~ The Upper Room offering parents of teens a place to talk ~

Derry, NH, December 20, 2022

The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center is offering parents and caregivers a place to go to discuss “all things teen”, through it’s Parent Caregiver Café, Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7 PM.   Parents of teens come together, share ideas, learn from others, seek ideas, resources from our facilitator. “Nothing is off limits, teen safety, behavior, concerns around risk taking, mental health, relationships and anything in between, are some of the topics that show up at our PaCC group on Wednesdays” states Kelsey Mayland, Program Coordinator.  “We hope that parents are able to bring a concern and the group can offer ideas and solutions to one another to assist with common teen parents concerns” states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

PaCC is a supportive space, free of charge that is available to parents of those raising teens.  It is a confidential space to discuss the challenges of raising teens and offer solutions to the concerns brought to the group. 

The program is completely FREE. To register call 603-437-8477 x 114.  Or email kmayland@urteachers.org

~ The Upper Room teens making a positive difference ~

Derry, NH, December 6, 2022

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is preparing for 2023 and would like to invite teens seeking an after school interest in community service projects in the Greater Derry area. Teens interested in making a positive impact in the community are invited to inquire about our Community Service Learning Program.  Projects include working at local nursing homes, thrift shop, doing an anti- tobacco campaign, helping out with Drug Take Back Day- filling food bags for pantries, helping maintain facilities and more.

Students serve other agencies, towns, [arks, and offer much needed support, education, companionship and community spirit.   The group meets Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 – 6 PM. Students must attend the full 3 hours each evening and can attend only one evening a week if they choose.  If interested in registering, call Kelsey Mayland at 603-437-8477 x 114. 

~ The Upper Room to host it’s 21^st Annual Auction at Tupelo Music Hall~

Derry, NH, October 21, 2022

The Upper Room is pumped up, and ready to go for it’s 21^st Annual Auction on November 4^th, 2022 at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, NH.   A tailgate themed party with raffles baskets and 22 live items up for bid, guests will enjoy tailgate foods, auctioneer Bill Burke, and the chance to support The Upper Room’s largest fundraiser.  Guests will include community members, a VIP table, staff and board of directors, and those closest to the organization and it’s mission.   This years event is filled with exciting new elements.   Doors open at 5:30 for cocktail hour a pregame punch, and the chance for guests to toss their raffle tickets in the bin for a chance to win an item valued at over 100 each!  Simply don your favorite football jersey and you are ready to go.   

“This event is in planning phase year-round”, states Brenda Guggisberg the Executive Director of The Upper Room. “There is a dedicated team that works for 11 months to see this event to it’s culmination and we are so excited for this years event, we have a lot of fun surprises in store”. 

Sponsors include; Enterprise Bank, Royal T Car Wash, Primary Bank, Linahan Limosine, Minuteman Press, and Tupelo Music Hall.  Local donors have donated dozens of items that will be shared in the Live Auction or Raffles for the event.

To fill funding gaps, this event has served as the agencies largest and most critical fundraising effort of the year.   There are still tickets available at www.Urteachers.org 

~ The Upper Room Welcomes The Ride for Resilience ~

Derry, NH, October 10, 2022

The Upper Room has been selected as one of the stops during the NH Children’s Trust’s 2^nd Annual 100-mile charity Ride for Resilience. In partnership with New Hampshire’s network of Family Resources Centers, The New Hampshire Children’s Trust’s ride is taking place October 14, 2022

Healthy Starts Program Manager Penny Vaine and her cycling companion, Rainna Baker, ride founder, along with New Hampshire Children’s Trust Board Member Mark Knights, and New Hampshire Children’s Trust’s Executive Director Cliff Simmonds will be cycling from the Family Resource Center at HCS in Keene across the state to the Vernon Family Farms in Newfields. Their goal is to raise awareness of family strengthening protective factors that ensure all Granite State kids have a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

“Training for this bike ride is like parenting; it’s so much work, it’s a challenge most of the time, and yet fills me with joy too! This bike ride is about raising awareness of all the magnificent work family resource centers are doing not only for our HCS community, but across the state,” Penny “the Ryder” Vaine says.

