2021
Local News & Media

the Upper Room

 ~ The Upper Room celebrates 25 years of service from staff member~  

Derry, NH, November 18, 2021


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brenda Guggisberg

Contact Title: Executive Director

Organization: The Upper Room, a Family resource Center

Phone Number: 603-437-8477

Email Address; bguggisberg@urteacers.org


Derry, NH, November 29, 2021


The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH was lucky when Ruth Kay began working for the organization 25 years ago this month. Beginning as a bookkeeper, and moving on to program staffing then into development, Ruth Kay has always been a team member, who is deeply involved in the agencies mission and purpose, and who has involved her entire family in this part of her life.


Hired 25 years ago, as the bookkeeper for The Upper Room, with about a half a dozen staff, Ruth managed the agencies finances. Things were a little different 25 years ago, but the same threads were there, nonprofits work to constantly stay afloat so that they can continue to do the work they are entrusted to do in their communities. Ruth also had the role of Parent Educator, teaching hundreds of parents over the years make sense of their teen’s behaviors. Ruth took on the role as Lead Teacher in the Out of School Suspension Alternative for many years, providing students a chance to stay connected with their academics while they were out of school. As the agency grew and development needs were presenting, she decided to take on the role as Grant Writer for the organization. With her keen sense of finance and understanding of the day to day programming, Ruth has been able to help keep The Upper Room’s many programs funded. Her tenure in this role has been a challenge as times change, but she has remained consistent and courageous and seeks opportunities that offer partnerships and collaborations with others as well as funding that supports the needs of the programs it runs.


At any given Upper Room event, Ruth, along with her husband, children or grandchildren have been found to be setting up for an activity, participating in a race, helping in fundraising events, Ice Cream Socials, community service projects and serving the community. Ruth has not only done this work for 25 years, she has modeled to her own family the importance of community and giving. Ruth has had her hat in many activities over the years, supported many causes that relate to family and children’s wellbeing, including running The Sad Café in Plaistow, acting as a CCD instructor at St. Thomas, working for Racetrack Ministry at Rockingham Park, Boy Scout leader and so many more activities of importance. 


“We are deeply blessed by the commitment and dedication that Ruth has given to our agency, and more so to this larger community. Ruth has a historical knowledge of our beginnings, has worked with all 3 Executive Directors and had managed and supported the transitions over the years to provide The Upper Room with stability and support. As an agency, we rely on Ruth for her perspective, her deep understanding of the simplicity of our mission, to help people help themselves by offering support and skills, education and encouragement, and we know what a gift it is to have a staff member dedicate themselves to this work for this period of time. There is no way we can say thank you enough for this commitment” ” states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director. “Ruth’s humility, her lack of need for acknowledgement or thanks makes it hard for us to celebrate her 25 years of service here, but we wanted to take a moment to share the staff’s, board’s and communities’ gratitude for the time she has given to us so far, and look forward to continuing with her at The Upper Room. “I have stayed at TUR because it is committed to helping children, youth and families be the best they can be” states Ruth Kay in her reflection of 25 years of service. 


The Upper Room, celebrates, 25 years with Ruth Kay, who has been part of it’s mission, and who has selflessly given so much to the community through her work. 




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 


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WELL SENSE HEALTH CARE visits The Upper Room December 4, 2021

Derry, NH, November 18, 2021


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brenda Guggisberg

Contact Title: Executive Director

Organization: The Upper Room, a Family resource Center

Phone Number: 603-437-8477

Email Address; bguggisberg@urteacers.org


~ Well Sense Health Care visits The Upper Room December 4, 2021


The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is excited to continue it’s offerings on Saturdays.  Born during the early stages of COVID, as way to make a safe and quiet space for students to do tutoring and for families to receive support for things they may need, The Upper Room started offering Saturday services the first Saturday of the month.   


On December 4th, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM The Upper Room will offer a chance for families to come speak with Caitlin Howard, from Well Sense. Cailtin will  be available for people who have questions about their Well Sense Medicaid plan and can provide information and enroll individuals in our new Well Sense Medicare Advantage HMO plan.  Caitlin is the Community Outreach Supervisor with Well Sense, and is excited to be available for families at this time.  Caitlin will be on site from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM that day.


The Upper Room will also be providing parents a co-parenting course known and Crossroads. To register for this course please call Michelle at 603-437-8477 x122 .   


