~ The Upper Room hosting “More Than Blue” event to talk about post-partum depression ~
Contact:
Brenda Guggisberg
Executive Director, The Upper Room
(603) 437-8477
Derry, NH, April 29, 2026
The Upper Room Family Resource Center in Derry will be hosting a “More Than Blue” event, May 26th 6:30 – 8:30 PM in partnership with the NH Moms Hub, PSI, Salem Family Resources to offer a detailed conversation about post-partum from a mother, along with a brief viewing and conversation of post-partum depression and available supports for women and their families. “Post Partum is real , individuals experiencing symptoms are at a critical point in their lives as are their babies and families. This collaboration of organizations wants to create a safe space, and real conversations about post-partum and how to get support” shares Brenda Guggisberg The Upper Rooms Executive Director. “The Moms Hub, PSI and Salem Family Resources along with The Upper Room want to be available for individuals and their partners to support this important time in their lives. This event is free and will have resources available that evening. To register for the event go to: Click here to register through Eventbrite.
New parents experience a range of emotions and new fears, and when those emotions become overwhelming it is important that parents feel comfortable speaking up and getting the support they need. NH has Family Resource Centers and family services across the state with compassionate staff, skilled home visitors and supportive non-judgmental services, parent child playgroups, childcare, parent education, support groups and family supports all available in communities across the state to find the closest Family Resource Center to you, visit: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/population-health/family-community-health/family-resource-centers
To connect to assistance with Moms Hub go to: https://www.hopeonhavenhill.org/momhub/
To connect with PSI- Post Partum Support International go to: https://psichapters.com/nh/
To Connect with Salem Family Resources go to: https://www.salemfamilyresources.org/
And for connection with The Upper Room go to: 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
~ The Upper Room Receives support from Salem Women’s Club ~
PDF FileDerry, NH, April 27, 2026
The Upper Room Family Resource Center in Derry is excited to share that it received a donation from the Salem Women’s club. The club was looking for ways to support the community and found that they wanted to support The Upper Room. “We are thankful for the outreach from the club and the support that will pay for 5 individuals to take the HiSET Exam at the center.” Shared Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director.
The Upper Room runs a HiSET Program which offers academic support, college and career readiness and other services that support students toward high school completion and their future plans including work, college, apprenticeships, or military training.
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 partnering with See Science Center to support families ~
PDF FileDerry, NH, April 27, 2026
The Upper Room Family Resource Center in Derry is happy to announce that it will begin a partnership with See Science Center in Manchester, to open access to the See Science Center for families who are engaged in programs with The Upper Room. During a NH Center for Non-Profit event held at See Science Center, Executive Directors Shana Hawrylchak and Brenda Guggisberg were discussing the incredible programs and activities that happen at See Science Center. The Upper Room Family Resource Center has offered family programs at the center to bring families and children to places that build creativity, connection and childhood curiosity. During the discussion the 2 decided that creating a mutual partnership would benefit how families access such amazing programs as See Science Center and developed a partnership that will offer The Upper Room times to meet families at the center for fun and discovery.
“Planning is underway and a schedule will be available over the summer for the coming year. We are so happy to have See Science Center open this opportunity for families who are connected to The Upper Room, and look forward to making many fun family moments here” Shares Brenda Guggisberg from The Upper Room. The Upper Room offers any parent and family programs and is including this into the family engagement activities that the agency promotes to build family connections, community and wonder. Registration will open over the summer. To learn more about See Science Center, visit https://see-sciencecenter.org/plan-your-visit/
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 Shares Updates to its TIPS Program
PDF FileDerry, NH – April 9, 2026
The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is celebrating its 40th year in existence this summer. In those 40 years it has had a consistent connection with the community offering its Teen Information for Parenting Success Program (TIPS). As the anchor program, TIPS offers support and education to young parents empowering them and their children to achieve self-sufficiency and become better parents. With self-sufficiency in its mission, every program offered seeks to guide individuals and families toward improved health and self-sufficiency. Trends have shifted and programs evaluate their impact and reach. This is true for TIPS as the teen pregnancy rate has dropped nationwide, the needs of teen parents have also changed. While the numbers of young parents have dropped, the unique needs include affordable housing, family substance misuse and mental health along with childcare availability, the TIPS program has evolved over the past decade to meet these needs.
TIPS added peer mentors into the program, who participate for their own support and to support other young families, managing conversations around life as a young parent. These experienced parents add to the conversations, offer new or expecting parents insight into how they navigated major childhood stages, sleeping, potty training, eating, partner relationships, childcare, work, life being a parent. During this intentional evaluation, Program Coordinator Leanne Sullivan has been focused on education, fostering family connections, providing resources, and increasing family engagement all aimed at providing positive experiences that strengthen families. Wednesday evenings at the center include dinner, childcare and parent time to engage in educational and supportive discussions around all things parenting. Sullivan approached the idea of keeping the program acronym TIPS while revising its wording to better reflect the updated and important shift in the program’s inclusion. TIPS will be “Tools & Information for Parenting Success” and has expanded its age range to 25 years old.
“This adjustment allows more parents to access the support and resources they need and provides a community that understands the challenges faced by young parents in 2026. It also enables parents to remain involved in the group for ongoing support and to share their experiences with newer parents. I believed these changes were necessary to keep the program relevant and effective,” said Leanne Sullivan, TIPS Program Coordinator.
