COVID-19 UPDATES
Resources for Families staying at Home
Click below to download PDF
Dear Community,
Due to the current state of emergency, Beginning Aug. 30, we are implementing universal masking inside. The Upper Room will be limiting access to onsite visitors/services. Remote classes and meetings are being established by individual programs. Staff of The Upper Room will not be attending offsite meetings, trainings or activities at this point. We look forward to returning to business as normal as soon as possible. Visit here for updated information related to our programs and hours of operation.
We, like every other organization in America have set our response plans for our agency, related to the programs and services we offer at The Upper Room during this transitional period. Our goal is to minimize loss of connection for as many people as we can, while honoring the necessary precautions to move this trend to a positive swing. We have plans in place and recognize that we may need to adjust to meet additional concerns or information as events unfold.
Please read full update letters below:
- Grant from Alexander Eastman Foundation - PRESS RELEASE 6/24/2020
Download PDF Press Release HERE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
~ The Upper Room receives a grant from Alexander Eastman Foundation~
Contact:
Brenda Guggisberg
Executive Director, The Upper Room
Derry, NH, June 24, 2020,
The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center is happy to share it has received notification they have been awarded a grant that will support it’s work in the Family Wellness Program supporting families and children. “We are so excited to continue to be able to do our work with families to offer ideas, education, support and counseling which in turn offer families creative solutions and new ideas when managing family situations that are challenging” states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director of The Upper Room. “We also have a talented team of individuals who provide strong support, with positive outcomes that can change the trajectory of a families life.” Guggisberg states
The Family Wellness program is a comprehensive program that offer in home counseling and parent education, provides support to grandparents or kin who have assumed the role of raising a child that is not their own biological child. Additionally, this program offers parent education in many topics, workshops and a parent/caregiver child group called Connect that offers activities and events which offer fun, ideas, and support. A direct goal of this year is to improve the skills and education for the staff who work with families who have experienced trauma and difficulties in their lives.
The Upper Room has had the opportunity to deliver the services that the Alexander Eastman Foundation seeks for the community, and is very happy to continue to offer its services to the region.
- The Upper Room Announces 2020 Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Winner, June 4, 2020
Download PDF Press Relase HERE
The Upper Room Announces 2020 Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship Winner
June 3, 2020
Derry, NH
The Upper Room, a Family Resource center in Derry NH is delighted to share that its scholarship committee has chosen this year’s Anna Willis Memorial Scholarship offering 500.00 to Emily Lefebre, from Salem High School. Upon the passing of Anna Willis, The Upper Room’s former Executive Director and one of its founders, the Board of Directors decided to keep Anna’s spirit alive through a scholarship to be offered annually. Funds are raised through donations at the annual auction fundraiser and dedicated to this scholarship.
When discussing the character of a student who the Willis family thought would represent some of the traits that Anna possessed, they agreed that students wishing to pursue education, who have an understanding of The Upper Room, and who have shared their own talents in volunteerism would be a good test to measure against for applicants. This year’s winner, Emily Lefebre will be heading to Rhode Island in the fall, to pursue her degree in veterinary medicine. Emily presented her application having donated to several local organizations that benefit our communities, in many areas.
“The Upper Room is a community agency, supporting families from across Southern New Hampshire, and it is an honor to support students in their desire to continue their education”, states Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director of The Upper Room. “It is really interesting that this is the third year in a row that a Salem High Student has been selected to receive this scholarship, as Anna lived in Salem and was deeply invested in the school, and community there. She would be very excited to know her hometown students are applying for this scholarship” states Guggisberg
The Upper Room is a 501c3 non profit agency, for more information about The Upper Room contact Brenda Guggisberg at 603-437-8477 x 11
- The Upper Room receives a grant to offer VAPING Education, June 4, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - VAPING
Download full Press Release HERE
Download full FREE Vaping Workshop Flyer HERE
~ The Upper Room receives grant to offer VAPING Education ~
Contact:
Brenda Guggisberg
Executive Director, The Upper Room
Derry, NH, June 4, 2020
The Upper Room was recently awarded a grant to support its efforts in providing vaping education for students in the Southern NH region. This grant was supported by Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, Division of Public Health Services (DPHS), NH Department of Health and Human Services. The Upper Room began offering “Vape Education” workshops almost 3 years ago, to help educate youth on the impact of vaping on their health. Program Facilitator Jenny Chesney created the course using curriculums developed for education. Chesney spent a great deal of time, researching and developing a class that adolescents and young adults could participate in, to look at this trend and how it may impact their lives.