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 


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 ~ The Upper Room awarded grant from New Hampshire Charitable Foundation ~

Derry, NH, October 22, 2021


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Contact Name Brenda Guggisberg

 Contact Title: Executive Director

Organization: The Upper Room, a Family resource Center

Phone Number: 603-437-8477

Email Address; bguggisberg@urteacers.org



The Upper Room is excited to share it received a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to support the agency in it’s operations as a Family Resource Center in Southern New Hampshire. The grant was made possible through the Community Crisis Action Fund 2021, and New Hampshire Tomorrow Family and Youth Supports Fund.


The Upper Room recently received a $50,300.00 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation payable over two years. The grant will help further The Upper Room’s mission of “Strengthening individuals and families by providing them with the education, services, and resources to lead healthy self-sufficient lives.”


“This award comes at a perfect time. The Upper Room, along with many other Family Resource Centers, have felt the needs of families more than ever over these last eighteen months, and the receipt of this grant gives us the affirmation that we are doing positive things for the larger community, impacting lives and working to create strong systems for our larger communities”. states Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director for The Upper Room, located at 36 Tsienneto Road in Derry.


This grant will offer support to the sixteen core programs that operate through The Upper Room, allows the organization to focus on continued service and support provision with resources it needs to maintain efforts. 

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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

About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation


The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is New Hampshire’s statewide community foundation, founded in 1962 by and for the people of New Hampshire. The Foundation manages a growing collection of 2,000 funds created by generous individuals, families and businesses, and awards more than $40 million in grants and more than $6 million in scholarships every year. The Foundation works with generous and visionary citizens to maximize the power of their giving, supports great work happening in our communities and leads and collaborates on high-impact initiatives. For more information, please visit www.nhcf.org or call 603-225-6641.

 ~ After school tutoring kicks off in October at The Upper Room  ~

Derry, NH, September 17, 2021


The Upper Room is planning to return to offering tutoring for high school students beginning in October. To support many students who may need a quiet place to study, and someone to help organize assignments and help with work planning, and project planning, The Upper Room teachers are opening up tutoring support Mondays and Thursdays from 3 – 4:30 each of those afternoons. Students are encouraged to sign up for 4 – 6 sessions to start with the option of continuing if needed. The program On Track Tutoring will help students academically and provide strategies to get and stay organized. This offering is FREE of charge. Students in grades 9 – 12 are welcome, including students who are using VLACS and who may need a quiet place to study. “We are pleased that we can be a support to students who may need a boost to get on track with their schoolwork. We know the re-entry of students in the classroom this year, may be a challenging time, and we hope we can offer resources to assist in this coming school year”, states Brenda Guggisberg, The Upper Room’s Executive Director Tutoring Services begin October 4 and will run through the school year on Mondays and Thursdays. To register to attend call 603-437-8477 x 117, or e mail mbergere@urteachers.org

 ~ The Upper Room and Pinkerton Academy Coordinate Youth Day of Giving Back - Connecting Student Volunteers with Local Agencies ~

Derry, NH, May 21, 2021

 

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, in partnership with Pinkerton Academy, coordinated another successful Youth Day of Giving Back by connecting 50 high school student volunteers with area nonprofits.

 

On May 19, student volunteers were transported to locations and accomplished a variety of outdoor projects. Each student worked 3.5 hours totaling 175 hours of donated time given to better the community. Students who volunteered for the day were provided t-shirts, breakfast, lunch, and transportation to and from the following sites: The Daniel Webster Council’s Camp Carpenter, The YMCA of Greater Londonderry, The Upper Room, and the homes of two local seniors through Community Caregivers of Greater Derry. Projects ranged from helping with yard cleanup, planting gardens, spring cleanup, setting up tents for summer camps, and other necessary projects to help these agencies out.

 

Pinkerton Academy’s Associate Dean of Students, Roger Konstant, coordinated the inquiry and placements of the students interested in giving back to their community. He stated “I believe this was one of our more successful years, we had great weather and a group of 50 students eager to help out. This is at least the 22nd year we have organized the Youth Day of Giving Back, with the help of Shelly Koza, Marketing Coordinator from the Upper Room we were able to connect our students to several local agencies. I was able to stop at each of the sites to see the students in action, it was great to see the teamwork and effort they put forth at each of the agencies.

