| Inspirational Loca lWomen From Non-Profits. By Cheri Valentine |
Work long hours, constant search for funding, round up volunteers to give their time and talents, manage many projects and personalities.
This is not the job description for the faint of heart, yet many women are inspired to fill these positions in the world of running non profit
organizations. When you speak to these women, you are drawn into their energy and passion for what they are doing. Perhaps this could be
the key to attracting the amazing team of support required to make these organizations succeed in their missions. Meet the inspired women
who run our local non-profits.
New Hampshire
Arlene Kershaw,
Dir. of Senior Services
Easter Seals NH
Utilizing her sociology degree and experience from prior positions led Arlene Kershaw to working with the elderly. You can hear the passion
in her voice when she speaks about her current position of 11 years with Easter Seals, an organization whose mission is to provide
exceptional services to all with disabilities. She is especially proud of the Seniors Count initiative, a collaborative effort with existing services,
which has received national recognition. Arlene is blessed with having clarity of what she wants to accomplish and working for an
organization that believes in doing the right thing for its population. She credits her success “with an awesome staff, excellent managers who
run the many different programs and Christine McMahon,” COO of Easter Seals, whose inspirational attitude inspires the staff. For more
information on Easter Seals and how you can help, please visit their website www.eastersealsnh.org
Easter Seals NH. 555 Auburn St.
Manchester, NH 03103. 603.621.3558
Melanie Gosselin,
Executive Director
NH Food Bank
Melanie Gosselin’s journey in her career began with the study of music. Now in her fifth year as Executive Director for NH Food Bank, she
has blended creativity with the technical thinking skills she learned in previous positions. Melanie maintains her enthusiasm by jumping in a
truck and personally delivering food. “When I see 300 people waiting for the food and I know how hard they work…that inspires me.” She
shares a mission of ending hunger with a passionate staff and volunteers. More efficiency in retail has meant less in donations for the Food
Bank. By creating their own food environment, they have adjusted to the loss. While there are victories, they are bittersweet because
hunger still exists and there is still so much work to do. For information on who the Food Bank serves and how you can help, visit their
website at www.nhfoodbank.org.
NH Food Bank, 62 W Brook St
Manchester, NH 03101
603-669-9725
Catherine Duffy – Cullity,
CEO
Girls Inc. NH
Her mother provided the inspiration that led Catherine Duffy Cullity to her position as CEO for Girls Inc. She was raised to be independent
and believe that she and her sisters could accomplish anything. Cathy now runs an organization that fosters this belief in young women
across NH. Girl Inc. teaches them many skills to be independent and provides an award winning leadership program in a safe nurturing
environment. Cathy was hired eleven years ago to grow the organization from one center in Nashua, NH with limited funding and staff.
Today, Girls Inc. proudly boasts three sites in NH with support from the whole state. Educated, trained and dedicated staff and volunteers
are making a difference in the lives of girls at these centers and through a strong presence in the schools. For more information on Girls,
Inc. please visit their website at www.girlsincnewhampshire.org or email info@girlsincnewhamshire.org.
Girls Inc, Administrative Office
815 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101
603-625-1296
Marcia Sink, Founder
CASA NH
Court Appointed Special
Advocates for Children
Her involvement with being a foster parent and recognizing that kids in foster care system did not really have a voice in the courtroom led
Marcia Sink to found CASA in the state of New Hampshire. Working with people who have the same passion and knowing that the judges in
the state of NH value tremendously what a CASA volunteer can do fuels Marty’s energy. Passionate staff and volunteers statewide
represent the needs of the foster children in Dover, Plymouth, Berlin, Colebrook, and Keene. “What I know ultimately is that the organization
is having an impact on children’s lives, and allowing them to lead healthier and happier lives.” Every day is challenging and there is
continually a need for more volunteers. For more information visit their website www.casanh.org or contact Marty at speakup@casanh.org if
you’d like to make a difference.
CASA of NH, PO Box 1327
Manchester, NH 03105. 603.626.4600.