Over the last 3 years, this workshop has offered education to 151 teens, through the Adolescent Wellness Program, in an effort to offer students who may have been vaping at school or for those who may want additional information on the topic. Additionally, this past winter Ms. Chesney took the program to the Middle School in Derry and presented a workshop to every 8th grade student at Hood Middle School. Chesney states that “Advertising, and the glamorization of the products could encourage young people to use them and create a false sense of self.” She discusses this in the course.
“When Jenny found this grant she immediately suggested we apply so that we could do a larger sweep of education on the topic,” shares Brenda Guggisberg Executive Director. “She accessed the grant, helped apply and is excited to provide a week-long educational forum of virtual learning to educate people ages 12- 24 on the effects of vaping and their health.” Guggisberg continues, “The Upper Room will partner with Sue Centner from Community Alliance for Teen Safety, and Kate MacDonald the SMP from the South Central Health Network, to help promote a successful week-long event.
To register email Jchesney@urteachers.org and a link will be sent for the course.
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
- In Awe of Support & Love - PRESS RELEASE 5/14/2020
Download PDF Press Relase HERE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
~ The Upper Room in awe at the support and love ~
Contact:
Brenda Guggisberg
Executive Director, The Upper Room
Derry, NH, May 14, 2020, 2020
As April passed, and May is half way gone, the last 9 weeks has given The Upper Room a chance to be cared for on so many levels. Soon after we began our remote work plans, we had the generous outpouring of concern and support from NH. Be it a foundation, a funder, a community partner, fellow colleagues, schools, businesses, rotaries, police, local people who wanted to see “How they could help out”. They have arrived at the scene and been critical in not only the financial needs but for the infrastructure that we needed to build quickly to address the needs. The Upper Room, as the agency has taken on additional food pantry support, assistance to support, critical services, and increased needs, the agency has also been tasked with providing data and information to larger systems in the state to assist in the wellbeing of children, youth and families in New Hampshire. These additional responsibilities are critical for the well being of our state’s citizens, and as a prevention agency critical to know where to place attention or resources to.
“The kindness and care for the community is simply overwhelming” states Brenda Guggisberg, the agencies Executive Director. On every level from a donation of food, the reach out of donations, diapers, food drives, and local people who are helping us stay alive, well, and able to meet the needs of this unique time in history.
“I want to thank every single person, business, customer for the way they have been part of this change. If you access classes or services here, thank you, for being able to allow our world to turn virtual over night and for your ability to ride this wave with us. Thank you to the community partners who are hanging out in local and statewide huddles in little boxes to be sure somehow we are meeting the needs of the children and families. Thank you to those who have made our mission something that you value, we feel your love. Thank you to those who fund our work, for believing in us and cheering us on while we made a weekend pivot to remote services. And most importantly thank you to the staff, volunteers and Board of Directors, who without a second of hesitation knowing that of course we were going to keep this place open and alive, of course we were going to do the work, your courage has lead us here, and I am so very very grateful for the strength that you are all presenting, and for the courage to do things a little differently!”
Warmly, Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director
- COVID-19 Family Support Relief Fund
Download PDF version HERE
COVID-19 Family Support Relief Funds
How to Apply for Relief Funds
The Upper Room is offering COVID-19 Family Support Relief funds for individuals impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Support
For food, basic needs, phone, electric, fuel and rent
Eligible
Rockingham county residents
Applications
Applications will be available through The Upper Room starting Monday April 6, 2020.
Contact (603) 437-8477 x 10 or email
Samantha Wood swood@urteachers.org
Consideration for support will be reviewed upon full completion of the application packet.
Made possible by United Way
of Mass Bay and Merrimack Valley
- Community Letter Update 3/28/2020 - Covid-19
DATE: 3/28/2020
Dear Community,
With Governor Sununu’s announcement Thursday afternoon that the remote learning order is being extended until May 4th and a stay at home order being implemented Friday 11:59 PM The Upper Room staff, board and volunteers have been working to provide you with a clear understanding of how our services will be available to you during this critical time of need.
As we continued to offer and improve upon our remote programming this week, our staff are finding opportunities to offer additional check ins with students, families and individuals who are asking for support. We made it through week 2, and are so thankful that our staff have engaged in the capacity building they needed to deliver services to you, some taking IT support classes and other utilizing a telehealth conference to understand and be aware of how to deliver counseling and services to all of you.