The Ride for Resilience physically connects critical family strengthening programs and services that all Granite State parents, caregivers, and families need to build resiliency.

The Family Resource Center at HCS, Healthy Starts will be the STARTING LINE for this 2022 Ride for Resilience. The ride will start at 6:30 am on Friday. Riders will then head east, making stops at the River Center in Peterborough and the Upper Room around 2:00 pm in Derry. The ride will conclude at Vernon Family Farms in Newfields, for food, music, and celebration. 

During their breaks throughout the day, riders will be stopping at the Family Resource Centers to take a tour and say thank you to the family service providers that spend their days working to strengthen New Hampshire families and prevent child abuse throughout the state!

“Everyone at The Upper Room is excited and looking forward to welcoming the riders as they arrive at The Upper Room. This ride raises awareness for the positive work we do with families and individuals,” stated The Upper Room’s Executive Director, Brenda Guggisberg.

“We know that when parents and caregivers have what they need, children and families are strong,” says Cliff Simmonds, Children’s Trust executive director. “When New Hampshire families are strong, incidence of child abuse and neglect plummet.” For more information and to meet the riders, visit https://www.pledgereg.com/ride-for-resilience.

~ Active Parenting 0 -5 year olds class starting! ~

Derry, NH, , NH, September 30, 2022

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry will be hosting Active Parenting for 0 – 5 year olds, a 3 part series for parents and caregivers of children 0 - 5 years old, starting October 12 6 – 8 PM for 3 Wednesdays.   This program will look at what a baby’s cry might mean, and how to manage the “terrible two’s” and so much more.  Children can be our greatest joy and our greatest frustration and having some ideas about what is normal childhood behavior and how to manage the challenges helps parents and caregivers be responsive to what is going on at the moment.  To register call Beth O’Connell at 603-437-8477 x 124. 

Visit www.URTeachers.org to register for classes and receive links to discussions and upcoming courses. Many classes are free of charge and scholarships are available.  For more information about our parenting programs, support groups, and classes or if you have any questions about raising your children, call 603-437-8477 x 124.

~ The Upper Room connecting in the community~

Pictures taken of Susan Norton and Weekend Events in Sandown and Salem.

Derry, NH, August 29, 2022

The summer has been busy for staff at The Upper Room, preparing for the start of a new school year for some programs, revising current programs and curriculum, as well as staff being active in community wide events. “Over the last few weeks staff have participated in various town wide community events, with the goal of being in the communities we serve, and getting to know people, hearing what they need, and making sure they are aware of the services and programs we offer” States Brenda Guggisberg Director. 

The Upper Room expanded it’s reach this past year taking on a PDG partnership with Launch Manchester. The work is to build systems of care within communities to support young children and their families.  Getting into the communities is one way the efforts are being managed, staff are getting to know people with young children, they’re informing, sharing, and listening.   This past weekend, staff member Dr. Susan Norton distributed over 100 books, shared 250 characters (animal and insect) bubbles, distributed 50 Strengthening Families coloring books and crayons, 78 raffle tickets and fielded dozens of inquiries about how families could get more information on The Upper Room. Free frisbees, key chains, brochures, snacks and drinks were shared at the booth held at Salem Field of Dreams, Londonderry Old Home Days and Sandown Old Home Days. And of course, multiple conversations with families. Well over 500 connections were made in Salem on Saturday!

The Upper Room will also host tables at Derryfest and in Chester at community fairs. We encourage those seeking information about our programs and services to please stop by our tables.  Anyone seeking information about how The Upper Room can be a resource please reach out to 603-437-8477. This fall open house events are also being planned so families or community members can stop by and gather information and meet someone from our staff. 

