New Hampshire Family Voices

10/30/2025

There is still time to register for Rare New England's annual conference happening this Saturday 11/1 from 9:30a -1p at SNHU (Manchester, NH).
Are you a caregiver who can attend if you had a scholarship to cover the cost of the conference? Scholarships are still available to attend!

To register visit:
https://secure.givelively.org/event/rare-new-england-inc/rne-2025-annual-conference-series-new-hampshire-empowering-rare-lives-advocacy-resilience-and-readiness-for-the-rare-journey?fbclid=IwY2xjawNwP6pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUaHBvaTdaQVlsMlFrUDlkAR42s5KFExGCMhiepx52ktt62DuLG8CZnQrtDMrqvgYk1wlvTEu0BomGv0MeBQ_aem_s9AM_TZND1iPex8aWxIfHQ

To request a scholarship to attend the conference visit:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetn9kLZxbKps3OLBy99wnyvjZSOKisL3za3ttMb-7oQe6eLA/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawNwP61leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUaHBvaTdaQVlsMlFrUDlkAR4EfkMZEjHA0hrCMsbtKq9CJ9lBf70IE2qiYGZks57A1kPC3yCMSeCG_IoR7g_aem_G9ykQZUUPmMlizECDDUdKw

NH Family Voices will see you there!

Don't forget to sign up for our Annual Conference happening on November 1st!
https://ow.ly/AF3E50X8BES

10/30/2025

"Christina (Center), President of NH Children’s Trust along with the staff and board are thrilled to celebrate this year’s award winners at the Strengthening Families Summit along with our partners and attendees!
Sylvia Pelletier (L), recipient of the Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award, for volunteering and her outstanding dedication to empowering families and strengthening communities.
Rebecca Woitkowski (R), recipient of the Dr. Robert Chamberlin Award, for her inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for New Hampshire’s children and families.
Congratulations to both of our incredible honorees — your work makes a lasting difference every day!
"

NH Children's Trust

Christina (Center), President of NH Children’s Trust along with the staff and board are thrilled to celebrate this year’s award winners at the Strengthening Families Summit along with our partners and attendees!

Sylvia Pelletier (L), recipient of the Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award, for volunteering and her outstanding dedication to empowering families and strengthening communities.

Rebecca Woitkowski (R), recipient of the Dr. Robert Chamberlin Award, for her inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for New Hampshire’s children and families.

Congratulations to both of our incredible honorees — your work makes a lasting difference every day!

10/30/2025

"New Hampshire Announces Contingency Plan for Delayed SNAP Benefits
State to Partner with Food Bank to Expand Mobile Pantries for SNAP Recipients
Concord, NH – The State of New Hampshire announces that it has developed a contingency plan to assist Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by the federal government shutdown. In the event of a prolonged shutdown, November’s SNAP food benefits may not be issued until federal funding is restored.

To assist the more than 75,000 Granite Staters who receive SNAP benefits, the State plans to partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to increase SNAP recipients’ access to food through the Food Bank’s mobile food pantry program and traditional food pantries located across the State. Upon approval by the Fiscal Committee and Executive Council, the Food Bank will provide mobile food pantries specifically for SNAP participants in locations identified by the State. The Food Bank will also provide more food options to SNAP participants at traditional food pantries.

“I want to thank our partners at the New Hampshire Food Bank for joining us in this effort to ensure vulnerable Granite Staters get the food they need in the event this shutdown continues,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “Now, politicians in Washington must get their act together and reopen the federal government so critical programs like SNAP and WIC can continue without disruption.”

“We recognize the importance of SNAP to New Hampshire residents, and we are monitoring this situation closely,” said Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Lori Weaver. “We are working with our community partners across the state in an effort to limit disruptions for people who are experiencing food insecurity and are committed to helping people connect with resources for food assistance until the federal government shutdown is resolved or benefits are restored.”

DHHS and the NH Department of Education are also reaching out to families in our school communities to notify them that the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, which provide free and reduced meals to children each school day, continue to be available for eligible families. For more information on these programs, please visit the National School Lunch Program website.

SNAP recipients may not be able to access any unused benefits on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and want to consider using benefits currently on their EBT cards before October 31. People receiving SNAP can check their EBT card balances by visiting www.ebtedge.com or calling 1-888-997-9777. Individuals who receive Cash Assistance on their EBT cards will continue to be able to access those benefits. DHHS is still processing new SNAP applications and people are encouraged to continue to apply.