Learning with other agencies, schools and organizations like ours, we are adapting and implementing best practices so that the connection is still there, and so that families have support through the services and programs they depend on for education, guidance and direction. We want to thank all of the families, students and community members, for their trust and confidence that we are here, and we got your best interest in mind. You have been flexible and have made this transition happen WITH us.
As we move in to a longer remote plan which will take us through May 4, 2020 We continue to be here for you. As a resource center we offer programs and services, but we are also connecting people to additional support and services, spending time with children youth and families to develop strategies to adapt to this unprecedented time in our history. Our hope is that this moment will offer families time together that they did not have before, that without commutes and extra activities people can take more walks, can simplify some of the challenges that come from being overbooked. We know that this is difficult for many and that stress and fear can be overwhelming. We want you to connect with us, we want to help.
Our staff are having fun meeting with the children, youth and families through virtual meetings, online learning and various support and parenting groups, sessions and classes. And while this is not typically how we do business, we are adapting to using technology and creativity to be there. Our staff deeply miss the people, routines, and the space in which we offer programs, and want each and every person to reman healthy and to stay safe.
Please stay connected, please stay well, we are here, and working with local schools, public health and statewide organizations to maintain our ability to be here for you. Please visit our updated list of programs and services and how to access those during the next several weeks. Most of our staff are working remotely and our offices are remaining closed to the public. We have added additional support to help in this time of need. All of our updates and services are available at www.URTeachers.org we are also taking inquiry calls at 603-437-8477x10.
Stay well, stay strong, be kind and know we will all get through this together.
Warmly,
Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director
- Community Letter Update 3/23/2020 - Covid-19
DATE: 3/23/2020
Dear Community,
The Upper Room is settling in to it’s new norm. Our staff are executing their remote learning plans, and
virtual services, support and programs, we are over the hump of the initial shock of this experience.
Our Staff, Board, Volunteers and marketing team have moved our operations to meet the needs of safety and responsibility. Please take a moment to visit our website www.URTeachers.org for updated
program information. For individuals enrolled in programs you will continue to work with the staff
members you have been working with, to receive the support and services you always have. All staff
have created “meetings’ and “classes” that will provide personal support and connections.
We are closely following the recommendations of our community response teams, and state leadership to help us make the most informed decisions. We know that this time is like no other in our life-times, and that how we proceed through this challenge will play a large role in what we will be able to do in the future. This is why our agency is choosing to keep our building closed to allow our staff to work from home. Our staff and volunteers are our most valuable resource, and we need them to take extra good care of themselves and their families, so they can do the work they do for The Upper Room.
As a family resource center, we are working at local state and federal levels to assist the most pressing
needs of our communities. If you have a specific need, please call our office at 603-437-8477 x 10 we
are responding to calls Monday through Friday. When you call leave your name, phone number and specific need you are calling for and the appropriate staff will return your calls.
While our center is not open to the public, we will have essential staff on site to manage the operations of our facility at a reduced schedule. We want to be able to assist people with resources, information and support during a unique time for our country.
Please be sure to visit:
NH DHHS Daily Update on COVID-19 Archive
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm
Our tentative return date is April 6,2020 and based on the updated recommendations at that time. We
will follow legal and recommended orders which prevent further complications from this COVID
situation.
Wishing for strength, compassion and support. to all during this time,
Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director
- Staying Connected - PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
~The Upper Room staying connected~
Contact: Brenda Guggisberg
Executive Director, The Upper Room
Derry, NH, March, 2020
The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center in Derry, is celebrating human resilience. During this unpredictable moment in time, people, families and communities are stepping up to make the most of a situation we have no control over.
After a weekend of flurry, meetings with staff, community leaders, reading advice from the experts, and partnering with Family Resource Centers across New Hampshire, The Upper Room took a stance, made plans, and staff executed them as if this was how we do business.
As an agency that does a lot of “people” work, this shift in perspective about how we would “see” our families was interesting. We leaped into the use of technology, and found that we could offer educational classes, support groups and virtual online support for our programs. What was even more amazing is that our students, their families, and the people who partner with us day to day, were in it with us.
We adjusted our delivery of services, and we took extra care to reach out to everyone we serve.
