Blog
30 Years After Laconia School Closing – Where We Are Now
30 Years After Laconia School Closing - Where We Are Now 30 years ago, in January 1991, the Laconia State School closed permanently. This institution, which at times had more than 1,000 residents living there, segregated people with disabilities from their family,...
read moreA Look At Special Education During a Pandemic
A Look At Special Education During a Pandemic When schools switched from in-person classes to fully remote learning last spring, students, parents, and educators alike had to adapt to the new changes this type of learning brought. Whether it was learning how to use...
read moreFamily Centered Early Supports & Services: Where It All Begins
Family Centered Early Supports & Services: Where It All Begins We are introduced to many of the individuals and families we serve through our Family Centered Early Supports & Services department. ESS Coordinator Tammy Dudal said, “Family Centered Early Supports &...
read moreVaccinations: Frequently Asked Questions
Vaccinations: Frequently Asked Questions In recent months there has been a lot of discussion surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines. Questions about the roll-out of the vaccine in New Hampshire, the safety of the vaccine, and how vaccines work have been asked. Director of...
read moreHow Technology Is Becoming More Accessible For All
How Technology Is Becoming More Accessible For All Throughout the past year, remote and hybrid learning have taken over the lives of children, parents, and educators alike. The change from in-person learning to hybrid or remote learning was a sudden change, and made...
read moreMeet the Council…Mike Phillips
Meet the Council...Mike Phillips The Community Crossroads Family Support Council (FSC) is an advisory board to the Community Crossroads agency to support, educate, and empower families. Families helping families is the best way to describe this group of 12...
read moreTeamwork Is Key In The Face Of New Challenges
Teamwork Is Key In The Face Of New Challenges The Representative Payee (Rep-Payee) department at Community Crossroads currently helps over 300 people of varying income levels better manage their money, understand the importance of saving money, and pay bills on time...
read moreBuilding Skills Through Leadership Training Program
Building Skills Through Leadership Training Program This past fall, six of Community Crossroads’ employees participated in Franklin Pierce University’s Leadership Training Program. This 20-hour program, which was customized specifically towards those who work for our...
read more2020 Door Decorating Contest
2020 Door Decorating Contest Did you know that each year we hold our very own door decorating contest here at the office? This year, we decided to change up the contest and allow people to decorate their doors, desks, windows and anything else that could be decorated...
read moreMeet the Council…Kim Habib
Meet the Council...Kim Habib The Community Crossroads Family Support Council (FSC) is an advisory board to the Community Crossroads agency to support, educate, and empower families. Families helping families is the best way to describe this group of 12 volunteers. ...
read moreSupport Disability-Owned Businesses This Holiday Season
Support Disability-Owned Businesses This Holiday Season “Support Small businesses” is a phrase we often hear. It is important to shop and/or get services from these types of businesses because they are run by those in your local community, they often give back to...
read moreMaking The Holiday Season A Little Brighter
Making The Holiday Season A Little Brighter Believe it or not, the holiday season is upon us once again! For many, the holiday season is full of joy and happiness, but it can also come with a sense of worry for families who are in need of meals, clothes and other...
read moreSomething To Smile About
Something To Smile About Tuesday, December 1st is known worldwide as Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday). This day is focused on encouraging people to do good, collaborate with each other, and celebrate generosity. During this holiday season, Community Crossroads is...
read moreSupporting Families Through a Difficult Time
Supporting Families Through a Difficult Time When it comes to the Family Support department at Community Crossroads, creativity, looking to others in the department and agency for resources, and having the ability to problem-solve are all crucial when it comes to...
read moreA Language Worth Knowing
A Language Worth Knowing Described by the National Association of the Deaf as a “visual language”, sign language is the primary form of communication used by those who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or unable to communicate in America. Sign language is expressed...
read moreMeet the Council…Jen & Carol Dabrowski
Meet the Council...Jen & Carol Dabrowski The Community Crossroads Family Support Council (FSC) is an advisory board to the Community Crossroads agency to support, educate, and empower families. Families helping families is the best way to describe this group of 12...
read more2020 Direct Support Professional and Home Care Providers of the Year
2020 Direct Support Professional and Home Care Providers of the Year Each year, Community Crossroads selects a Direct Support Professional and Home Care Provider to receive the DSP and HCP of the Year awards. The recipients of this award exemplify the dedication,...
read moreIncreasing Access and Opportunity For Those With Disabilities
Increasing Access and Opportunity For Those With Disabilities October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The U.S. Department of Labor created, and organizes NDEAM annually to focus on ”employment issues and celebrate the many and varied...
read moreSharing My Story with the Candidates
Sharing My Story With The Candidates If you ever have the chance to speak with candidates running for public office, or those already elected, I would recommend taking full advantage of the opportunity. Earlier this month, I spoke with candidates seeking to represent...
