To kick off LGN this year, the class started the day at Girl’s Inc in Nashua, New Hampshire. We had the privilege of hearing from the now retired CEO of the Greater Nashua YMCA, Mike LaChance. Mike provided useful insight and an overview on multiple topics which included the impact of non profits within the community, different types of non profits as well as responsibilities associated with being on a non profit board. His introduction was inspiring, and useful as these topics were covered in depth throughout the remainder of the day. One theme he really drove home was the importance of supporting one another, and collaboration amongst non profits which was evident in listening to all of our panel presentations.
Prior to panel presentations, the class was given a tour of Girl’s Inc. This is a pristine facility located in the greater downtown area, that serves young ladies and their families ages 5-18. They offer a variety of extracurriculars that include sports, arts, STEM and leadership programming. Aside from this, there is an in house library, gym and kitchen to support member activities. Not only is Girls Inc focused on providing services for their members and families, but the community as well. They have a “Rosie’s Closet” which has hygiene products for anyone who needs them, alongside a food bank.
Our first panel of the day was on Youth Services. We heard from Matthew Fentross, Executive Director, Nashua Children’s Home, Craig Fitzgerald, CEO Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Joe Manzoli, CEO YMCA Greater Nashua, Sharron McCarthy, CEO Girl’s Inc and Jen Miller, Director of Development & Partnerships Nashua PAL. As a whole they discussed how their organizations are navigating and addressing the needs of children in the community post covid with the increase of mental health needs. They stressed the importance of meeting children and families where they are at/adapting to their needs, utilizing trauma informed care and the significance of consistent and caring adults in the field. Also to note was how closely these organizations support, collaborate and appreciate what the others do for the greater Nashua community.
Second, we learned about Serving on a Non Profit Board from Patricia LaFrance, President, Board of Directors Bridges, Brian Law, President, The Law Family Companies, Kathleen Reardon, CEO, NH Center for Non Profits and Maryse Wirbal, CEO, The Front Door Agency. The group shared information on different types of boards, what makes a board successful, the roles of boards as well as words of advice if you are interested in joining a non profit board. They stressed the importance of open communication amongst board members, and the non profit they are supporting as well as having members with varying members of expertise.
To wrap up the morning, we had a panel on Food Insecurity from Joe Eriquezzo, President/CEO, Meals on Wheels, Jane Goodman, Executive Director, Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter and Laura Milliken, Executive Director, NH Hunger Solutions. Food insecurity is limitations one experiences towards obtaining food due to a multitude of circumstances. They discussed what food insecurity looks like in the Nashua area, and also the various challenges that may lead to this, as well as difficulties regarding accessing food and resources. They stressed the importance of dignity amongst populations who may be experiencing food insecurity. It was also great to hear how these organizations rely on and assist one another to better serve the greater Nashua area.
We had a short break to travel to the Front Door Agency in Nashua, NH. We had the privilege of receiving a tour of the space, which can home up to 8 single mothers and their families. They have communal spaces which include a kitchen, dining areas and recreational space for the children. We also got to see their “store” where mothers can earn dollars to “purchase” items for their children without using their own money for items such as hygiene and cleaning products, toys and clothing for their children.
Prior to the afternoon panels, we received a delicious lunch courtesy of the Texas Road House, which we were able to enjoy at the Front Door agency, before our next panel on Family Supportive Housing.
Written by
Nicole McFarland
Nashua Children’s Home
I’ve always believed that one of Greater Nashua’s greatest strengths is the people who care deeply about this community. Our Leadership Greater Nashua Non-Profit Day was a wonderful reminder of just how true that is. We started the day at Girls Inc. before visiting The Front Door Agency and Opportunity Networks, where we heard from nonprofit leaders doing remarkable work. Having personal connections to both Girls Inc. and The Front Door Agency made the day especially meaningful for me. I already knew a little about the great work they do, but getting a closer look and hearing from so many other organizations gave me an even greater appreciation for their impact. And if I had to sum up the day in one word, it would be collaboration.
Our time at The Front Door Agency really brought that theme to life. We toured the Norwell Home, and I was genuinely impressed by how welcoming, clean, and well-maintained the home was. You could tell there was tremendous pride and care behind it. During our panel discussion, representatives from Bridges, The Front Door Agency, and Marguerite’s Place talked about the challenges families face when trying to find stability.
Becky Gagne, Director of Housing Programs at The Front Door Agency, captured the complexity of their work, saying, “Families experiencing housing instability are often facing multiple challenges at once, from financial hardship and mental health concerns to simply trying to provide a better future for their children. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It takes patience, understanding, and strong partnerships across our community to help families find stability and move forward.”
What stuck with me was the recognition that helping families move forward takes more than one program or organization. It takes people who genuinely care, understand the challenges, and are willing to work together.
At Opportunity Networks, we heard from leaders at Opportunity Networks and The PLUS Company about the importance of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Whether through employment, skill development, or building confidence and independence, their work helps people reach their potential. This conversation was especially meaningful because St. Joseph Hospital is proud to host Project SEARCH, a program of The PLUS Company that provides hands-on workplace experience and helps individuals with disabilities develop skills for meaningful employment. It’s a great example of the partnerships we were discussing throughout the day, and one I’m fortunate to see firsthand.
Our final panel, Diverse Impact, brought together the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, the Adult Learning Center, the Nashua Public Library, and the Downtown Nashua Association. Four very different organizations, each contributing to a stronger community in its own way. From education and animal welfare to community connections and downtown vitality, it was another great example of how much good happens when people share ideas, resources, and a willingness to help one another.
What I took away from the day wasn’t just a better understanding of our local nonprofits. It was an even greater appreciation for the people behind them. These are passionate, dedicated individuals doing challenging work, often with limited resources and no shortage of obstacles. Yet a common thread ran through every conversation: a willingness to pick up the phone, connect someone with another organization, or simply ask, “How can we help?” That’s what makes Greater Nashua special. We have so many organizations doing incredible things, but it’s the relationships between them that make our community stronger. And after spending the day with these leaders, I’m even more grateful to be part of a community that understands the value of working together.
Written By
Scott Power
Director, Marketing & Business Development
St. Joseph Hospital