“As we are growing and adapting to the changing needs of families, The Upper Room program leaders are looking at how programs are working and making adjustments that best serve the community. I am excited for this change and appreciate Leanne’s leadership and expertise in making this change a reality”. States Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director
The TIPS Program will continue to meet Wednesday evenings September through June, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM and includes dinner, childcare, parent resources, and baby items for infants and toddlers. Monthly family parties, summer field trips and additional access to support, parenting and individual case management are included. Teen parents still enrolled in school are able to meet at school if allowed by the district. Moms, Dads, and children invited to join. This is a FREE Program and open to any parent up to age 25.
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 la 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, visit our website at URteachers.org, or visit us at 36 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH.
For other press-related inquiries, please contact
Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director
603-437-8477 or bguggisberg@urteachers.org
The Upper Room’s 40th Anniversary Creates Positive Changes
PDF FileDerry, NH – March 27, 2026
The Upper Room Family Resource Center in Derry is celebrating 40 years in the community this July. During the last 4 decades The Upper Room has focused on educational and family programs and is currently offering more than 20 child and family, teen and young adult programs aimed at “strengthening individual and families by providing them with the education, services and resources needed to lead healthy and self-sufficient lives.” This coming year The Upper Room will host a variety of celebrations and milestones that will honor the organization and its board, donors’ volunteers and community.
As part of its strategic plan the agency is rebranding and will be updating it’s logo, website and marketing strategies to adapt with the trends of 2026. A new addition will begin starting April 1, in front of the building and will offer a centralized welcome space and more offices for its staff when complete. The Upper Room will continue to offer services and programs and invites guests to enter through the back parking lot into door 1.
The Board of Directors and Staff will convene for its annual Board Staff dinner, highlighting some of the great things happening for the agency and the community. And later in the summer a ribbon cutting celebrating the agencies 40th anniversary will occur in unison with the Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.
“It is hard to believe that this year this agency turns 40 in July, it seems like yesterday we were celebrating our 30th.” States Brenda Guggisberg current Executive Director. “We are also celebrating a milestone 25th Annual Auction so it feels like a year of constant celebrating and looking back at so many wonderful people and collaborations. I can say with certainty that this organization has had the fortune of extreme support, care from the larger community, and teens and families who are living their best lives, which is an amazing testament to the resilience in people and goodness in the hearts of those who can help.” Guggisberg continues.
The agency will host several events throughout the year in which celebration will be part of the theme, including the Annual Ice Cram Social and other large community engagement activities. Stay tuned for updates and changes and please join in celebrating at one of our events throughout the year.
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 la 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, visit our website at URteachers.org, or visit us at 36 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH.
For other press-related inquiries, please contact
Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director
603-437-8477 or bguggisberg@urteachers.org
~ Teens and Anxiety Workshop for Parents March 4th-
PDF FileDerry, NH – January 23, 2026
The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center will offer a workshop March 4th offering parents ideas on how to help build confidence in their teens who may be struggling with anxiety. Join LCMHC Kortney Yasenka in a discussion on how adults can create ideas to build confidence. Kortney is a licensed clinician working with young people for nearly 2 decades in managing anxiety and stress. “We are excited to offer a conversation with adults, to help them feel confident in responding to and supporting their teens with anxiety. Building strategies that provide youth the ability to communicate and navigate challenging situations is important for their lifelong adult relationships, work opportunities and quality of life.’ Shares Brenda Guggisberg, ED of The Upper Room.
Anxiety and Teens- How to Communicate Workshop will be offered March 4th 6 – 7 PM. It is a FREE class and will be virtual so parents can join from anywhere. Call 603-437-8477 x 126 to register and get the link for this workshop.
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
~ Hot Topic Discussions with Local Experts at The Upper Room ~
PDF FileDerry, NH – January 23, 2026
The Upper Room Family Resource Center is now offering an educational presentation series, Hot Topics, which is designed to equip parents and caregivers with practical tools and insight for navigating today’s most relevant parenting challenges.
This engaging series will take place at The Upper Room and features guest speakers and local experts presenting on timely and trending topics that families are facing right now. Presentations are offered on the following dates from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. To register, please call 603-437-8477 x126
• Yasenka Counseling presents: Parenting When You Have Anxiety – February 12
• ABA Centers of America presents: Parenting a Child with Autism – March 26
• New Leaf ADHD Solutions presents: Parenting When You Have ADHD – April 16
• Triangle Credit Union presents: How to Teach Your Child About Finances – May 7
“These topics reflect real conversations we’re having with families every day,” said Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director at The Upper Room Family Resource Center. “Our goal with Hot Topics is to create a welcoming space where parents can learn, ask questions, and feel supported.”
Each presentation will offer opportunities for discussion with professionals who specialize in family wellness, child development, banking and mental health. The Hot Topics series is part of The Upper Room’s ongoing mission to strengthen families and build resilient communities by providing education, resources, and support for parents and caregivers.
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 la 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, visit our website at URteachers.org, or visit us at 36 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH.
For other press-related inquiries, please contact
Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director
603-437-8477 or bguggisberg@urteachers.org