read moreOlmstead: A Step Forward for Disability Rights
Olmstead: A Step Forward For Disability Rights In 1999, the United States Supreme Court held that people with a disability have the right to receive state funded supports and services in the community rather than live in an institution as long as: The person’s...
read moreOur New Director of Budget & Financial Operations
Meet Tanya Hart Newkirk, Our New Director of Budget & Financial Operations Over the summer, Community Crossroads hired Tanya Hart Newkirk to be our new Director of Budget & Financial Operations. Despite being new to Community Crossroads, Tanya has nearly a decade of...
read moreWhy We Should All Care About Issues Those With Disabilities Face
.Why We Should All Care About Issues Those With Disabilities Face On November 3rd of this year, eligible Americans have the right to cast a vote in the 2020 Presidential Election. While there is a lot of discussion surrounding that one vote in particular, there will...
read moreMeet the Board-Robin Knight
Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. Bylaw, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are currently 14 members of the Board...
read moreMy Day at the Golf Course
My Day At The 31st Annual Golf Challenge The 31st Annual Golf Challenge was a day filled with friends reuniting, new friendships forming, raffles being won and lots of golf. This year’s fundraiser, which took place at the Candia Woods Golf Links, may have looked a...
read moreDear Frontline Workers, Thank You For All That You Do
Dear Frontline Workers, Thank You For All That You Do The week of September 13-19 is Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Home Care Provider (HCP) Recognition Week. These frontline workers dedicate countless hours, and use a multitude of skills to help ensure a happy...
read moreFacing Roadblocks To Reach The Green
Facing Roadblocks To Reach The Green While the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be roadblock for all of us in various ways, we at Community Crossroads have been determined to hold an annual golf tournament that is both fun and safe for everyone involved. On Thursday,...
read moreYour Chance To Ask Questions To NH Gubernatorial Candidates
Your Chance To Ask Questions To NH Gubernatorial Candidates On Tuesday, September 8th, New Hampshire residents will have the chance to vote in our State Primary Election. Prior to reaching the polling booth, it is important to conduct research about the candidates so...
read moreFamily Support Council Gives New Opportunities Through Grant
Family Support Council Gives New Opportunities Through Grant Each year, the Family Support Council gives grants to families so they can attend the annual Family Support Conference. Unfortunately, this past April, the Family Support Conference was cancelled due to...
read moreDon’t Miss This-Child Care Aware
Don’t Miss This...Child Care Aware of NH Program Currently, many families are preparing for the upcoming school year. For those who are looking for alternative child care options that accommodate remote learning in early childhood and after school settings, the free...
read moreMeet the Board-Barbara Strzykalski
Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. By law, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are currently 15 members of the Board...
read morePartners in Health Continues to Improve Lives
Partners in Health Program Continues To Help Those With Chronic Health Issues Community Crossroads is the home to our region’s Partners in Health (PIH) program. This program, which began in New Hampshire in the ‘80s, supports those with chronic health issues from...
read morePolicy Partners-2020 Graduates
2020 Policy Partners Virtual Graduation This past June, the 2020 Policy Partners Graduation ceremony was held virtually. Last September, this group of individuals attended their first session with an eagerness to learn more about how to become a leader in the...
read moreMeet the Board-Jim Watson
Meet the Board...Jim Watson Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. Bylaw, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreGrants At Work
Grants at Work The ‘Grants at Work’ portion of our website highlights some of the many ways our fundraising dollars are put to use. Throughout the year, events such as our Golf Tournament, Silent Auction and Kids Carnival raise both money and awareness of who we are...
read moreMeet the Board-Laurie Giguere
Meet the Board...Laurie Giguere Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. Bylaw, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreVirtual Scavenger Hunt
On June 27th in the afternoon, a couple dozen individuals and families got together on Zoom to participate in a fun scavenger hunt which was hosted by Mike Needleman of the Family Support Council. The event was fun and loud and hilarious! Everyone participated by...
read moreVirtual Golf Tournament
Don't Miss This...1st Annual Virtual Golf Event Community Crossroads’ 31st Annual Golf Challenge will take place in September. However, you can get involved today and all summer long in our brand new virtual golf event! Here is how it works: Visit this link! Play a...
read moreThanks for making NHGIVES a Success!