~ Vape and Your Health Workshops at The Upper Room~

Derry, NH, August 19, 2022

The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center announces its new schedule for Vape and Your Health Workshops for 2022 -2023. This coming year classes will be available for both Middle and High school students. “We have seen a continued trend of use of vape products and understand that many younger students are also using these products. To provide education and prevention information, our adolescent wellness team decided that The Upper Room needed to add an additional class on to its schedule to assist in providing information about how vaping impacts health” shares Executive Director Brenda Guggisberg “This effort aligns with our mission priority around health, and also aligns with our commitment to educate around the use of tobacco and nicotine, through NH Tobacco Prevention Program for Youth through Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services. The Upper Room is a prevention organization and offering information that can inform choice and lifelong habits is important to us”. Guggisberg states.

Vape and Your Health Workshops kick off September 14th, and run Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30, classes will be held at 36 Tsienneto Road in Derry NH. These classes will be FREE of charge.

To register for a Vape Workshop please call 603-437-8477 x 114 

~ The Upper Room hosts its Annual Ice Cream Social ~

Derry, NH, August 16, 2022

On August 10, 2022 over 200 children, parents, and community members joined the fun at The Upper Room’s annual ice cream social.  A tradition that has spanned nearly 20 years, that offers good old fashioned summer fun.   “The event started as a way to offer children and families a simple, fun afternoon together” States Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director.  “Offering a place to have a little fun, enjoy a summer tradition and meet other families, and possibly some providers is a great way to spend an afternoon”.   The Upper Room hoped to bring children and families together for connections, and to share some of the amazing programs and services being offered at the center, and in the community.

This years event was sponsored by Moos, Ice Cream, Fun Bounce, the Jason R Flood Memorial Pizzastock kids, and included Trading faces for face painting, as well as visitors from WellSense health Care, Boys and Girls Club, New Futures, and Launch Manchester and Launch Derry.  Ice Cream, Music, face painting, bounce house, yard games, activities and drawings, offered everyone attending something to do. 

Guests enjoyed a wonderful afternoon, some were able to register for childcare, get information on health care, sign up for parenting classes and workshops and even register for a pass to the Seacoast Science Center.  All in all, a success.  Many thinks to the volunteers, donors, board members, invited agencies who created an opportunity to unwind, and a little magic for those who came out to play!   

~ The Upper Room creating gardens and self sufficiency ~

 ~ The Upper Room receives donation from Jason R Flood Memorial ~

~ The Upper Room recevies donation from First Congregational Church of Pelham ~

   ~ The Upper Room and Pinkerton Academy Celebrate 2022 Graduation of HiSET Students~

  ~ The Upper Room Connects Pinkerton Academy Student Volunteers with Local Agencies for Youth Day of Giving Back Day ~

  ~Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Awarded to NEXT Charter High School Senior ~

Derry, NH, June 7, 2022

The Upper Room Board of Directors is pleased to present it’s fifth annual Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship to a Next Charter School senior, Sierra Saucier.  This scholarship was created after the passing of one of the late founders, Anna Willis in December of 2017.   To honor her work and her tireless commitment to making the world a better place, the board of directors began the Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship.    Applicants are those who have shown some commitment to their community through service, and who have a plan for a future to improve their world. Anna’s family felt that character was important when selecting it’s candidates, and volunteerism and leadership were important factors in determining this.     Saucier, a Derry resident applied for the scholarship, among a large pool of applicants from Salem, Windham, Next, Pinkerton, and Londonderry High Schools. 

Sierra is excited to exit high school and attend Plymouth State this fall, to earn a degree in Criminal Justice,.  Her desire to possibly volunteer while in college learning more about the juvenile system, proves to her deep commitment to both education and service to her community. “We are excited to continue to offer this award to local students, in honor of one of our founders”. Remarked Charlene Puzzo, Board President     

Sierra will graduate this week from NEXT,  and The Upper Room Board and Staff wish her the very best of luck in his endeavors.   

