Hacker



### Tammy Boucher



### Caryn Lemay



### Nancy Lucci



### Melissa Hugener



### Erin George-Kelly

As a member of our strategic leadership team, Erin plays a key role in ensuring that Waypoint takes innovative and strategic approaches in serving its clientele. For a decade, she led the Homeless Youth and Young Adult Department. Erin inspires the members of the Waypoint community to think big and take intentional steps to become thought leaders and changemakers. Erin works closely with Waypoint staff, Board of Trustees, and community partners to implement our Strategic Plan and infuse our culture and values throughout all corners of our work.

### Jeannie Wall, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Jeannie ensures that Waypoint is a supportive, energizing work environment for those who are committed to changing lives, improving communities, and making the world a better place. Her guiding philosophy is that if Waypoint is to be the agency of choice for those who seek help, we must be the agency of choice for those who can provide it. Jeannie works with potential and current Waypoint employees on everything from job opportunities, to benefits, to pathways for career advancement. She is instrumental in fulfilling Waypoint's commitment to the people who work hard to fulfill our mission.

### Denise Bennett

Denise takes care of the business of our mission, balancing social responsibility with fiscal responsibility. Her years of experience in nonprofit finance give her the insight and expertise necessary to maximize mission accomplishment with available funding. Denise’s skills in financial reporting, analysis, and long-range business planning are key to managing Waypoint’s program complexity and diverse revenue streams, along with our investments in the daily and long-term viability of the organization.

### Colleen Ives, Ph.D.

Colleen is in charge of building efficiencies and capacities on the inside, and growing our practice partnerships on the outside. With a doctorate in organizational management, Colleen has a deep understanding about how to integrate agency assets, resources, and ideas to enable us to best fulfill our mission. As COO, Colleen stays on top of the latest research and industry standards for best practices, and keeps us accountable for program budget goals, output, and measurable outcomes.

### Borja Alvarez de Toledo, M.Ed.

Borja’s background in both psychology and business established a strong foundation to lead an organization dedicated to overcoming the challenges of the human condition. His compassion and understanding for people blends with decades of management experience, making him a uniquely effective leader to fulfill Waypoint's mission.

Working with strategic, creative, committed, and compassionate staff, he unites people around Waypoint's shared vision to empower people and make a difference in the lives of Granite Staters. He is known throughout the state for his progressive approach to practice, and is sought-after for his perspectives on public policy.

### Jen Stebbins Thomas, Chair



### Mark Rouvalis, Esq.



### Zachery Palmer



### Marilyn Mahoney



### Marc Lubelczyk



### Emily Hammond, Secretary



### Rob Dapice, Vice Chair



### Bill Conrad



### Melissa Biron, Treasurer




## Programs

### Prevention Demonstration Project

Waypoint is piloting a range of services in Manchester designed to prevent youth homelessness. Services are targeted to families with children between 12 and 21 at risk of homelessness. Factors that increase the likelihood of homelessness include 

 	Housing Instability 


 	Poverty or economic insecurity 


 	Lack of affordable housing 


 	Family conflict 


 	LGBTQIA+ youth 


 	Pregnant or parenting youth 


 	Disconnected from school 


 	Youth with history of leaving home / kicked out 


 	Violence at home 


 	Parent with severe, chronic, persistent mental health 


 	Parental or youth substance use 


 	Lack of positive social support 


 	Previous, repeated involvement with Child Welfare 


 	Death of a primary caregiver 


 	Incarceration of parent 

 

We provide flexible cash assistance for short-term financial emergencies, resources, case management, and therapeutic mentoring to support young people and their family. Through the program, we hope to prevent youth from becoming homeless in the future.  

### Want to help? Check out our Wishlist.

1. Provide a material donation or do a drive to provide much-needed items: 



Clothing and Personal items:

 	Socks (various sizes)
 	Underwear (various sizes)
 	Sports bras/bralettes (various sizes)
 	Flip flops (various sizes)
 	Sneakers
 	Seasonally appropriate clothing, including outerwear
 	Tank tops (various sizes and styles)
 	Bathing suits (various sizes and styles)
 	Swimming trunks (various sizes)
 	Sweats (tops and bottoms)
 	Shorts (various sizes and styles)
 	T-shirts (various sizes and styles)
 	Sunscreen
 	Bug spray
 	Nail clippers
 	Reusable water bottles
 	Makeup
 	Books
 	Over-the-counter non-drowsy allergy medicine
 	Over-the-counter pain relief

Hygiene Products:

 	Wet Wipes
 	Chapstick
 	Deodorant/Body Spray (axe, etc.)
 	Lotion
 	Foot powder/cream
 	Shampoo
 	Pads and tampons
 	Adult diapers
 	Conditioner (for all hair types)
 	Bath towels and facecloths



Survival Items:

 	Sleeping bags
 	Sleeping pads
 	Tents
 	Travel-sized first-aid kits
 	Backpacks
 	Bike locks
 	Flashlights
 	Batteries
 	Phone chargers (solar, block, etc.)
 	Trac phones and cards
 	Nourishing snacks to-go

Gift Cards:

 	Movie theater gift cards
 	Target/Walmart gift cards
 	Gas cards (Mobil, Cumberland Farms, etc.)
 	Chipotle, McDonalds, Dunkin’ gift cards

Housing Programs:

 	Pots and pans sets, to support young people transitioning to housing
 	Dish sets, to support young people transitioning to housing
 	Silverware, to support young people transitioning to housing
 	Bed-in-a-bag (twin beds), sheets, comforters, duvets, pillows, etc.)
 	Board games (for young adults 18-25)
 	Art supplies
 	Towel sets (kitchen and bath)
 	String lights
 	Bathmats
 	Laundry detergent
 	Household cleaning supplies

2. Provide a monetary donation to support our program operations by clicking here: DONATE NOW

3. Become a part of our annual SleepOut fundraiser.

4. If you are interested in volunteering, opportunities are as follows:
Cater/order take-out meal to be delivered to Waypoint: You may be able to help serve the meal. This can be a one-time opportunity or weekly/monthly.
Career Services: Assist participants with job searching, resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills.
Internships: We can provide appropriate internship experiences for both undergraduate and graduate-level programs in a variety of human service fields on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in an internship please contact Holly Compos at ComposC@waypointnh.org

### Rochester Youth Drop-in Center

The Rochester Drop-in Center is a safe, non-judgmental space for young people in Strafford and eastern Rockingham counties to get help when they are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Young people will be met by dedicated and caring staff who get it! A young person can stop by for whatever level of care they want – from counseling and resource coordination, to a shower and a meal.

The Youth Drop-In Center also serves as a designated Regional Access Point (RAP). RAP is a single entry point to a range of systems and services for young adults experiencing homelessness. Our designated staff are trained to assess and connect young people to the larger homeless service system.

### Manchester Youth Drop-in Center

The Manchester Drop-in Center is a safe and non-judgmental space for young people who have left home, feel unsafe at home, are coach surfing, or are experiencing literal homelessness. Dedicated and caring staff understand the issues that young people may be facing and are experienced at providing connections to resources and support – whether the young person just wants a safe place to go for a few hours or help overcoming challenges and rebuilding a life.

The Drop-in Center also serves as a designated Regional Access Point (RAP). RAPs provide a single point of entry to vital systems and supportive services for young adults experiencing homelessness, without duplicating efforts from other organizations and programs. Designated, trained staff members conduct assessments and connect youth to the larger homeless service system.

### Teen Services Outreach Program

Teen Services help youth from 12-17 years when home feels unsafe or when there is no longer a place to call home. Through collaboration with the youth, parents or legal guardians, and school staff when it is appropriate, an outreach social worker works to achieve safe, stable housing and a path to self-sufficiency for the young person.

The Teen Outreach Specialist connects the youth with access to supportive counseling, enriching recreation, and independent living skill building, and may also provide help in reunifying the family. The goal of Teen Services is to help young people through crises and work to prevent harm.

 

### Street Outreach Programs

Street Outreach Programs do just what the name says – our teams get out on the streets in areas throughout NH to reach out to young people who are at risk of experiencing, or are experiencing, housing instability or homelessness. Teams are out almost every day of the year and go just about everywhere – parks, the woods, river fronts, cemeteries, downtown, off the beaten path, and along the beaches in the Seacoast and Manchester regions. Their mission is to be a lifeline to at-risk youth by meeting immediate basic needs and providing services for safe, stable, and self-sufficient futures.

Street Outreach Programs serve young people ages 12 through 24.

 

### Rapid Rehousing

The Rapid Rehousing Program helps young people ages 18 through 24 find housing when they are experiencing literal homelessness or housing instability. Local landlords provide rental housing for up to 24 months and Rapid Rehousing Coordinators mediate the relationship between the young people and their landlords.

Referrals for this program come strictly from Coordinated Entry(CE) of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)of NH and serve the most vulnerable young adults. Waypoint's Youth Navigator or Regional Access Point connect youth to this coordinated entry assessment.