Community Crossroads’ Virtual Fundraiser Was Successful Thanks To YOU! On Tuesday, June 9 at 6:00 PM, we began our first ever 24-hour virtual fundraiser. For those 24 hours, members of the Community Crossroads Board of Directors, longtime fundraiser attendees,...
read moreJune is PTSD Awareness Month
PTSD Awareness Month The month of June is PTSD Awareness Month. ABD (Acquired Brain Disorder) Service Coordinator Sam Martin said “lots of folks have PTSD as a result of their injury coming from something traumatic.” She added that the Brain Injury Association of New...
read moreMeet our 2020 Scholarship Recipients
Local High School Seniors Selected for Community Crossroads’ Scholarship Six local high school seniors have been chosen to receive the annual Community Crossroads Scholarships to Outstanding Local High School Seniors. The recipients of this $750.00 scholarship have...
read moreDon’t Miss This-Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources During this difficult time, families, organizations and employees are adjusting to the many changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some helpful, fun and educational resources that may be of interest to you: https://www.visitnh.gov/ - This...
read moreDon’t Miss This-Do you need a mask?
One of Community Crossroads’ generous employees has been making masks for people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are available for anyone who is in need of one regardless of occupation, age or reason for need. Over 125 masks have been completed so far and they have...
read moreMeet the Board-Elaine Lavin
Meet the Board...Elaine Lavin Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. By law, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreMeet the Board-John DeBaun
Meet the Board...John DeBaun Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. By law, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreMeet the Board-Dawn George
Meet the Board...Dawn George Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. By law, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreMeet the Board-Jim Dickerson
Meet the Board...James Dickerson Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. By law, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreSupporting Women with Disabilities
Supporting Women with Disabilities According to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), unemployment is the highest for women with disabilities. It has been estimated from the United Nations that 75 percent of women with disabilities are unemployed and...
read moreMarch is Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month The month of March is Brain Injury Awareness month. Throughout the month, many organizations across the country including Community Crossroads are putting forth the effort to de-stigmatize brain injuries, empower those who have...
read moreAnother Successful Kids Carnival
Another Successful Kids Carnival On Saturday, February 1, families from around the community gathered for the 23rd Annual Kids Carnival, one of our major fundraisers. Located at the Woodbury Middle School in Salem, the event included demonstrations, games, raffles,...
read moreMeet the Board-Cathy Spinney
Meet The Board...Cathy Spinney Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. By law, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreDon’t Miss This-Kids Carnival
Don’t Miss This...23rd Annual Kids Carnival Our 23rd Annual Kids Carnival takes place on Saturday, February 1 at the Woodbury Middle School in Salem, NH. This enjoyable day will put a smile on the faces of kids and families of all ages. Here are some of the...
read moreOral Health is connected to Overall Health
Oral Health is connected to Overall Health “Oral health is connected to overall health” according to Community Crossroad’s Director of Oral Health Services, Angela Boyle. That statement is the foundation for an innovative and life-changing at Community Crossroads. ...
read morePlanning for the Future
Planning For The Future of Community Crossroads Every three years Community Crossroads creates a new Strategic Plan based on trends that are seen both within the organization and out in the community. On November 14, the Board of Directors for Community Crossroads met...
read moreTis’ the Season of Giving
Tis’ The Season of Giving From delivering turkey dinners to families in need to ‘giving trees’ places in different businesses around the community, Community Crossroads strives to give to families in need in creative and helpful ways during this time of year. One of...
read moreDon’t Miss This-Guardianship Application Training
Don’t Miss This...Guardianship Training On Saturday, February 8th Community Crossroads is hosting a Guardianship training session. The session, which will take place from 10:00 am until noon, will be centered around the responsibilities, authorities and limitations of...
read moreMeet the Board…Jadine Levesque
Meet the Board...Jadine Levesque Community Crossroads is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors. By law, at least a third of the members must be someone with a developmental disability or a family member of someone with a developmental disability. There are...
read moreAwareness for Employees with Disabilities
Awareness for Employees with Disabilities The Month of October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) . The goal of National Disability Employment Awareness month according to the U.S. Department of Labor is to educate employers and those within...
read moreThe Decision to Act
The Decision to Act On Wednesday, September 25, Policy Partners kicked off its 6th year with Community Crossroads. This program, which runs from September to March is an exclusive advocacy training program for disability advocates that are motivated to create...
read moreHelping the Lives of NH Adults
Helping the Lives of NH Adults A connecting theme throughout the many aspects of the Community Crossroads organization is making a difference in the lives of those in the community. Just one way this mission is accomplished is through its Choices for Independence...
read moreMy Day at the Golf Course
On Thursday, September 12, Community Crossroads held our 30th annual Golf Tournament. The tournament, which was held at Candia Woods Golf Links in Candia, NH, brought in numerous people to play golf while raising money towards a great cause. This year’s tournament...
read moreDon’t Miss This-Fall Family Festival
Don’t Miss This...Fall Festival It is that time of year again- Halloween stores are back open for the season, nearly everyone is sipping on Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the leaves have begun to change colors. It must be fall! One autumn tradition here at Community...
