April showers brought May flowers! This month the Aspire Community has been filled with stories of individuals discovering their passions, unlocking potential, and thriving. There have also been many announcements, updates, and news to discover below in this month's edition of Community News. Happy reading!
News Worth Knowing
Permanency Program Honored
Agnes Kulak, Dave Gallagher, and Christy George received the Outstanding Community Partnership Award from the Connecticut Alliance of Foster & Adoptive Families (CAFAF). DCF Commissioner Vanessa Dorantes presented the award at the 27th CAFAF's 27th Conference on May 6.
Aspire welcomes Lisa Mierek as the new Senior Director of Program Operations in Connecticut. She started on May 2 and has hit the ground running. Get to know her in this audio interview.
The Art Show and Silent Auction on May 12 in New Hampshire was a fun evening both in person and virtually. Over 50 works of art were available, with photographs, paintings, 3-D printing, and even tie-dye. Some were sold for profit by the artists, and others were donated to Aspire to raise funds for art supplies. More than $1100 was raised, with over $600 going directly to the artists selling their works and $500 to Aspire. Check out the artwork and the party in this video from the live stream.
Aspire's Board of Directors is a group of committed and talented people from different states and backgrounds. As a governing body, the board focuses on Aspire's mission by working on strategy, setting goals and objectives, overseeing the CEO, and actively managing risks. They bring a wealth of professional knowledge and diversity of experience to their work.
Shawna Foss, who lived in Manchester, NH, passed away unexpectedly this week after a short illness. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Click below to read our story about Shawna from 2021.
The Aspire Community Giving Fund gave out two grants last month. The first was for $200 to the extended school year program at ALL Academy to help offset field trip expenses this summer. The second was given to a woman we serve in NH for the purchase of a $2,118 trike customized to her physical needs. They are looking forward to a summer of fun!
THANK YOU to all who donate to the fund.
Grants Update
Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, Bangor Savings Bank, and Cogswell Benevolent Trust awarded Aspire a total of $14,000 in grants to provide preventive and restorative dental care for individuals supported by Aspire in New Hampshire. The Civitan Club of Baltimore awarded Aspire $5,000 for four outings to Dave & Buster’s for the 30 people in Maryland Day Options and the staff who support them. We were denied by Bank of New Hampshire for $1,000 to support Aspire Delivers.
Spotlight
The Mayor of Worcester
Some people become mayor by being duly elected by voters. Others get that moniker from the sheer force of their personalities. James W.L. Bergstrom is one such person. Twenty-two years ago he moved in with Sean Daly, and together they have built a life that is both unusual and typical.
Welcome to our new colleagues. We’re so glad you’ve chosen to join the Aspire Living & Learning community. Click below to see who’s joined us in April and reach out to give them a warm welcome!
What is the EAP program? The Employee Assistance Program provides confidential, no-cost benefits that help employees reduce stress and make life easier. Find out more at an informational webinar at 1:00 on May 24.
It’s time to break down some common myths and stigmas about depression that prevent people from talking about it and reaching out for help. Please take a moment to learn more about depression and how to access help.
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