Derry, NH, May 27, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry will be offering Mindful Teens, a 6 week teen program for that focuses on relationships, consent, decisions making and other important topics that are on the minds of todays teens.   Join facilitator Val Mazzola, starting June 9, 2025 from 3 – 4 PM at The Upper Room.   “We are  excited to offer this time and space for teens to come together and have meaningful and explorative discussions around their lives, and the decisions they are making,”   Shared Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director.   “Having the opportunity to talk about important personal and social issues going on for teens is important and we know that this group has offered students positive ideas about how to manage challenging life events”.

Students are offered facilitated discussions around the things that are important to them, with a focus on healthy relationships, decision making, social media and more.    The group will run June 9 through July 21 from 3 -4 PM Mondays.    It is offered at no cost thanks to generous support from the community.  Light refreshments offered during the group.       

To register for Mindful Teens call 603-437-8477 x 110.    

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 

Derry, NH, May 23, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry announces that it’s HiSET Program will offer Summer Institute.    This program is for high school seniors who did not make graduation for some reason and who are interested in being complete with high school.     The program offers students the chance to prepare for the HiSET exam, so that a student can achieve their high school equivalency.   Students will take all 5 exams, as well as meet with program director to discuss postgraduate plans and receive support and assistance as needed.    This program will run June 23rd – June 27th, and students must be enrolled prior to the start of the Summer Institute week.   

“We began Summer Institute several years ago to support students who may have missed graduation by a class or two, and who have future plans and want to enroll in college, apprenticeships or the military.    Summer Institute allows students to move on with their own class, and start working, or attending classes or training programs.” Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director.   “Each year the program  offers 12 students, who are academically able to complete the exam, a chance to complete their high school education.    With a priority for Pinkerton students, The Upper Room also partners with other towns and is open to receiving referrals for students from other districts, so long as space is available.”  Guggisberg continues.   

If you are interested in learning more about The Summer Institute at The Upper Room, please call 603-437-8477 x 118.   Pinkerton students need to use PACE as direct access point to the program, and contact Andy Collins, PACE Director, for a  referral.   

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 

Derry, NH, May 22, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is excited to share its 2025 Anna Willis High School Senior Award winner, Ben LaGrasse, a senior from Salem High School who will be studying at Johnson University in the fall.  Ben achieved academic success, participated in sports, his church community, fishing, and held a part time job.    As the Anna Willis Award winner, Ben possesses the tenants that this award seeks; academic success, volunteerism and leadership within the community.    

Ben has been volunteering in his local community and experienced international volunteering in El Salvador and is preparing for a mission to Kenya.   “Volunteerism does not just help others, but it also influences the one volunteering in a very positive way. There is no place on Earth where volunteerism isn’t necessary to the overall well-being of the community. It is completely vital in the efforts of creating stronger relationships and hope in a world where finding any hope can sometimes prove an incredible challenge.”  States Ben LaGrasse in his application.

The award is an annual opportunity for local high school seniors, in memory of the late Leader Anna Willis who was a teacher at Salem High School.    The Board of Directors manages this award, and this year 28 students applied for the award, coming from Salem, Pinkerton and Windham High Schools.  A committee of 4 board members reviewed applicants and agreed that Ben LaGrasse was this years recipient.   “We are honored to continue to celebrate one of our founders Anna Willis in this way and know that the mission she and Claire Hamilton started continues to live out in our work each day”, states Brenda Guggisberg, 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 

Derry, NH, May 12, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry will offer a new program called Building Strong Families. This 6-week group will help families who have experienced unexpected challenges to build skills, connect with others to overcome and move forward. Each week will include story time, an activity and resources to help parents/caregivers and children build strong relationships.  Families are invited to participate for 6 weeks, with the focus on supporting parents, or caregivers of children up to 12 years old.  

“By participating in this group caregivers and children will strengthen relationships, build connections and learn about community resources that are available for support. “ Shares Emily Levesque, Director of Intergrated Human Services and Building Strong Families facilitator.

The Building Strong Families program is part of The Upper Rooms family wellness program, offering children and their parents/caregivers time together to foster positive family connections.

Summer Program runs, July 10, 2025  – Aug 14, 2025 10:30 – 11:30 am Thursdays, at The Upper Room 36 Tsienneto Road Derry, NH.    After the program, families can  pick up  lunch, and enjoy the play space in the back yard.    Each family will receive a book at the end of the course.  

The Program will run 4 times this year, with the fall program starting  in September,  Mondays at 4 PM.     To register for the Building Strong Families Program contact Emily Levesque 603-437-8477 x 122 .  There are no fees for this program.   

