Child and Family Services Rebrands, Changes Name

Child and Family Services, the oldest children’s charitable/family service organization in New Hampshire, has changed its name to Waypoint. The name change comes as part of an entire rebrand of the organization.

The organization says a waypoint is an intermediate point or place at which a course of action or path is changed. According to a statement from the organization, the purpose of Waypoint programs is to help change the course for those negotiating life’s challenges.  

“Our agency has evolved over the years as we have responded to the needs of each new generation,” says Borja Alvarez de Toledo, president and CEO of Waypoint. “Our new name and look better reflect who we are today, a state-of-the-art, nonprofit human service agency that provides a lifeline across the lifespan.”

This rebrand happens after years of expansion and extensive research, including polling of the agency’s many constituencies: clients, partners, donors, community leaders, advocates, legislators, educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and other referral sources. “We heard our constituents loud and clear,” says Alvarez de Toledo. 

As it rolls out its new brand, including signage, social media and a new website, the agency will also carry a mark of distinction; it is a now accredited by the Council on Accreditation for meeting the highest standards of practice in the field of human services. Waypoint is the only agency of its kind in NH to be COA accredited.

“This is a giant leap forward for this organization," says Bill Conrad, chair of Waypoint’s board of trustees. "It took some painful soul searching, great debate and consideration, and a lot of hard work by a large number of people who are committed to taking this organization into the future.”

Through 14 office sites across NH, Waypoint offers 28 different programs and services that include the following: child abuse prevention, family empowerment and support, services for children with developmental or chronic health concerns, mental health counseling, home care for seniors and people with disabilities, foster care, adoption, prenatal and pregnancy counseling, a homeless youth continuum, family preservation, human trafficking response,  services for adjudicated youth, and a summer camp for kids.  The agency plays a dual role as direct service practitioner and advocate, working at the legislative level to shape public policies toward the best interests of children.