NFI North Hosts Legislative Leaders at Pathways Program, Highlights Importance of Transitional Housing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2025

CONCORD – On Friday, May 2, NFI North hosted a legislative breakfast at its Pathways Program (the former Philbrook Center) to educate lawmakers about the organization’s work and encourage them to support essential mental health services. Executive Director Luke Reynard welcomed state officials and community members and invited them to tour the program’s facility, while networking and enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by program staff and participants.

The event highlighted the success and importance of Transitional Housing programs and highlighted as well as the need to maintain funding for preventive, community-based mental health care. Reynard pointed out the empowering nature of these services, saying “transitional housing isn’t just a bed – it’s a bridge to recovery, stability, and hope.”

Reynard went on to point out “cutting these services puts vulnerable lives and futures at risk” and that even the proposed 3% reduction in Medicaid would be catastrophic. It is imperative that the State continue to support Transitional Housing, even if the Philbrook Center were to be closed. One way to lessen the burden on the taxpayer would be to support Senate Bill 128 which ensures private insurance companies will pay for their members’ participation in these community-based services.

About NFI North

For more than 40 years, NFI North has served as an indispensable resource for individuals with mental and behavioral health including children, adults, seniors, and families. NFI North provides an array of services across Maine and New Hampshire. The agency is an accredited, well-recognized, high-quality, nonprofit organization whose focus is on helping people help themselves. We accomplish this by providing specialized education, counseling, supported employment, care management, foster care, residential services and perinatal addiction services, as well as many other forms of care. For more information visit https://www.nfinorth.com/.

Contact: Halie Chavanelle, Marketing and Event Coordinator

                 NFI North 40 Park Lane Contoocook, NH

                 603-746-7550