Easterseals NH Unveils New Workforce Development Suite

Pictured, from left, from Citizens Bank, are: Janet Sweeney, VP, portfolio manager, healthcare and nonprofit banking; David Kuhn, credit officer; Daniel Heying, regional public affairs manager, NH and Vermont; Deno Mokas, SVP, portfolio manager; Joe Carelli, president, NH and Vermont; Bruce Van Saun, chairman and CEO; Rick Musiol, SVP/regional director of public affairs, New England; and Laurie Leduc, private bank institutional services officer.

Easterseals NH recently unveiled its new Workforce Development Suite in Manchester. Thanks to contributions from Citizens Bank totaling $100,000, the new suite offers services to veterans, underserved youth, and people with disabilities looking to gain work experience and build independence.

The new Workforce Development Suite is locate at Easterseals NH's headquarters at  555 Auburn St., which itself was renovated.

The year-long renovation of the headquarters was recently completed. The renovation was supported by the Big Ideas for Building Independence Capital Campaign, which raised $2.6 million from generous individuals, businesses, foundations and CDFA tax credits.

With this renovation, Easterseals NH was able to:

• Consolidate programs under one roof at 555 Auburn St. to maximize wrap-around services to our clients, and produce the largest facility in NH offering services to people with disabilities and special needs.
• Expand program space in order to serve more individuals and families.
• Increase building security and upgraded structure to mitigate flooding.
• Enhance heating, lighting, and energy efficiencies.

Easterseals NH renamed its facility as The Easterseals NH John A. Samenfeld Center. Mark and Sally Stebbins of PROCON Inc. gave a gift of $500,000 and named the building in honor of Samenfeld for his lifelong commitment to their company and Easterseals NH. Their gift was used as a challenge to raise an equal amount as part of the fundraising campaign. Samenfeld has been a strong supporter and champion of Easterseals NH's programs and services for more than 33 years, 12 of those as a board member. Throughout his years of service, he has chaired various committees of the board as well as campaigns.

In the past eight decades, Easterseals has expanded services to fill unmet community needs and currently serves more than 25,000 people of all ages with disabilities and special needs.