Tawnee Walling,
Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast (BBBSGS)
With a background in religious studies, experience in direct social services, prevention work for hunger and homelessness, and a passion to
make a difference in people’s lives, Tawnee Walling found her latest challenge as Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the
Greater Seacoast (BBBSGS), which serves Portsmouth, Manchester, Nashua and Keene. BBBSGS provides community and school based
programs in addition to individual mentoring for youth. What drives Tawnee is her belief that ultimately what they are doing has a long-term
outcome. The more support kids have, they will contribute to society and be in less trouble.” Tawnee praises the amazing collaborative
efforts her staff and volunteers who all contribute to the success of this organization. For information please visit their website at www.
seacoastbbbs.org. If you are interested in becoming a big brother or big sister, please contact Lauren Bradshaw 430.1140 x 302 of Lauren.
bradshaw@bbbs.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast
909 Islington Street #4, Portsmouth, NH 03801. 603.430.1140
Lisa Dennison,
Executive Dir.
New Hampshire SPCA
Lisa Dennison has brought her understanding of community, background in wild life management, and organizational experience to her role
as Executive Director of New Hampshire SPCA. Her passionate embrace for all life and connection between is evidenced through the
creative and educational elements she weaves. The NHSPCA is far more than a shelter for neglected and abused animals. Their programs
teach children and adults the value of caring for animals at its own facility, as well as in the local schools, and throughout the community.
The four cornerstones of it mission are direct care of the animals, humane education, behavior and training, and investigation and rescue.
The success is built on the strong community involvement and the dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers who bring their shared
visions alive and who directly care for the animals. For information, please visit their website at www.nhspca.org.
NHSPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave.
Stratham. NH 03885. 603.772.2921.
Massachusetts
Jeanine Murphy,
Executive Director
Emmaus Inc.
Jeanine Murphy agreed to temporarily help out at Emmaus House and has been the Executive Director of Emmaus for the past 8 years,
where 1700 people per year receive services, training, and support in many areas. Temporary shelter, long term housing, safe haven
programs, job skills training are only a few of the many opportunities that Emmaus provides. Most of the committed and generous staff and
volunteers have been there for over 15 years, treating all who come for help with the same care and compassion they would want their own
families to receive. “I look at Emmaus as a campus or circle, where you come in and get what you want and need, and move around not up
and down,” explains Jeanine. Staff and volunteers, and Jeanine are inspired by the many success stories they see. For more information,
please visit their website at www.emmausinc.org.
Emmaus Inc., 2 Harris Street,
Newburyport, MA 01950. 978.465.0999
Suzanne Dubus,
Executive Dir.Jeanne Geiger
Crisis Center
The murder of Nicole Simpson, seemingly a woman who had it all, yet whose death could not be prevented, inspired Suzanne Dubois to
make a career change from law to Outreach Coordinator and then, Executive Director for 13 years at the Jeanne Geiger Crises Center. The
Crisis Center provides services and intervention to victims of family violence and sexual assault. They provide counseling, support groups,
court representation, assist with restraining orders, emergency shelter, hot line support, and programs to teach women to be self sufficient.
They also offer school based programs and support to children. “Crisis center would be hollow without staff and volunteers. I am so grateful
to them. We would have to close programs without the volunteers,” shares Suzanne. The biggest challenge is communicating to the
community all that is offered and available at the Crisis Center. For information visit their website at www.jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org. The
hotline number is 978.388.1888
To speak to a counselor, Direct Services
5 Market Square , Amesbury, MA 01913.
978.834.9710.
To become involved,
Jeanne Geiger Crises Center
2 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.
978.465.0999.
Rebecca Hall,
Executive Dir.YWCA of Greater Lawrence
Rebecca Hall, Executive Director for the Greater Lawrence YWCA feels very fortunate to have continually received support and sense of
community growing up. Her grandmother inspired Rebecca to believe that she could do anything. Rebecca has spent a lifetime instilling
this belief in other women through her roles at the YWC for over thirty years. Transitional housing, restraining orders for domestic violence,
women’s health initiatives for free mammograms and screening for cervical cancer for low income women, are just a few of the many
services available in addition to educational programs offered. “Whatever we can do to support women to achieve their goals, whether it is
to go to college, receive technical training, or work in a position she enjoys,” is the philosophy that Becky lives by, encourages and shares
with the dedicated staff and volunteers. For more information, visit their website at www.ywcalawrence.org.
YWCA of Greater Lawrence
38 Lawrence St., Lawrence, MA 01840
978.687.0331.
