Dear friends and colleagues of community mental health,
The New Hampshire House of Representatives has adopted and narrowly passed the State budget for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. The budget process now moves to the Senate, where deliberations are underway. We are hopeful the Senate will recognize the critical need to restore essential funding to ensure continued support for individuals across the state.
This is a pivotal and challenging time for New Hampshire’s Community Mental Health Centers. The funding cuts included in the House version of the budget risk a significant step backward for mental health care in our state.
Please find below, link to a memorandum that outlines the serious challenges we face as a community and the potential consequences of the proposed reductions.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support of mental health services in New Hampshire.
Respectfully,
NH Community Behavioral Health Association
Derry, NH – The Center for Life Management Foundation recently awarded merit scholarships to area graduating seniors, one supportive employment client, and several staff members. Most recipients are pursuing degrees or certifications that will impact the healthcare industry.
“These scholarships are one way of encouraging students to pursue careers in physical and mental health,” explained Vic Topo, President & CEO of the Center for Life Management. “By engaging the community in this way, we hope to increase access to high-quality care healthcare in New Hampshire,” continued Topo.
Eight graduating seniors received $500 scholarships based on their community and academic achievements. From Pinkerton Academy, this year’s recipients are: Ashleigh Aboshar to attend St. Anselm College to pursue Liberal Arts; Emma Thompson to attend the University of New England, Nursing; and Jackson Crawford to attend UNH Durham for Psychology and Music Performance. Ariana Lakos from Salem High School will attend the University of South Carolina to pursue PharmD, and Erica James will attend UNH, Nursing. Julianne Nguyen, from Windham High School, will attend California State University, Nursing; Makena Truong, Pelham High School, to attend University of Delaware, Nursing; and Sierra Saucier, from Next Gen Charter School to attend Plymouth University, Criminal Psychology.
CLM staff recipients include Ashley Larose, who is attending Boston University for a Masters in Social Work; Emily Vachon, attending UNH, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Minor in Child Life. Additionally, Lisa Williams, APRN, is attending Mass General Institute of Health Professions for a Doctorate in Nursing Practice.
Each year the scholarship program works to provide one scholarship to a CLM Supportive Employment Client that is pursuing a certificate or degree that advances their careers or assists them in seeking employment. Jasper Carney, attending UMass Lowell for a Paralegal Certificate, earned this award.
Applications for the 2023 program will be available online at www.CenterforLifeManagement.org in September. If you or your organization are interested in supporting the Scholarship Program, please, call the Office of Philanthropy at (603) 965-0770 or visit https://www.centerforlifemanagement.org/donate. If you have questions, contact Melissa Ballard Sullivan, Director of Philanthropy, at (603) 956-0770.
Cutline: Center for Life Management Foundation Scholarship Recipients 2022
Back row L to R: Ashleigh Aboshar, Emily Vachon, Ariana Lakos, Vic Topo, CLM President and CEO, Jackson Crawford, Lisa Williams, and Jasper Carney. Front row L to R: Julianne Nguyen, Sierra Saucier, Makena Truong, Emma Thompson, and Ashley Larose. Absent: Erica James