Ascentria Care Alliance

Fostering doesn’t have to be scary and can be a very rewarding experience, so please consider joining us for Ascentria Foster Care’s Webinar Wednesday. Our next webinar is coming up next Wednesday, October 30th at 6pm on Zoom. This info session will highlight our unique Refugee and Immigrant Foster Care programs, serving unaccompanied youth from around the world. To learn more or register, visit our event page below. We hope to see you there! Register to join our free info session and learn more: https://lnkd.in/gQYkzKz6 #AscentriaFosterCare #FosterCareFriday

This past month, Ascentria staff held "town hall" meetings across New England, bringing together team members from each state to share updates about our organization. The most recent gathering in Concord, NH featured an engaging game of Ascentria trivia, delicious snacks, and an abundance of apple cider, topped off with a raffle drawing. It was truly wonderful to see everyone in person and celebrate the impactful work we do together. Congratulations to all who recently celebrated anniversaries with us—we look forward to many more milestones ahead! A warm welcome back to those who have returned to our community; we’re thrilled you’ve chosen Ascentria once again. Your commitment to fostering our New England community is what allows us to thrive together!

A caregiver shortage means that no one remains untouched. Home and community-based care is a large component of the overall system of care in New Hampshire and across the country. When hospitals and rehabilitation centers can’t discharge patients back home (because there is no care available) they become strained—it is a domino effect. In a 2021 survey conducted by the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, every single case management agency in NH indicated that an individual might not receive affordable Choices for Independence in-home care services because there are not enough available workers to meet the overall need for services or available workers at the times when services are needed. This was at the heart of the Care Paradox and a major reason why leaders at Ascentria, like Amy Moore and Christine Tappan, and partners across New Hampshire communities, like Waypoint NH, advocated for a substantial Medicaid rate increase. The resulting historic rate increase was a tremendous step in the right direction and our work continues as we expand support for our caregivers!

Did you know you that through Good News Garage you can deduct your car's fair-market value if it's awarded to a neighbor in need? That could mean thousands more in tax deductions than when your car is sold at auction. When looking for ways to reduce your tax liability, car donations can provide a unique opportunity to both benefit your finances and contribute to a meaningful cause. Learn more in the article below:

Halloween is almost here and Ascentria Foster Care wants to spread the word that being a foster parent is a really sweet experience. While fostering has challenges, the rewards of being a foster parent make it all worthwhile. Getting to provide a child with the safety and stability they need to thrive is a treat in and of itself! This Halloween season, you can help children in foster care by participating in our Halloween “treat” card distribution project! As you and the family enjoy Trunk or Treats, costume parties or Trunk or Treating – consider being a Friend of Foster Care by taking the opportunity to pass out our custom Halloween cards with a QR code to our foster care website. The cards are pictured below. To learn more and to obtain copies of our cards, email our foster parent recruiter Misty, malbert@ascentria.org #FosterCareFriday #AscentriaFosterCare #HappyHalloween #TrickorTreat

By participating in the electoral process, you contribute to this collective effort, ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard and represented. Your engagement not only shapes policy but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration, ultimately leading to stronger, more vibrant communities where everyone can thrive. Together, we can make this vision a reality, proving that democracy is not just about casting a ballot—it's about building a better future for all.

Members of the Ascentria team proudly attended Worcester's Game Changers Conference this past week as exhibitors. In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the need for a skilled workforce has never been more critical. To remain competitive and drive sustainable growth, businesses must ensure access to a diverse and capable workforce. At the conference, we engaged with thought leaders and innovators, exploring new strategies for uplifting communities and advancing workforce development. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about how we're working alongside individuals and communities to equip them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive! #WorkforceDevelopment #ThrivingTogether

Today, October 11th, is National Coming Out Day, the annual observance that started in 1987 with the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It is a day to reflect and support the journey of LGBTQ+ individuals and to mark the joys, struggles, and power that coming out can bring. At Ascentria Foster Care, we are supportive and inclusive of all individuals, children, and families. We participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children - All Families initiative, and we are currently awaiting recognition as a Solid Foundation for Inclusion agency for 2024. Visit https://lnkd.in/gq4qxurv for more information for resources on Coming Out. #FosterCareFriday #AscentriaFosterCare #NationalComingOutDay

Thank you to LeadingAge Massachusetts for the recognition for our Lutheran Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center for the Workforce Excellence Award! We are excited about our work with PeopleFirst Pathways at Ascentria Care Alliance and the impact it is having on our most valuable part of the organization, the employees. They are everything and we are happy to invest in their success! Gary O'Neil Robin Belliveau, PCC, EMBA Robin High April Kelly Colin O'Leary Lynn Corfey

THE GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024. Are you ready? Upholding democracy is a collective responsibility that begins with your active participation in elections. Each vote carries weight—one vote can significantly influence the outcome and shape the future of your community. The officials you choose have the power to directly impact your financial well-being and the resources available for essential services. If you're dissatisfied with those currently in office, casting your vote is a vital way to create change and elect representatives who truly align with your values and vision for the future. We envision thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. This vision is rooted in the belief that when individuals are engaged and empowered, they can inspire one another to help reach beyond their current circumstances and explore new possibilities. By participating in the electoral process, you contribute to this collective effort, ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard and represented. Your engagement not only shapes policy but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration, ultimately leading to stronger, more vibrant communities where everyone can thrive. Together, we can make this vision a reality, proving that democracy is not just about casting a ballot—it's about building a better future for all. Get out there and make a plan to vote!