The  sixth annual Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Award will be announced in early 2023 for eligible applicants.   

  ~ The Upper Room offers Anger Management Facilitator Training~

Derry, NH, May 4, 2022

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is happy to announce it will once again offer a summer Train the Trainer for interested individuals looking to implement Take Control- A Teen Conflict Management Course.  On July 12^th and 14^th from 8:30 – 4 PM attendees will learn how to facilitate an evidence based strategy that assists teens with identifying their triggers, managing the responses, and improving their communications with family and friends. This will be held at the center located at 36 Tsienneto Road Derry NH. 

In 2011,  Upper Room staff developed, and took a curriculum to the Service to Science process, and created the first and only NH Evidenced Based Program to address the social and emotional needs of youth related to anger.  The 12 hour course, leads participants through exploration, education and skill building, to approach anger differently.   The current facilitators of the Summer Train the Trainer, are Elaina Wheaton and Michelle Brauch,  2 of the original developers of the curriculum with in depth knowledge and commitment to the wellbeing of youth in their ability to manage their emotions. 

“Take Control has been an effective tool in helping young people look at how they are managing their emotions, and how they can shift responses to their reactions, to communicate without violence”, states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director of The Upper Room.  “We have seen overwhelmingly good results from helping teens create positive strategies to challenges through this program”. 

This program will host 12 participants who will attend both days of training, agree to run the program with fidelity, and who will have access to technical assistance over the course of the first year.  This is ideal for school personnel, or area agencies that work with teens and youth. To register call 603-437-8477 x 129. 

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org

For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org 

 ~ The Upper Room offering  SUMMER BOOT CAMP for job preparation ~

Derry, NH, April 13, 2022

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is happy to announce that it will offer a SUMMER BOOT CAMP, in partnership with  WorkReady NH, to promote work ready skills for those entering or re-entering the work force.     This 2 week course is being offered July 11 – July 22, 2022 from 9 – 2 Monday through Friday, at The Upper Room 36 Tsienneto Road in Derry.  

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Work Ready NH in an effort to promote work skills and job readiness in our region”, states Brenda Guggisberg The Upper Room’s Executive Director. “With a mission that includes self-sufficiency as a desired outcome, this program helps to promote this and does so right here in Derry”.   Over the past 3 years Work Ready Nh and The Upper Room have partnered to bring the Derry community support in developing it’s workforce through both in person and virtual programs. 

The Summer Boot Camp is being offered FREE of charge to anyone 16 and up.

To Register:    Call 603-230-3534, or e mail AKalampalikis@ccsnh.edu

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service, and help all who come to our center seeking support.  For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org

For other press-related inquiries, please contact

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director

603-437-8477 or  bguggisberg@urteachers.org 

 ~ The Upper Room offering workshop on cutting down ~

Derry, NH, March 17, 2022

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry’s Beth O’Connell, is offering a virtual workshop, March 31, 2022 12:00 – 12:45 PM entitled “Cut Down and Rise Up” offering attendees a chance to look at life events that create habits, triggers, and seek for strategies to offer new options to old habits.  “The workshop is aimed and empowering people to cut down substance use and create one’s own joy” states Beth O’Connell, The Young Adults Strategies Program Coordinator.   Participants are encouraged to attend, free of charge, thanks to support from the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services and in partnership with South Central Public Health Network.   

To register join by clicking on the link:You are invited to a Zoom : Mar 31, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof-itqj4pEtG1cC2b0eP_tGwIJU_lWkou

Once registered participants will receive a link to the meeting. If you have questions or would like to speak with Beth call 603-437-8477 x 124 or e mail eoconnell@urteachers.org 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Young Adult Strategies is a program offered through the Upper Room and offers groups workshops and one to one support offering ideas related to coping skills, resilience, and adulting.   #Youngadultstrong 

 ~ The Upper Room and Marion Gerrish Community Center Partner to offer Popular Teen Series Called “On My Own”~

Derry, NH, March 11, 2022

The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center and the Marion Gerrish Community Center are continuing to partner to support a teen series called On My Own. Started 2 weeks before the world went in to lockdown, the 2 agencies wanted to offer a free program to teens that would offer opportunities for teens to come together, be connected to one another and a compassionate adult, and learn. For 23 months On My Own has offered teens a place to come together engage in weekly sessions that provided students a chance to express creativity, learn life skills, and be connected to a staff member for ongoing facilitation of the group. 