read moreDon’t Miss This-NHDDC Grant Opportunity
New Hampshire Council for Developmental Disabilities Offers New Gran Don't miss this... Earlier this year, the New Hampshire Developmental Disabilities Council (NHDDC) rolled out (NHDDC) rolled out a new grant for those who are impacted by developmental disabilities....
read more30 Years of Impact – A Look at the Community Crossroads Golf Tournament
30 Years of Impact - A Look at the Community Crossroads Golf Tournament Thirty years ago, Community Crossroads held its first Golf Tournament as a fundraiser to help those served in the community. This event brought in just over 30 golfers and raised $2,600. While...
read moreFamily Support within the Community
Family Support within the Community A major aspect of Community Crossroads is Family Support and it is designed to help families in the community in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. Family Support can be branched into two different entities known as...
read moreGoodbye Bill!
Goodbye Bill! Friday June 28th saw the end of an era here at Community Crossroads. After 26 years as our Chief Financial Officer, Bill Dillon moved on to a well -deserved retirement filled with golf, grandkids, and time at the lake with his wife Ann. Bill leaves...
read moreIntroducing Colby’s Crossroads
Introducing Colby's Crossroads My name is Colby Dudal and I have been associated with Community Crossroads throughout my entire life. I am a new employee for Community Crossroads and I will be writing blog posts about myself, the company and people who are involved...
read moreWorking Collaboratively for Emergency Preparedness
Working Collaboratively for Emergency Preparedness The NH Emergency Preparedness conference, was held in Manchester on June 4th, 2019. This conference, which is in its 15th year, brings together over 800 emergency responders from across our state, including police,...
read moreWhy should you attend the Family Support Conference?
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THE STATEWIDE FAMILY SUPPORT CONFERENCE? This is a question I’ve heard many families ask over the years, especially ones who have never attended before. There are lots of reasons but here are my top five: It’s a great opportunity to connect with...
read moreMegan’s Muses-Life Visions
My Life Visions Experience Life Visions, a partner to Community Crossroads where I spend every Monday and Friday, has proven itself as not only a place of opportunity, but also a place where individuals can have lots of fun and be themselves. Parents and caregivers’...
read moreMegan’s Muses-100 Smiles Campaign
100 Smiles for the Holidays Campaign I recently had a chance to meet with Angela Boyle, the Director of Oral Health Services at Community Crossroads. I interviewed Angela to gather more information about her and what she does, and also learn more about our 100 Smiles...
read moreMeet our new CFO- Ann-Marie Miller
Introducing Ann-Marie Miller Several months ago when our long time Chief Financial Officer, Bill Dillon announced that he would be retiring in June of 2019, we were all devastated. How could we replace someone who has held such a key position for 25 years, especially...
read moreMegan’s Muses-Early Supports & Services
Early Supports & Services Recently, Community Crossroads arranged for me to go and do an intake with Tammy Dudal, the Family Centered Early Supports & Services Coordinator. We met up at a family’s home and I got to see, first hand, what kinds of things Tammy does for...
read moreMegan’s Muses-Talking with Nick-a DSP
Talking with Nick-a DSP Recently I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time at Life Visions with their theatre group, but this week I was able to sit down and interview one of the Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s), Nick Saporito. Nick helps out with the show the...
read moreOur Collective Attendance Gave Us Power
Our Collective Attendance Gave Us Power It was wonderful to be invited to the classy Community Crossroads Community Partnership event held on Thursday, October 11th at the Atkinson Country Club. I was invited because I am currently a trainee with the UNH NH-ME LEND...
read moreMegan’s Muses-Family Support Council
Recently I was able to experience a sort of “thank you” that the Family Support Council at Community Crossroads provided for the staff, as well as learn exactly what what they do. The Family Support Council (or FSC), in my understanding, is a group of individuals who...
read moreCarole’s Corner-“Gettin’ Around”
Carole's Corner-Gettin' Around For many years, the “Corner” was part of the agency’s Compass, and before that, Connections. Today our newsletter has wonderfully expanded into social media. Who knew I would one day become a “Blogger?” Not me…..but alas, times change...
read moreMegan’s Muses-Intake & Eligibility
This week I got to meet Kristine Houle, the intake and eligibility coordinator for ages 4 and up, and got to sit down with her and discuss everything she does. I chose her to feature because if you’re a parent or client, Kristine will be one of the very first people...
read moreShould YOU attend our Partnership Event?
Should YOU attend our Partnership Event? We think so and let us explain why. Meeting and talking to your elected representatives can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. That’s one of the reasons why we started the Partnership event six years...
read moreLet me introduce myself, I’m Megan!
So, I should probably start with introducing myself. My name is Megan Batchelder. I am a senior over at Salem High School and for my first semester I will be interning over at Community Crossroads in Atkinson, NH. I am 17 years old (as of September 13th, 2018 - yay!),...
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