WIC Impacts
Earlier this week, the State announced it had secured additional funding to sustain food benefits for the 13,000 people in New Hampshire participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) until at least November 7.

However, if the federal shutdown lasts into November, DHHS support for WIC program services at the following locations may be temporarily paused starting on November 1 due to a lack of federal funding:

Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties
Goodwin Community Health
Community Action Partnership Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties
Southwestern Community Services
WIC participants can continue to receive benefits and food balances on the WIC Shopper app or by calling 1-855-279-0680. Anyone with additional questions can call DHHS at 1-800-942-4321.



Resources are available for people experiencing food insecurity, including city and town welfare offices and local food pantries. Granite Staters can call 211, or visit the New Hampshire Food Bank’s Food Map for a full listing of food assistance programs. [ FOOD MAP LINK: https://nhfoodbank.org/find-food/food-map/ ]

For more information about WIC and SNAP, please visit the SNAP and WIC Federal Shutdown Information page. Updates will be posted as soon as information becomes available."
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-announces-contingency-plan-delayed-snap-benefits

Concord, NH – The State of New Hampshire announces that it has developed a contingency plan to assist Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by the federal government shutdown. In the event of a prolonged shutdown, November’s SNAP food benefits may not be issued unt...

10/29/2025

Basic Rights in the NH Special Education Process
Location: Virtual event

Date and time: Thu, Nov 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Organizer: Christine Anderson, (603) 224-7005, canderson@picnh.org

Do you have a child with a disability? Are you unsure about their rights at school or how to get the support they need? This free workshop provides information on the basics of the special education process including your child's rights, how the process works, and how to speak up for your child. Register here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mwwc2ge?fbclid=IwY2xjawNu8B1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZcEpwWEo0S2VTaXdZVlF5AR6d7WWhwORvgG6agqMRcxnncRWpjaPl4RWfTUt_e03VbZ9UO8g8QC-bCKJphw_aem_PxeQS-SI8Vxo-O38xDdbsw

10/29/2025

If you see our NHFV Director, Sylvia, this week please help us congratulate her on receiving the 2025 Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award. Sylvia will be honored today at the Strengthening Families Summit with NH Children's Trust at the Grappone Conference Center. We are so proud of you Sylvia!

We are thrilled to honor Sylvia Pelletier as the 2025 Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award recipient!
For more than 20 years, Sylvia has dedicated her heart and time to supporting New Hampshire families—through founding the Childhood Cancer Lifeline of NH and her work with New Hampshire Family Voices. Her compassion and commitment have made a lasting difference for children and families across the state.
Join us in celebrating Sylvia’s incredible impact!
To read more about Sylvia click here: www.nhchildrenstrust.org/lfb-award

We are thrilled to honor Sylvia Pelletier as the 2025 Lucy Fowlkes Breed Award recipient!

For more than 20 years, Sylvia has dedicated her heart and time to supporting New Hampshire families—through founding the Childhood Cancer Lifeline of NH and her work with New Hampshire Family Voices. Her compassion and commitment have made a lasting difference for children and families across the state.

Join us in celebrating Sylvia’s incredible impact!

To read more about Sylvia click here: www.nhchildrenstrust.org/lfb-award

10/29/2025

Mobile Food Pantry Schedule
This schedule is updated on a monthly basis.

The NH Food Bank’s mobile food pantry travels to many different areas of need across New Hampshire.
What to know before you go:

Our mobile food pantries are a drive-thru format.
Food distributions take place on a first-come, first-served basis and are while supplies last.
Each household receives an assortment of produce and shelf-stable foods.
We welcome anyone in need of food assistance to join us – no identification or requirements needed.
Below is a list of upcoming mobile food pantries.

Friday, November 7 – Nashua
Date: Nov 7th
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm (while supplies last)
Address: BAE Lock St. Parking Lot | Nashua, NH

Friday, November 14 – Gorham
Date: Nov 14th
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm (while supplies last)
Address: Chapman's | 459 Main St. | Gorham, NH

Tuesday, November 18 – Keene
Date: Nov 18th
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm (while supplies last)
Address: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church | 33 Arch Street | Keene, NH

Tuesday, November 25 – Northumberland
Date: Nov 25th
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm (while supplies last)
Address: Ocean State Job Lot | 583 Lancaster Road | Northumberland, NH

Friday, December 5 – Gorham
Date: Dec 5th
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm (while supplies last)
Address: Chapman's | 459 Main St. | Gorham, NH

Friday, December 12 – Manchester
Date: Dec 12th
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm (while supplies last)
Address: Comcast | 676 Island Pond Rd. | Manchester, NH *Please enter via E. Industrial Park Dr.