Starting in April the group will return to an in person format, and offer teens a chance to be together once again.   April will host a Monday after school group 2:30 – 3:30 PM at The Upper Room, 36 Tsienneto Road Derry, NH with a focus on Yoga and Mindfulness.  Facilitated by a certified Yoga Instructor and Staff member of The Upper Room, Liz Graziano, attendees will meet, and participate in activities that offer quieting of the mind, and relaxation for the busy brain, along with some fun teen chatter.  No former experience is needed, and no materials are required to attend.

Staff are eagerly planning monthly topics and look forward to bringing a robust list of topics to teens. “With the world opening back up, we are excited to move this group back to in person, to offer teens a chance to be in spaces together, sharing common interests, and connecting with one another.  We are so grateful for the continued support from MGCC, in support of teens and their wellbeing.” States Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director of The Upper Room. 

The program is completely FREE. REGISTER at bit.ly/onmyownregistrationform

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive education, information and support. We place no boundaries on service and welcome all who come to our center seeking information and support. For more information, call (603) 437-8477 or visit our website at URteachers.org  

About the Marion Gerrish Community Center
Founded in 1972, the Marion Gerrish Community Center has been called the “heart” of our community. We offer a wide variety of senior games groups every weekday, a monthly movie viewing, monthly Wifi Café and support for community-based services such as AARP tax aide.

We are a 501C3 organization dedicated to providing meeting space, with over 150 different groups, clubs, teams, organizations and nonprofits meeting at our location throughout the year.

We respond to community needs by providing the environment, opportunity, and support to individuals and organizations so we all can grow in our service to others.

For more information call (603) 434-8866 or visit our website www.mgccderrynh.org

 ~ The Upper Room awarded support from 100 Women Who Care~

 ~ The Upper Room receives grant from Alexander Eastman Foundation~

Derry, NH, February 12, 2022

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH was recently awarded a $40,000.00 grant to support its Adolescent Wellness Programs. “Last year at this time, I shared that there had never been a more critical time and need for direct services, I echo that again this year, we are seeing the need to be a place where teens and their families can receive support, education and resources.”, states Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director. “With long term isolation, teens are sharing that they are managing stress and challenges that no teen in history has ever experienced in the same ways. We are here to address concerns related to risk taking, including substance misuse, along with community wide awareness that some students may need support to gain coping skills, and strategies to reduce the impacts of chronic long-term stress” Guggisberg shares. “We are working daily to provide education, support, ideas, and partnerships that will allow teens to navigate this unpredictable chapter and enter adulthood prepared to learn, work, engage in lifelong self-sufficiency and wellness.”

The Adolescent Wellness program is a comprehensive program, offering teens access education, counseling, skill building, and connections to others. Teens are offered ideas in managing anger, substance misuse, academics, and community service. Parent Caregiver Café offers adults in teens life a chance to understand what is happening for their teen and how to encourage and support them through adolescence, including during challenging times.

The Upper Room is proud to continue to support this community in partnership with Alexander Eastman Foundation, to provide wellness in the larger community

About The Upper Room

Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy, self-sufficient lives. Our center is a warm, welcoming place where families receive information and support not only in times of crisis but on a day-to-day basis. We place no boundaries on service and help all who come to our center seeking support. For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org

For other press-related inquiries, please contact Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director 603-437-8477 or bguggisberg@urteachers.org

 ~ The Upper Room upgrading Technology thanks to Salem Cooperative bank~