Deb Chausse,
Executive Director
House of Hope Lowell
“I realize that homelessness is a function of fate as anything else…I see how much mothers love their children in spite of poverty, financial,
emotional struggles and it is very inspiring to me,” says Deb Chausse, who as been serving the homeless for twenty five years. She is the
Executive Director for The House of Hope Lowell, which provides shelter, emotional support, job training, teaches basic life and parenting
skills, resume writing, how to dress for work to homeless women. Of course the success of any organization is dependent largely on caring,
capable and dedicated staff and volunteers. Deb agrees that she is blessed with this support. Providing shelter is a short-term solution,
and Deb is proud to have created House of Hope Housing, which provides long-term housing solutions. For information on services or how
you can help, visit their site at www.hopelowell.org.
House of Hope in Lowell
817 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01854
978.654.6775
You may not know exactly what you are meant to be doing, yet often if you look at the clues in your life, your passions, your experience, and
remain open to opportunities that present themselves, you can find your self in positions and places you might not ever have imagined. In
speaking with each of these women, it is evident that there is joy in every day for them. They are each very passionate about their cause
and making positive changes in this world and in the world of those whom they serve. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and fortunately staff
and volunteers who equally share their passion and desire to serve and make this world a better place surround them. If you have a desire
to help others and make a difference in the lives of women, children, families, or animals, please consider offering your time and expertise to
one of these non-profit organizations.
This is not the job description for the faint of heart, yet many women are inspired to fill these positions in the world of running non profit
organizations. When you speak to these women, you are drawn into their energy and passion for what they are doing. Perhaps this could be
the key to attracting the amazing team of support required to make these organizations succeed in their missions. Meet the inspired women
who run our local non-profits.
New Hampshire
Arlene Kershaw,
Dir. of Senior Services
Easter Seals NH
Utilizing her sociology degree and experience from prior positions led Arlene Kershaw to working with the elderly. You can hear the passion
in her voice when she speaks about her current position of 11 years with Easter Seals, an organization whose mission is to provide
exceptional services to all with disabilities. She is especially proud of the Seniors Count initiative, a collaborative effort with existing services,
which has received national recognition. Arlene is blessed with having clarity of what she wants to accomplish and working for an
organization that believes in doing the right thing for its population. She credits her success “with an awesome staff, excellent managers who
run the many different programs and Christine McMahon,” COO of Easter Seals, whose inspirational attitude inspires the staff. For more
information on Easter Seals and how you can help, please visit their website www.eastersealsnh.org
Easter Seals NH. 555 Auburn St.
Manchester, NH 03103. 603.621.3558
Melanie Gosselin,
Executive Director
NH Food Bank
Melanie Gosselin’s journey in her career began with the study of music. Now in her fifth year as Executive Director for NH Food Bank, she
has blended creativity with the technical thinking skills she learned in previous positions. Melanie maintains her enthusiasm by jumping in a
truck and personally delivering food. “When I see 300 people waiting for the food and I know how hard they work…that inspires me.” She
shares a mission of ending hunger with a passionate staff and volunteers. More efficiency in retail has meant less in donations for the Food
Bank. By creating their own food environment, they have adjusted to the loss. While there are victories, they are bittersweet because
hunger still exists and there is still so much work to do. For information on who the Food Bank serves and how you can help, visit their
website at www.nhfoodbank.org.
NH Food Bank, 62 W Brook St
Manchester, NH 03101
603-669-9725
Catherine Duffy – Cullity,
CEO
Girls Inc. NH
Her mother provided the inspiration that led Catherine Duffy Cullity to her position as CEO for Girls Inc. She was raised to be independent
and believe that she and her sisters could accomplish anything. Cathy now runs an organization that fosters this belief in young women
across NH. Girl Inc. teaches them many skills to be independent and provides an award winning leadership program in a safe nurturing
environment. Cathy was hired eleven years ago to grow the organization from one center in Nashua, NH with limited funding and staff.
Today, Girls Inc. proudly boasts three sites in NH with support from the whole state. Educated, trained and dedicated staff and volunteers
are making a difference in the lives of girls at these centers and through a strong presence in the schools. For more information on Girls,
Inc. please visit their website at www.girlsincnewhampshire.org or email info@girlsincnewhamshire.org.
Girls Inc, Administrative Office
815 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101
603-625-1296
Marcia Sink, Founder
CASA NH
Court Appointed Special
Advocates for Children
Her involvement with being a foster parent and recognizing that kids in foster care system did not really have a voice in the courtroom led
Marcia Sink to found CASA in the state of New Hampshire. Working with people who have the same passion and knowing that the judges in
the state of NH value tremendously what a CASA volunteer can do fuels Marty’s energy. Passionate staff and volunteers statewide
represent the needs of the foster children in Dover, Plymouth, Berlin, Colebrook, and Keene. “What I know ultimately is that the organization
is having an impact on children’s lives, and allowing them to lead healthier and happier lives.” Every day is challenging and there is
continually a need for more volunteers. For more information visit their website www.casanh.org or contact Marty at speakup@casanh.org if
you’d like to make a difference.
