The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has announced its citizen of the year – Maureen Beauregard, president of the nonprofit Families in Transition — New Horizons, both headquartered in Manchester.
Beauregard began her career in homeless services in 1991 when she was hired by the NH Community Loan Fund in Concord to begin a small transitional housing program for five single mothers and their children. According to the Chamber, Beauregard quickly recognized the need for more housing and services for homeless families in NH and created Families in Transition (FIT), an independent organization with a mission to provide homeless families with the housing and services that they need to recover from their experience and become successful members of the community. Under Beauregard's supervision, FIT has grown from owning five small units of transitional housing to owning more than 200 units of emergency, transitional, permanent supportive and affordable housing for homeless and low-income citizens in the state.
Over the past 25 years, FIT has not only served thousands of people directly, but has also broadened public awareness about homelessness. In 2002, FIT opened its first OutFITters Thrift Store, which provides a revenue stream for the organization, volunteer opportunities and offers public awareness for the organization. In 2018, FIT merged with New Horizons as Families in Transition – New Horizons, to further expand services to underserved individuals and families and eliminate gaps in critical services to the community. FIT was previously a Business NH Magazine Business of the Year in the nonprofit category.
Beauregard has served on the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce board of directors, the Governing Council of Housing Action NH, and she is currently chair of the NH Interagency Council on Homelessness. She has also served as advisory board member for the NH Charitable Foundation’s Manchester Region.Per the Chamber release, Beauregard's work on behalf of vulnerable families in the state has been highly recognized by the community, as she has received the following awards: 2008 Women’s Recognition Award from the NH Commission on the Status of Women, 2006 Good Samaritan Award for Public Service by Pastoral Counseling Services of NH, 2005 Key to the City of Manchester by Former Mayor Baines, 2005 National Association of Social Workers Citizen of the year, and the 2003 YWCA Susan B. Anthony Award.
“Maureen embodies the characteristics of the Citizen of the Year award in her approach to engaging the greater Manchester community in her life’s work, to providing housing and hope for our citizens. Maureen moves mountains for people and our community, and builds partnerships to maximize resources and deliver improved services, which is a testament to both her leadership skills and generosity. The Chamber is honored and thrilled to select Maureen as the next Citizen of the Year,” saYS Michael Skelton, GMCC president & CEO in a press release.
Beauregard will be honored by the Chamber on April 19 at the Downtown Manchester Hotel.
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