 

### Transitional Living Program

If you are a young person, 18-21, who is experiencing – or at risk of experiencing –homelessness, the Transitional Living Program (TLP) can help.

TLP is a 12-18 month program to provide safe housing and support to help you move to successful, self-sufficient, independent living. As a TLP resident, you get support finding or keeping a job, and finishing your high school education or the equivalent. Our staff also helps you build life skills so you can learn to live independently and connects you to the resources you need. You contribute a portion of your income to savings, participate in life skills groups, and meet weekly with a TLP care coordinator to work on reaching your goals.

### Host Home Program

Referrals for this program come from the Prioritization List in the Coordinated Entry (CE) of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) of NH.

Young people from this list are further assessed by Waypoint. The Host Home Coordinator then recruits and matches a qualified young person to a host who commits to providing housing for up to 12 months. This host may be a natural support already in the young person’s life, or it may be a new community member volunteer. All hosts are screened and assessed and will receive a monthly stipend to help offset the cost of another person staying in their home.

The Host Home Coordinator provides ongoing support to both young adults and their hosts for the duration of their participation.

### Pregnant/Parenting Transitional Living Program

If you are 18-21 years old, pregnant or parenting, and are homeless or at risk of being homeless, the Transitional Living Parenting Program (TLPP) can help.

TLPP is a safe, time-limited housing program, that provides support so young parents can improve their lives while raising a family. Through TLPP, you are provided an apartment; access to educational, vocational, and community resources; and will learn parenting and independent living skills, such as household management, while you move toward independence.

Your TLPP care coordinator will meet weekly with you to help you reach your goals. A focus is placed on positive parenting, education, connection to sustainable housing, and employment. You and your child(ren) may remain in TLPP for 12-18 months.

TLP Intake Line: (603) 518.4380

 

### Home Health Care

Through our Home Health Care agency, Waypoint provides help to seniors and individuals with disabilities so they may live at home with dignity for as long as it is safe, and they choose to do so. Direct service professionals such as homemakers, personal care service providers, and licensed nurses help with household tasks, errands, hygiene, and other activities.

For seniors with chronic illnesses, registered nurses may be provided to perform general health assessments, assist with medications, and communicate with the primary care physician. All visits start with a free, in-home visit to review benefit eligibility and to design a plan of care.

### Health Care Coordination (HCC)

A chronic health condition lasts for at least six months and cannot be prevented by vaccines, cured by medicine, or just disappear. Health conditions such as asthma, cerebral palsy, diabetes, epilepsy, and many more are considered chronic. These chronic conditions can change daily life and create challenges, both for both for an individual and the family responsible for their care.

HCC provides support for children and young adults from birth to age 21 who have health conditions expected to last a year or more, as well as to the children's families. The program is free, regardless of family income.

### Emergency Homeless Shelter

Waypoint's shelter at 298 Hanover Street in Manchester serves young adults ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. The shelter is known as "low-barrier," which means that qualifying entry requirements are minimized so young adults have fewer barriers to entry. The shelter has 14 beds and is housed in the same building as the Manchester Drop-in Center. It is a safe space where young people have easy access to temporary and ongoing services tailored to their needs.

### Individual Service Options (ISO)

Individual Service Options (ISO) is a comprehensive, intense home-based program for complex cases referred by child protective services or Juvenile Justice. The program partners a Waypoint Permanency Therapist with a Parent Coach for supervised visits as needed. Multiple therapeutic sessions and Parent Coach visits will occur weekly. The Waypoint ISO team often works with a New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) licensed foster home, relative provider, or residential facility (with special permissions) as a united team.

The ISO program tailors therapeutic, social and community-based services to the specific needs of a child and family, and strives to create a safe, stable, positive home environment for each child.

### Therapeutic Counseling

Waypoint provides counseling to individuals coping with challenges in their lives. Our therapeutic counselors help you solve problems, overcome difficulties, achieve your goals, and empower you with the skills and tools that can help you throughout your life.

Our treatment model is strengths-based, solution-focused, short-term, and relationship-centered. Treatment is supported and enhanced by groups, home-based services, and community involvement. Income and ability to pay are considered when determining the client's portion of the fee.

### Parent Coach Program

Waypoint's Parent Coach Program (formerly known as Parent Aide) provides supervised family time and parenting support for those who are involved with court-ordered families. Our parent coaches are caring, skilled, trusted professionals who work with you and your children for a specific time period and tailor services to your family's needs. Services may be provided in your home, in your community, or at a Waypoint Family Resource Center.