CASA of NH, PO Box 1327
Manchester, NH 03105. 603.626.4600.
Tawnee Walling,
Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast (BBBSGS)
With a background in religious studies, experience in direct social services, prevention work for hunger and homelessness, and a passion to
make a difference in people’s lives, Tawnee Walling found her latest challenge as Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the
Greater Seacoast (BBBSGS), which serves Portsmouth, Manchester, Nashua and Keene. BBBSGS provides community and school based
programs in addition to individual mentoring for youth. What drives Tawnee is her belief that ultimately what they are doing has a long-term
outcome. The more support kids have, they will contribute to society and be in less trouble.” Tawnee praises the amazing collaborative
efforts her staff and volunteers who all contribute to the success of this organization. For information please visit their website at www.
seacoastbbbs.org. If you are interested in becoming a big brother or big sister, please contact Lauren Bradshaw 430.1140 x 302 of Lauren.
bradshaw@bbbs.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Seacoast
909 Islington Street #4, Portsmouth, NH 03801. 603.430.1140
Lisa Dennison,
Executive Dir.
New Hampshire SPCA
Lisa Dennison has brought her understanding of community, background in wild life management, and organizational experience to her role
as Executive Director of New Hampshire SPCA. Her passionate embrace for all life and connection between is evidenced through the
creative and educational elements she weaves. The NHSPCA is far more than a shelter for neglected and abused animals. Their programs
teach children and adults the value of caring for animals at its own facility, as well as in the local schools, and throughout the community.
The four cornerstones of it mission are direct care of the animals, humane education, behavior and training, and investigation and rescue.
The success is built on the strong community involvement and the dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers who bring their shared
visions alive and who directly care for the animals. For information, please visit their website at www.nhspca.org.
NHSPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave.
Stratham. NH 03885. 603.772.2921.
Massachusetts
Jeanine Murphy,
Executive Director
Emmaus Inc.
Jeanine Murphy agreed to temporarily help out at Emmaus House and has been the Executive Director of Emmaus for the past 8 years,
where 1700 people per year receive services, training, and support in many areas. Temporary shelter, long term housing, safe haven
programs, job skills training are only a few of the many opportunities that Emmaus provides. Most of the committed and generous staff and
volunteers have been there for over 15 years, treating all who come for help with the same care and compassion they would want their own
families to receive. “I look at Emmaus as a campus or circle, where you come in and get what you want and need, and move around not up
and down,” explains Jeanine. Staff and volunteers, and Jeanine are inspired by the many success stories they see. For more information,
please visit their website at www.emmausinc.org.
Emmaus Inc., 2 Harris Street,
Newburyport, MA 01950. 978.465.0999
Suzanne Dubus,
Executive Dir.Jeanne Geiger
Crisis Center
The murder of Nicole Simpson, seemingly a woman who had it all, yet whose death could not be prevented, inspired Suzanne Dubois to
make a career change from law to Outreach Coordinator and then, Executive Director for 13 years at the Jeanne Geiger Crises Center. The
Crisis Center provides services and intervention to victims of family violence and sexual assault. They provide counseling, support groups,
court representation, assist with restraining orders, emergency shelter, hot line support, and programs to teach women to be self sufficient.
They also offer school based programs and support to children. “Crisis center would be hollow without staff and volunteers. I am so grateful
to them. We would have to close programs without the volunteers,” shares Suzanne. The biggest challenge is communicating to the
community all that is offered and available at the Crisis Center. For information visit their website at www.jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org. The
hotline number is 978.388.1888
To speak to a counselor, Direct Services
5 Market Square , Amesbury, MA 01913.
978.834.9710.
To become involved,
Jeanne Geiger Crises Center
2 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.
978.465.0999.