 

A majority of the students that were involved this year were freshmen, this is great to see as they will hopefully continue on with the Youth Day for the remainder of their Pinkerton career and maybe involve themselves in more volunteer opportunities. It is great to connect our students to the various community programs that do such an amazing job. We are also thankful for the generous donation of Dunkin Donuts on Crystal Ave, every year they support us with coffee, bagels, and doughnuts, and Sal's Pizza of Derry offered us a discount on pizza. We appreciate their support in this effort.”

 

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

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  • Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Awarded to Londonderry High School Senior

    Derry, NH, May 18, 2021


    The Upper Room Board of Directors is pleased to present its fourth annual Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship to a Londonderry senior, Hannah Desmarais. 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 its candidates, and volunteerism and leadership were important factors in determining this. Desmarais, a Londonderry resident applied for the scholarship, among the largest pool of applicants ever from Salem, Pinkerton, and Londonderry High Schools.   


    Hannah has given tirelessly to her community through service and has created a plan for her future that will improve not only her world but that of others as she plans to study medicine in some way. Hannah’s involvement and leadership in her community have been a large part of her growing up and reflected deeply in her application. “It is important that our board recognize the foundation of our organization, and one of the women who founded The Upper Room.” remarked Charlene Puzzo, Board President.     


    Hannah Desmarais is making final commitment decisions, and The Upper Room Board and Staff wish her the very best of luck in his endeavors.    


    The fifth annual Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Award will be announced in early 2022 for eligible applicants.     

      


    About The Upper Room


    Founded in 1986, The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

    committed to creating educational programs and services, which strengthen individuals, families and the community. 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. There are no barriers, income guidelines or geographic limitations to participation. Our doors are open to all who come to them. For more information, call (603) 437-8477, or visit our website at URteachers.org.


  • The Upper Room Earns Designation as a Family Resource Center of Quality by the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council

    The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is excited to announce that it has been designated as a Family Resource Center of Quality (FRC-Q) by the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council. 


    The Upper Room merited FRC-Q designation by demonstrating exemplary practice building family strengths. Over the past year, The Upper Room engaged in ongoing self-assessment that includes gathering feedback from participants and community partners, a site visit, and lengthy application process submitted to the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council (WPPC) for review. 

     “This designation was a clear indicator of commitment from our staff, board and community, which lead to the review of our function as agency. We are excited about the long-term impact it will have on the services and relationships we have within our community.  The process of designation allowed us to look at the long-term sustainability through services, finances, and leadership, which was is a very important strategy that sometimes gets overlooked in non-profit businesses.” states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director. 

     “Family Resource Centers throughout the state share that preparing to seek designation as a Family Resource Center of Quality has been affirming for their staff, illuminating to their Board of Directors and reassuring for the families they serve.” Maria Doyle, Family Support Programs Manager at NH Children’s Trust and Co-chair of the Wellness and Primary Prevention Council.   

     The Upper Room is the fifth Family Resource Center to be designated by the New Hampshire Wellness and Primary Prevention Council, a designation that may be renewed every three years. 

  • The Upper Room and Marion Gerrish Community Center Partner to Relaunch the Popular Teen-life Series Called “On My Own”

    Derry, NH, April 21, 2021


    The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center and the Marion Gerrish Community Center have partnered again to relaunch the On My Own Series. The program first started last spring as a fun way for teens to learn new skills. The program originated as a conversation between Brenda Guggisberg and Sarah Garvin, Executive Directors of their agencies. Once COVID-19 hit, the program shifted gears and moved online to become a virtual outlet for teens to explore new skills such as cooking, painting, drawing, and yoga while at home.

     As the program re-launches, we plan to continue to offer the classes online Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Each series of classes will run for approx. four (4) weeks. A survey of students has led to a selection of interesting topics such as “Arts, Crafts and Convos” which was offered in March, and “Crochet and Connect” which is currently offered in April/May. Katie, who is working towards her master’s degree in social work, looks forward to facilitating the classes through the summer, offering teens the opportunity to learn new skills and have meaningful conversations.

     

    “We are happy to offer this virtual learning alternative for teens, where they can not only learn but be connected to other teens,” said the Facilitator, Katie Parent. “We are very excited to relaunch the On My Own program with The Upper Room and look forward to offering unique opportunities for the teens in our community!” said Sarah Garvin, Executive Director for the Marion Gerrish Community Center.

     Registration for the program is done online and all classes are completely FREE, with the help of generous volunteers. To learn more and register, visit URteachers.org/remote-programs. 