Tuesday, December 16 – Ossipee
Date: Dec 16th
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm (while supplies last)
Address: St. Joseph's Church | 23 Moultonville Rd. | Center Ossipee, NH

Find out where the New Hampshire Food bank mobile food pantry is headed to next and get the help you deserve.

10/28/2025

"New November Respite Schedules Are Live!
Looking to plan ahead? Our updated November respite care schedule is now available!
You can view and reserve spots easily with our “Add to Cart” feature – quick, simple, and secure.
Check it out here: https://www.steppingstonesptnh.com/respite-services?fbclid=IwY2xjawNuCxxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzOU5HQ1Zzd3M1M3VlbWt0AR5liZvuJ-IFqvT3pH0eC_z0Ohq1YeJuGnp71eMDbT6m8glJ5xXDYbIrD093mw_aem_hEbTrm13iw9VIJFhoS-qEg
Spaces fill up fast, so don’t wait to book! 💙
Got questions? Reach out anytime!
📞 (603) 854-8157
📧 steppingstonesptnh@gmail.com "

Courtesy of Stepping Stones Pediatric Therapy NH (Londonderry, NH)

New November Respite Schedules Are Live!

Looking to plan ahead? Our updated November respite care schedule is now available!
You can view and reserve spots easily with our “Add to Cart” feature – quick, simple, and secure.

Check it out here: https://www.steppingstonesptnh.com/respite-services

Spaces fill up fast, so don’t wait to book! 💙

Got questions? Reach out anytime!
📞 (603) 854-8157
📧 steppingstonesptnh@gmail.com

10/28/2025

ABLE NH Transportation Equity Lunch & Learn Series- ABLE NH’s Transportation Equity Task Force will host its monthly Lunch & Learn on November 21st, 12:00-1:00 PM. This month we will cover navigating NH’s one stop transit resource, KeepNHMoving.com. Our presentation will be followed by a time for Q&A and attendees will receive a one-pager all the best tips and tricks for finding the information you are looking for on the KeepNHMoving.com website.

Participants may join on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84389460204 or by using Meeting ID 843 8946 0204.
When
Friday Nov 21, 2025 ⋅ 12pm – 1pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84389460204

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

10/28/2025

Between Here and Nowhere
NEW BLOG available on Courageous Parents Network
"Perhaps this oscillation between immersion and distance, heartbeat and calculation is what makes us human: we are the creatures who measure what we feel and feel what we measure. It is in moments of extremity where we find that measuring either side becomes difficult."

Each morning begins in the small sensations that remind us we are alive. The bubble of the kettle. The smell of coffee. The way light catches the rim of the mug, making even the ordinary seem briefly radiant. These are moments that belong wholly to the inside of our experience. We feel them before w...

10/27/2025

"If you had an accident or were living with a serious illness and couldn’t speak for yourself, even for a short time – do you know who would make medical decisions for you?

Do you want this to be someone that you choose, or someone chosen for you?



Join us for a conversation with Patricia O’Connor and Mary Kazanowski, both are board certified nurse practitioners and have many, many years of experience working in Palliative Care. They will talk about why it is so important for anyone 18yrs and older to have a legally named health care representative and will welcome your questions and comments.



On Wednesday, November 5 from noon to 1:00, the Foundation for Healthy Communities will host a free Lunch and Learn session. No registration is required. Simply join us with the zoom link here https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85655208612 Passcode: 204621



Who should attend?

Anyone 18 yrs. and older who has questions about advance directives.
Anyone who does not feel comfortable starting a conversation with family, life partners, friends, and clients about the need for an advance directive
Anyone who wants the security of naming someone to make medical decisions for them but has reservations about having an advance directive
Please feel free to share this invitation with friends, family and colleagues. All are welcome."
Courtesy of Foundation for Healthy Communities

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

10/27/2025

Preparing your child for what to expect during a medical visit, procedure, or admission can create predictability and support a child’s coping. My Hospital Story is a visual narrative that can be used with patients of a wide variety of ages and developmental levels. These child-friendly visual stories help prepare children for every step of their visit or procedure. The stories include simple, reassuring descriptions and photos of different places your child may visit in the hospital, showing what the rooms look like, whom they might meet, and what might happen. Please see the appropriate story for your child below.

https://www.childrenshospital.org/patient-resources/you-arrive/your-visit/my-hospital-story

Courtesy of

See My Hospital Story guides from Boston Children's Hospital.