Rebecca Hall,
Executive Dir.YWCA of Greater Lawrence
Rebecca Hall, Executive Director for the Greater Lawrence YWCA feels very fortunate to have continually received support and sense of
community growing up. Her grandmother inspired Rebecca to believe that she could do anything. Rebecca has spent a lifetime instilling
this belief in other women through her roles at the YWC for over thirty years. Transitional housing, restraining orders for domestic violence,
women’s health initiatives for free mammograms and screening for cervical cancer for low income women, are just a few of the many
services available in addition to educational programs offered. “Whatever we can do to support women to achieve their goals, whether it is
to go to college, receive technical training, or work in a position she enjoys,” is the philosophy that Becky lives by, encourages and shares
with the dedicated staff and volunteers. For more information, visit their website at www.ywcalawrence.org.
YWCA of Greater Lawrence
38 Lawrence St., Lawrence, MA 01840
978.687.0331.
Deb Chausse,
Executive Director
House of Hope Lowell
“I realize that homelessness is a function of fate as anything else…I see how much mothers love their children in spite of poverty, financial,
emotional struggles and it is very inspiring to me,” says Deb Chausse, who as been serving the homeless for twenty five years. She is the
Executive Director for The House of Hope Lowell, which provides shelter, emotional support, job training, teaches basic life and parenting
skills, resume writing, how to dress for work to homeless women. Of course the success of any organization is dependent largely on caring,
capable and dedicated staff and volunteers. Deb agrees that she is blessed with this support. Providing shelter is a short-term solution,
and Deb is proud to have created House of Hope Housing, which provides long-term housing solutions. For information on services or how
you can help, visit their site at www.hopelowell.org.
House of Hope in Lowell
817 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01854
978.654.6775
You may not know exactly what you are meant to be doing, yet often if you look at the clues in your life, your passions, your experience, and
remain open to opportunities that present themselves, you can find your self in positions and places you might not ever have imagined. In
speaking with each of these women, it is evident that there is joy in every day for them. They are each very passionate about their cause
and making positive changes in this world and in the world of those whom they serve. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and fortunately staff
and volunteers who equally share their passion and desire to serve and make this world a better place surround them. If you have a desire
to help others and make a difference in the lives of women, children, families, or animals, please consider offering your time and expertise to
one of these non-profit organizations.
The Applaud Women publication is dedicated to women in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. It's purpose is to inspire, inform, and
applaud local women. The core of the magazine is our inspirational women's articles, most of which feature local women but occasionally we are
able to interview national women who we feel provide a unique inspiration for our readers. Our other articles cover topics of interest such as food
recipes, home, garden, beauty, health, fashion, dating, parenting, seniors, finance, business, hair care, skin care, advice, real estate, insurance,
weddings etc. Each issue has a feature section as well. Many of our articles are written by local business people who provide information
relevant to their business expertise. The Applaud Women website is also a resource center for local women including the most comprehensive
listings of Restaurants, Weddings, Female doctors and Hotels. It also includes a number of informational pages with links, articles and RSS feeds
to both local and national websites of interest to women in NH & n. MA.
applaud local women. The core of the magazine is our inspirational women's articles, most of which feature local women but occasionally we are
able to interview national women who we feel provide a unique inspiration for our readers. Our other articles cover topics of interest such as food
recipes, home, garden, beauty, health, fashion, dating, parenting, seniors, finance, business, hair care, skin care, advice, real estate, insurance,
weddings etc. Each issue has a feature section as well. Many of our articles are written by local business people who provide information
relevant to their business expertise. The Applaud Women website is also a resource center for local women including the most comprehensive
listings of Restaurants, Weddings, Female doctors and Hotels. It also includes a number of informational pages with links, articles and RSS feeds
to both local and national websites of interest to women in NH & n. MA.
The opinions and information provided within the Applaud Women publication or on the Applaud Women website are not necessarily those of Applaud Women, it's officers, staff or
contributing writers. Nor does inclusion on ApplaudWomen.com constitute endorsement of the views, products, services or informational content contained within the publication, advertising
on found anywhere on the website. Applaud Women values accuracy; however, Applaud Women does not warranty the accuracy of material provided by it's writers, advertisers or any
information provided by other sources included on the website.
No reproduction of any part of this page or any other page on the website is permitted without the express permission of Applaud Women.
contributing writers. Nor does inclusion on ApplaudWomen.com constitute endorsement of the views, products, services or informational content contained within the publication, advertising
on found anywhere on the website. Applaud Women values accuracy; however, Applaud Women does not warranty the accuracy of material provided by it's writers, advertisers or any
information provided by other sources included on the website.
No reproduction of any part of this page or any other page on the website is permitted without the express permission of Applaud Women.