    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 and Vanguard Dental Smiles for Life Campaign

    Derry, NH, April 12, 2021- For a third year in a row, The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, is pleased to be a recipient of the Smile for Life campaign offered through Vanguard Dental Group in Derry, NH.


    During the months of March through June, Vanguard Dental Group is donating 100% of the proceeds of their take home whitening system to charity. 50% of the proceeds will be given to the Upper Room in Derry, and at the same time the additional 50% will go to the Smiles for Life Foundation. You are not required to be a patient to participate. Just call Vanguard Dental to schedule an appointment to brighten your teeth and warm your heart.


    Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director of The Upper Room, explains that “As a Family Resource Center, that serves families the Southern NH area, we are excited to partner with Vanguard Dental in a way that will benefit children in need both locally and globally.”



    About Vanguard Dental Group

    Dr. Craig Rothenberg and Dr. Michael Moskowitz of the Vanguard Dental Group provide restorative and cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, sedation dentistry, family dentistry and so much more. They serve patients in the Manchester, New Hampshire area including Derry, Londonderry, Hampstead, Salem, Sandown, Hudson, Litchfield, Raymond, and the zip codes 03038, 03053, 03079, 03873, and 03103. To learn more about Vanguard Dental, visit their website at VanguardDentalGroup.com or call (603) 276-1000.


    The Smiles for Life Foundation participates with the following charities: Children’s Miracle Network, Children of Romania, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, CURE (in Cambodia), Smiles for Hope, and the Kids Cancer Care Foundation. To learn more about Smiles for Life, visit their website at SmilesforLife.org.

     

  • The Upper Room awarded granted from Alexander Eastman Foundation

    Derry, NH, February 17, 2021- The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, NH received notification that they were awarded a $40,000.00 grant to support Adolescent Wellness Programs. “There has never been a more critical time to direct services and resources to teens that this year”, states Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director. “We have seen a significant rise in isolation, concerns for substance misuse and risk behaviors that put teens at risk of life long health and social impacts.  We need to be available to provide support to teens, their parents and caregivers, and to offer the education, information and skills that align with the current concerning trends”.    


    The Adolescent Wellness program is a comprehensive program, offering teens access education, counseling, skill building, and connections to others.   Staff offer classes, and support to bring teens ideas and information to make informed and educated decisions.  This coupled with our Parent Caregiver Café that 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 will continue to deliver the services that the Alexander Eastman Foundation seeks for this community, and ready to deliver it’s services to address the needs of this region.   

  • The Upper Room looking at Money Matters-Derry, NH, February 4, 2021

    The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is excited to kick off 2021 with a focus dedicated to money and use of it.  A new initiative Money Matters will kick off Wednesday February 10, 2021 offering simple money tips, and saving ideas for individuals and families.   Classes will look at budgeting, saving money, credit and how to understand it, and making financial goals. “A large part of our mission is based on building the skills to create self sufficiency, and having strategies to understand money, and how to use it, is one way we meet our goals”. Reports Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director.  


     The Upper Room is excited to reach people at home, and offer a practical and informative way for people to inform themselves about their financial stability and situation.  To register call 603-437-8477 x 110 or visit our website to link to the registration page.   


    These program is being offered in for FREE, thanks to the support of  generous support from Bank Of America.    

  • The Upper Room kicking off 2021 with great programs and services! - Derry, NH, January 4, 2021




    The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is excited to kick off 2021 with continued programming and innovative services.  Starting in January, the Upper Room will be offering additional tutoring services for high school and middle school students in Derry who need additional educational support.  A program known as Tutor Time will be taking registrations starting January 18th to assist students who have special educational needs and who would benefit from support in person or through virtual tutoring.  This program is available thanks to a grant from the Crotched Mountain Foundation.




    Another new option will be the Sober Curious Group set to kick off in later January. Young adults 18 – 25, looking to explore a lifestyle that focuses on health, and positive activity is the focus of this 3-week journey.  




    In February On My Own Teen Series in partnership with Marion Gerrish community Center will kick off its teen series which offers teens the chance to connect with each other and have some serious fun! 


     


    Positive Solutions for Families is a parenting course for parents and caregivers starting January 20.


    These updated courses along with existing programs are here to provide education, and information for our community. To register call 603-437-8477 x 110.   




    These programs are being offered in for FREE, thanks to the support of generous support from foundations and donors in our 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


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