~ The Upper Room Receives a grant from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation ~

Derry, NH, April 15, 2024

The Upper Room Family Resource Center is excited to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, in support of a few initiatives the agency is embarking on currently.   A $25,000.00 grant was awarded, with funds going to support homeless youth costs, for it’s Compass Youth Program, to provide a 2 day Motivational Interviewing Training, and a small portion to plan for it’s strategic plan to take place early next year.    These funds will bring unique supports to unhoused youth, will offer the full staff a 2 day immersive training to reinforce and build strong skills, and the assist in planning for it’s next plan which is exciting as it may include some expansion to the current facility. 

“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to work with New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to continue the work within the communities that most impact our state.” stated Brenda Guggisberg, The Upper Room’s Executive Director.   “This builds strength within our programs, strength within our staff, and strength for our governance all part of the essential components of our agency.”   

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 Launches a Mindful Teens Group Series~

Derry, NH, April 15, 2024

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH is launching the first of a six-week teen series that will open conversations and discussion around teen relationships. The Mindful Teens Network Series will be facilitated by Valerie Mazzola, LICSW, and will address boundary setting, healthy communications, consent, and personal confidence.

“This series will help adolescents build personal communication skills they can use in many areas of their lives.” stated Executive Director Brenda Guggisberg.

The first six-week series is free to attend, and will be held May 6, 13, 20; and June 3, 10, 24. Meetings will take place after school from 3:00 – 4:00 pm at The Upper Room. The next series of groups will start August 5. To learn more and register contact The Upper Room at (603) 437-8477 x110.

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 is in Need of Food Pantry Volunteers~

Derry, NH, February 22 2024

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH has immediate openings for Food Pantry volunteers seeking to make a difference in the community.

The Upper Room Food Pantry serves over 50 families and individuals per week. Volunteers must be available Mondays, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, to set up and distribute food to registered community members. Volunteers need to be able to: be on their feet for 4 hours, as well as be able to lift up to 50 lbs. at times.

“Volunteers are our most valuable assets, and their contributions are what make The Upper Room’s programs successful,” stated Executive Director Brenda Guggisberg.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to fill out an application at www.urteachers.org/volunteering. Contact Elaina Wheaton at (603) 437-8477 x118,

for more information  

Volunteer Information Sessions are held April 10, August 28 and December 18, 2024 at The Upper Room from 6:00 -7:00 pm. 

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 Earns Platinum GuideStar Nonprofit Seal of Transparency ~

Derry, NH, January 26, 2024

The Upper Room Family Resource Center has successfully earned its Platinum GuideStar Nonprofit Profile Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. Funders look to GuideStar to verify and research nonprofits that are aligned with their priorities.

“The Upper Room aspires to be transparent with our organization’s metrics, and we are excited to share this meaningful information with donors, grant makers, peers and the media,” stated Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director.

To reach the Platinum level, The Upper Room added comprehensive information to their profile including meaningful qualitative and quantitative data on the organization’s goals, strategies and  progress for each of their programs and services. Visit the GuideStar.org website to access The Upper Room Family Resource Center’s complete profile at www.guidestar.org.

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

  ~ Invitation to Open House Feb. 26 at The Upper Room Family Resource Center in Derry, NH~

Derry, NH, January 17, 2024

The Upper Room Family Resource Center is thrilled to announce its upcoming Open House event, providing an opportunity for the community to explore their facilities, learn about programs, and engage with their dedicated team.

The Open House will be held Monday, February 26, 2024, with a plan to have additional open houses throughout the year. Location: The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, 36 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH.

The Upper Room is committed to serving and supporting families, students, and individuals in the Southern NH area. “This will be a great opportunity for program partners, school staff, local organizations, potential collaborators, supporters, and community members to tour The Upper Room building, learn about programs, meet the staff, and ask questions in a casual environment,” stated Brenda Guggisberg, The Upper Room’s Executive Director. 

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

  ~ Is This Crossing The Line? A Six-week series on understanding boundaries  ~

Derry, NH, December 21, 2023

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry will be hosting Is This Crossing The Line ?, a 6 week series for teen women, to discuss boundary setting, healthy relationships, consent, dangers of sexting, personal confidence and more.  These sessions will foster conversations with teen women, to provoke thoughtful and informative ideas around personal boundaries and healthy relationships.  Group will be held Mondays from 3 – 4 PM at The Upper Room 36 Tsienneto Road Derry.  “This opportunity comes as we acknowledge many young people, working their way through adolescence and building their framework for healthy relationships” states Brenda Guggisberg, Upper Room Director.  “It has been a conversation we have been having within our team, and one that we feel warrants investment in our youth, to help them look at how they are forming positive connections with others.”

Facilitator Valerie Mazzola, LICSW, owner and therapist from Clear Balance Counseling, will facilitate conversations, with young women to explore ideas and thoughts on setting boundaries and creating healthy relationships.  Participants must be able to attend all 6 Sessions Starting January 22, 2024 through March 4, 2024.    Interested teen women can register for the group at 603-437-8477 x 110. 

This program is made possible thanks to the support of Alexander Eastman Foundation, and is free of charge to all who register until the group closes.   

Visit www.URTeachers.org to seek more information on services and programs of The Upper Room. 

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’s Creative After School Teen Series is Back for 2024 ~

Derry, NH, December 20, 2023

Beginning January 2024, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH will be bringing back its popular after school creative series for teens ages 14-18. The Expressions! Series will meet Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 PM (excluding the first Wednesday) of each month. Teens will explore a diverse line up of creative outlets including origami, food art, paper mache, painting, and more.

“I am excited to be working with teens in a creative and social way.” shared Tricia Adams, the new Expressions! Facilitator. “We are happy to be able to resume this creative alternative for teens, where they can connect to other teens in a safe environment, “states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director. This group, which is supported by The Jason R. Flood Memorial Foundation, equips participants with tools to express themselves with a goal of establishing healthy new habits and leisure routines.

The program is completely FREE, and all supplies are included. The registration link can be found at http://bit.ly/TURExpressions or by calling The Upper Room’s Adolescent Wellness Director, Kelsey Mayland at 603-437-8477 x114.

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