Waypoint may be over 175 years old, but we are constantly evolving to serve the current needs of New Hampshire families, children, and individuals. One of the ways we lead the way is by staying in tune with what families are experiencing and finding where Waypoint can fill in these gaps.
Listening to Families to Address Community Needs
Waypoint has Family Resource Centers (FRCs) across New Hampshire that provide resources, services, support, and connection—free of charge and open to all. Every Waypoint Family Resource Centers reflect the community it serves because every region has different needs, challenges, and strengths. Twice a year, Waypoint sends surveys to understand what programs families need.
“By polling the people in our community, we’re able to see where the prevalent needs are and try to wrap our work around them,” shares Joan Valk, Waypoint’s Family Resource Center Coordinator in Concord. “It’s about supporting them emotionally, physically, and financially. Giving them the things they need reduces stress.”
Waypoint also listens to feedback from individuals who contact us looking for services and from partner organizations who see a need.
“Waypoint has always been about understanding the real needs of families across New Hampshire,” says Borja Alvarez de Toledo, CEO of Waypoint. “Our Family Resource Centers show how listening closely and responding directly can make a meaningful difference—whether that’s through support groups for parents, workshops and activities, or new programs we haven’t imagined yet.”
Turning Community Feedback into Action
Waypoint had been hearing from families and partners asking if there were any support groups were available for parents with children on the autism spectrum.
One of our partners in the Upper Valley, Pathways, approached Waypoint about creating a community support group focused on autism for children 0-5. Renée Casey, Waypoint’s Upper Valley Family Resource Coordinator, knew that this was an unmet community need; there were no groups in the Upper Valley like this for autistic children.
The playgroup now meets once a month, alternating between Waypoint’s Family Resource Center in Lebanon and TLC Family Resource Center in Claremont to reach more families. It serves as a playgroup for children on the spectrum and a support group for caregivers to share experiences, challenges, and encouragement. A hybrid option lets families join by Zoom if they are not ready or able to meet in person.
“A lot of folks were looking for camaraderie.” says Renée, “That’s not necessarily something that you can find if you’re at a doctor’s office.”
Waypoint has also started groups at our Concord and Stratham Family Resource Centers responding to the need.
Creating Programs That Meet Real Needs
Family Resource Center participants have also shaped Waypoint’s offerings in other ways. Waypoint had been on the waitlist for years for a plot at Concord’s Community Garden, and a participant in our Concord Family Resource Center gave Waypoint the plot before she moved. That generous act started the Gardening Group that transformed a patch of weeds into a thriving vegetable garden; an example of how Waypoint creates innovative, community-driven programs that strengthen family wellbeing.
“When you get people connected to others, they build natural support systems,” Joan says. “Those relationships are what help families feel grounded and supported.”
The garden helps families grow food for their households, encourages healthy eating, and gets children outdoors. But its greatest impact goes beyond growing vegetables; it’s the connections formed there. Loneliness and isolation are two of the biggest factors for negative family outcomes and future crises. The garden fosters a sense of community and belonging that helps prevent those challenges before they start.
“Bottom line: we are here to support the families,” says Renée. “We want to hear from you and know how we can support you.”