The community spirit has really prompted greatness, with clubs, rotaries and groups offering to help asking how to assist, and all coming together for the good of the larger community, our towns, the state of New Hampshire, The United States, The World. This is energizing, it creates commonalities, and with this comes a sense of peace…we are all in this together.
We are working Monday through Friday, and are not shut down. Here’s how people can access The Upper Room. If you are enrolled in a program, reach out to your point of contact, all staff have phone and computer access, and most have set up virtual meetings, classroom time and access points for programs. If you are not enrolled, but need help call 603-437-8477 x 10 there will be a staff member daily who is receiving calls and will be responding to them or forwarding them to our staff.
Our pantry volunteers are working with the NH Foodbank to assure our customers have access to food.
The list below are open meetings to access:
Young Adults Strong, a weekly group to build skills in stress management, healthy living and resiliency, if offering support and resources via facebook.
Log in at : https://www.facebook.com/Young-Adults-Strong-110101927278999/
AA meetings log in: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a71ccw7ihaWelksKwOp4AzAkYlVqSoKiN6Gsm38bKMU/mobilebasic
If you are a teen and want to talk about what it’s like to be hanging at home right now? Or anything?
TEEN TALK REMOTE MEETING ACCESS
TUESDAYS 3-4 PM log in at:
https://zoom.us/wc/join/111147286?wpk=wcpk742485aca235dd236ced4fbbf6330ec8\
Crisis Hotline (Suicide)
Parent and Caregiver café:
Offering ideas, discussion and solutions to raising teens, will have drop in virtual meeting:
Thursdays 6 – 7:30
Log in at: https://us04web.zoom.us/wc/join/302497889?wpk=wcpk0a939bbb5f3e10795b40c54608f39b08
Additionally, we are setting up other classes and groups that meet individually and are closed to outside guests.
Once registered for a class you will be given information to access remote learning.
The Upper Room, along with 18 other Family Resource Centers in NH is here, is working daily to meet the needs of individuals, children and families within our own regions.
Family Resource Centers across NH have banded together during this time to share resources, to offer lift ups and to work with state agencies, and funding assets, to assure that our most vulnerable families in New Hampshire are able to access support.
Our goal is to reduce the fears and isolation that this situation may create. For some families this loss of control and access to outside support can be devastating to the health of children and the entire family.
The Upper Room is proud to partner with Family Support New Hampshire network, and the incredible members who bring opportunities of wellness and hope to families.
With April just around the corner our centers will promote Strong and Thriving Families through education, support and programs. We have all jumped into motion to assure that families feel support, have connections and don’t think they are alone in this.
Please visit our website for additional resources, ideas and support:
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
- Online Preventative Supportive Counseling Sessions
Online Preventative Supportive Counseling Sessions - HERE
- AA Online Local Meetings
Online AA Meetings During COVID-19
Online Meetings Directory
http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php
Speaker Tape Websites
https://hacoaa.org/archives/speakers/
https://www.recoveryaudio.org/
Speaker Tape Apps:
AA Audio Companion
Google Play-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pitashi.audiojoy.aacompanionfree
App Store-
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aa-audio-companion-for-alcoholics-anonymous/id1191023628?mt=8
AA Big Book Ultimate Companion
Google Play-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pitashi.audiojoy.aabigbook
App Store-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aa-big-book-ultimate-companion/id998807519?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
AA Speaker Tapes - App Store -
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aa-speaker-tapes/id1335643834
AA Speaker Tapes & 12 Steps
App Store-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aa-speaker-tapes-12-steps/id1018096090
AA Speakers - Google Play (free) -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marnistek.aaspeakersfree&hl=en_US
App Store ($1.99)-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aa-speakers-speaker-tapes/id898586463?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
AA Speakers Best of 2007 - Google Play-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ibyteapps.aaspeakersbestof2007free&hl=en_US
Alcoholics Anonymous- Bill W. - Google Play -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ibyteapps.aaspeakersbillwfree&hl=en_US
Daily AA Speakers - Google Play-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pitashi.dbaaspeakers
App Store-
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daily-aa-speakers-in-5-minutes/id1000523472?mt=8
Daily Bread AA - App Store -
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/daily-bread-aa-speakers/id1000523472?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Joe and Charlie - Google Play -
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ibyteapps.joeandcharliefree&hl=en_US
App Store-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aa-joe-charlie-big-book-work/id1089811749?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Speaker Tapes from Sandy B
App Store-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aa-sandy-b/id1071631421?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