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 

Derry, NH, May 5, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is excited to share updates that the Expressions Program will have this spring.    Expressions is an after-school program offering middle school students a creative space where participants will connect with others, through a variety of fun activities.     Themes will include work with clay, game based, plant based, paint and food mediums in which students can come each week and enjoy the fun of creating together.   “This program has been running for years and has taken on new names as it has evolved.    A few years ago a talented OT Intern from UNH developed a program manual, and outcomes of the after school program, which includes ideas for young students to develop positive relationships and connect with one another.  Having a fun activity, trained facilitators, and young people together is an opportunity for real connections”.   States Brenda Guggisberg, ED.      

Facilitated by Upper Room staff and a Masters Level Occupational Therapy intern, this project provides a really fun, and exciting after school space for connections and a safe place for middle schoolers to build friendships and social connections.    Students can register and attend the weeks they choose to attend.     The program runs Wednesdays from 3 – 4 PM, after school.   

Expressions is supported by the Jason R Flood Memorial, and Pizzastock, and The Upper Room is grateful for the continued commitment of JRFM, improving the lives of young people in our community, through resources and support.    

Expressions is held Wednesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 PM at The Upper Room 36 Tsienneto Road, Derry,   Call 603-437-8477 x 116 to register.    Or connect through link: bit.ly/TURExpressionsMiddleSchool

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 

Derry, NH, May 3, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry will host Crossroads Co-Parenting course June 23 and 25th from 6:00 – 8:30 PM.  Crossroads is a 5-part course the explores how children get caught in the middle when parents are in a high conflict, divorce or separation.   Crossroads leads parents through the 5 steps of the process, encouraging them to be allowed to love both parents, keeping kids out of the middle, working on your own recovery, learning how to communicate, and creating a business model that puts the business of the children first.  “The Upper Room has been offering this course for 12 years and is happy to be part of a solution for adults who are caught in the cycle of conflict with the other co-parent.  The Upper Room offers this class as a preventive measure to help parents see the importance of putting the needs of the children first and managing adult things as adults, not in front of the children.   Children who are exposed to long term high conflict between parents are at an increased risk for a host of negative concerns including additional anxiety, loss of social connections with friends, self-harm, risk behavior and long-term difficulty developing their own healthy relationships” states Brenda Guggisberg, The Upper Rooms Executive Director and a program facilitator.   

Crossroads is a program through Active Parenting and is an evidence-based program aimed at helping adults understand the impact that this conflict has on their children.    “We believe that parents do not understand the impact their negative behavior has on their child at any age, and we want to help build life long positive family relationships.   When a child is under long term stress and managing adult business they are not able to develop the skills they need to move through childhood and  adolescence.   Children  may lose sleep, begin struggling at school, have behavior issues, substance use, and other risk behaviors.  We want to offer the perspectives that children have when this is happening, and this course does just that offering examples of the stress that children endure when parents are fighting”, continues Guggisberg.   

To register for the class call 603-437-8477 x 110 . 

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 

Derry, NH, May 3, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is excited to share it has received a $ 25,000.00 grant to support the agency in its work.   “We are so grateful for the support of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation” states Brenda Guggisber, the Executive director of the agency.   “ We would not be able to accomplish what we do without this level of support”, Guggisberg states.    

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation made this grant possible through the Hickory Fund.   The Upper Room will benefit from these funds and has exciting plans for the next year as it begins the work of it’s recent implementation of a brand new 5 year Strategic Plan.      

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 

Derry, NH, March 19, 2025

The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry is preparing to celebrate strong families and thriving 

children in the month as April represents Child Abuse Prevention month. As one of the 18 Family 

Resource Centers in New Hampshire, the center will offer programs and resources that align with family 

strengthening work. The Upper Room offers prevention and early intervention services and programs that 

assist children, youth and families in gaining the knowledge and accessing the services and resources 

needed for their individual families.    

“We will kick off the month with youth and family programming, including a course on Co-Parenting called 

Crossroads being held Saturday April 5 from 9 – 2.  This course looks at the impact that long-term high

level conflict can have on children when their parents separate or get divorced. As a family resource 

center offering ideas to prevent further harm, or stress to a child is important for us to share” States 

Brenda Guggisberg. There are many programs for parents and caretakers, teens and families. Visit our 

website for updated program information.   www.URTeachers.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 

Derry, NH, February 10, 2025

The Upper Room Family Resource Center is excited to announce its seeking requests for proposal from local contractors to update some of it’s building functions.    Creating a reception area, that will serve as a single point of entry, along with storage options for its pantry is an important part of 2025 for the agency.    Interested businesses can reach out to receive the Request for Proposal form and set up a visit with the agency to explore the identified projects.   

“A recent feasibility study has helped The Upper Room identify space priorities for it’s building to help programs and staff have the space needed, with efficiencies.    This examination has provided the agency with both small and large ideas for the short term and long term futures” states Brenda Guggisberg agency Executive Director.    

To apply for bid, contact Leanne Sullivan at 603-437-8477 x 110   lsullivan@urteachers.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 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