The Parent Coach Program helps establish healthy bonds and strengthen family life through parent education, emotional support, parenting strategies, and access to an array of community resources. Stronger family bonds lead to stronger attachments across caregiver environments and improved care for your children.

### Integrated Home Based Therapeutic Services

When families are struggling and child protection services are involved, intervention is needed quickly to keep children safe and stabilize the family. HBTS works to restore positive functioning through trauma-focused, community-based therapy and provide education around community resources.

Our services are designed to tackle an array of family problems and are tailored to each family’s specific needs. Permanency Therapists use a variety of interventions to achieve a range of goals from preventing out-of-home placement of the child or facilitating family reunification, to improving parent-child communication and enhancing nurturing.

### Community-Based Voluntary Services

Raising children is hard work. Waypoint is here to help. Through CBVS, you have a family support worker who is dedicated just to you and works with you to help you keep your family together and thriving. You receive services and support tailored to your needs.

CBVS is a free, short-term program and there is no state involvement. Once your DCYF assessment is closed, we will work with you to strengthen your parenting skills and connect you with resources to help you achieve your goals for your family.

### Kinship Navigation, Grandparenting & Kinship Resources

The Kinship Navigation Program links grandparents and other caregivers to services and supports specific to their family’s needs. Accessed through Waypoint's Family Resource Centers, experienced Kinship Navigators provide emotional support, education, guidance, referrals, and follow-up services to promote independence and enhance the well-being of the families they serve. Navigators help with a wide range of issues including healthcare, education, childcare, financial assistance, and legal questions about protecting your rights and the child’s well-being.

Kinship Navigation services are free, confidential, and available to grandparents and other caregivers who are raising a child/children in the absence of the child/children's biological parents.

### Parenting Plus

Parenting Plus is offered through Waypoint’s Family Resource Centers in Merrimack and Hillsborough Counties. It’s a trusted, free, voluntary program that helps families strengthen skills, stabilize in times of stress, and stay connected to community resources. 

Our Family Support Specialists provide guidance, encouragement, and connections to resources, so you don’t have to face parenting alone. Any family can apply and benefit from this program. Visits can happen in your home or another location that feels comfortable for you. 

You can connect with us yourself, or refer families you know, confident they’ll receive respectful, confidential, and goal-oriented support from trained Family Support Specialists. 

See contact information to sign up or learn more!

### Healthy Families America

Through Healthy Families America, you’ll be matched with a Family Support Specialist who can visit you at home or meet you wherever feels comfortable. Together, you’ll talk through your questions, connect to resources, and build confidence in your parenting journey. 

Why Families Love This Program 

 	Free and voluntary — no cost, no pressure. 


 	Local support — available to families in Merrimack, Hillsborough, and Rockingham Counties, New Hampshire. 


 	Trusted guidance — Our trained family support specialists are here for all of it.   


 	Convenient – Your family support specialist can visit you in your family home or another location of your choice.  


 	No judgment — just real support from people who care.  

Waypoint’s got you! Contact us to learn more or get signed up. 

### Early Supports & Services

Our role at Waypoint at the Richie McFarland Center is to connect you with services for your child while empowering you with knowledge and understanding of their development. We teach the emotional and practical skills you’ll need to enhance the health, wellness, and future of your child and your family. Together, you and your NH Birth to 3 team will design a program that best meets the needs of your child, family, and lifestyle. Your team may include speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, educators, early childhood development specialists, and social workers.

Services for your child cannot be denied because of a lack of insurance coverage, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to families for NH Birth to 3 (insurance copays and deductibles will not be charged to families).

### Youth Navigator Program

The Youth Navigator Program provides one-on-one help for young people navigating a housing crisis. We provide resources, referral, and coordination to support young people who might be thinking of leaving home or who already do not live with parents/guardians, are couch surfing, or are experiencing homelessness. Through the program, we help youth chart a course to safety.

### Family Resource Center - Concord

Waypoint Concord Family Resource Center (FRC), is conveniently located in downtown Concord. It is a gathering place where individuals and families can come for resources, services, support, supplies, connections, advocacy, professional staff, and opportunities. Services are always free, and all are welcome!

The Concord FRC offers a wide range of programs, including parenting classes, a virtual storytime for children, and a monthly Family Fun Night.

Waypoint is part of a statewide network of Family Resource Centers. To locate and connect with a center near you, click here.

### Family Resource Center - Manchester

Waypoint Manchester Family Resource Center is here to help your family through challenges, from parenting and child wellness, to financial issues and housing or employment instability. We also offer a variety of parent education classes, groups, and gatherings to support children and their caregivers. Services are always free and open to all!

Our family resource center is centrally located in downtown Manchester, steps away from community resources, parks, and bus stops. There is free parking in our lot directly behind our facility.

Waypoint is part of a statewide network of Family Resource Centers. To locate and connect with a center near you, click here.

### Family Resource Center - Upper Valley

Waypoint’s Upper Valley Family Resource Center (FRC) is located in downtown Lebanon on the Advance bus route, within the Rivermill complex.

Our staff helps NH and VT families find resources and services to meet basic needs, make connections, and get support. We offer a wide range of classes and groups for free, and all are welcome. For NH families, we provide Healthcare Coordination for families raising children with chronic healthcare conditions, and Community-Based Voluntary Services to preserve families at risk. We also offer clothing, diapers, and other products to meet basic needs.

Waypoint is part of a statewide network of Family Resource Centers.
To locate and connect with a center near you, click here.

### Family Resource Center - Nashua

Waypoint Nashua Family Resource Center offers resources, services, support, supplies, connections, advocacy, professional staff, and opportunities to community members and families. Services are always free and all are welcome!

Our Nashua center offers parent education classes and a range of groups and events that provide a fun way to meet other families in the area. The Waypoint Nashua Family Resource Center is located in downtown Nashua, directly behind the Nashua Public Library. We are on the local bus routes and there is free parking for clients.

Spanish speaking staff is available by appointment on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Subscribe to our Nashua Family Resource Center newsletter!

Waypoint is part of a statewide network of Family Resource Centers. To locate and connect with a center near you, click here.


## Get Help Resources

### Emergency Homeless Shelter

Waypoint offers an overnight emergency homeless shelter for youth between the ages of 18 and 24 in downtown Manchester.

### Youth Navigator Program

When you don't have a safe home, connect with a friendly expert to help you get what you need and figure out next steps.

### Manchester Youth Drop-in Center

If you are 12 to 24 years old and don't have a home, this is your safe place in the Manchester area. Drop in and we will connect you to the services you need.

### Rochester Youth Drop-in Center

If you are living in Strafford or eastern Rockingham County and don't have a safe home, the Rochester Drop-in Center is here for you. Stop by to get the help you need!

### Home Health Care

Our Home Care program helps older adults and people with disabilities over 18 take care of themselves and their home.

### Health Care Coordination (HCC)

Does your child have a long-term health issue? We are here to make your life a little easier with information, tools, and groups for caregivers like you.

### Home Visiting-Healthy Families America (HFA)

When you are caring for young children, you can have a home visitor come to your house to help you keep your kids safe and teach you how to be a better parent.

### Kinship Navigation

If you are a grandparent or other relative taking care of kids, you can get help through the Kinship Navigation Program. Get resources and answers to your questions to make your job easier.

### Home Visiting-Parenting Plus

It is hard to raise kids. Waypoint can come to your home and guide you so you are the best caregiver you can be. We help families with children from birth to 18.

### Family Resource Centers -- Manchester

The people at Waypoint Manchester FRC help you when life is hard. Free classes teach you to be a better parent and there are lots of groups to make friends and learn.

### Family Resource Centers -- Concord

Waypoint Concord FRC is free and open to all. We help you find services, learn to be a better parent, make friends, and more. We can also help you get basics like food and clothes.

### Family Resource Centers -- Nashua

The Nashua FRC is the place to go to learn to be the best parent you can be and get help finding services. Classes and other help are free and open to everyone.

### Family Resource Centers -- Upper Valley

The Upper Valley FRC helps families get help, learn, and have fun. We have free classes and groups, plus clothing for people of all ages, a diaper bank, and other help with basic needs.

### NH Birth to 3 (Family-Centered Early Supports & Services)

If you have been told that your baby has a developmental delay or a special condition, we can help. NH Birth to 3 has programs to help your baby and teach you important skills.

### Family Support Warm Line

Call our free phone service for help with raising kids and family issues. You can get answers to questions or find out about help you might be able to get.

### Diaper Pantry

Diapers and wipes are expensive. If you have trouble affording them, you can get some free from the Diaper Pantry. This is a joint effort of the Concord Connections Coalition, which Waypoint is part of.  It is open on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Mill Brook School, 53 South Curtisville Rd, Concord, NH, from 3:30 - 5:30 pm.