Nonprofit Awardees Honored

The NH Center for Nonprofits in Concord celebrated the recipients of its 2020 Nonprofit Impact Awards at a virtual celebration on July 16.

“The Nonprofit Impact Awards celebrate the vision, strategy and innovation that we see throughout the nonprofit sector,” said Kathleen Reardon, CEO of the NH Center for Nonprofits. “Each of the honorees has made an extraordinary impact on our state by leading and serving with passion and purpose.”

Tess Stack Kuenning, CNS, MS, RN, president and CEO at the Bi-State Primary Care Association, was honored for her leadership in ensuring access to comprehensive health care services for all individuals.

Laura Knoy, host of New Hampshire Public Radio’s The Exchange, was recognized for her role in bringing awareness and dialogue to many of the key issues that NH nonprofits work to address.

Carolyn Benthien received the Board Impact Award for her exemplary board service and leadership with multiple charitable organizations in the state. She was the first female chair of the Society for the Protection of NH Forests and served on the founding boards of several organizations including the Women’s Fund of New Hampshire, the Mary & John Elliott Charitable Foundation and Leadership New Hampshire.

The Mayhew Program was lauded for its commitment to organizational excellence and strategic growth from a summer program for nine inner-city boys to a statewide, yearround program serving more than 220 boys each year.

Arts in Reach was honored for its innovative and inclusive approach to empowering Seacoast-area teenage girls through mentoring and arts programs. Over a period of 22 years, AIR has provided free programs to girls who struggle with adverse childhood experiences and trauma.

The Harvard Pilgrim Healthy Community Impact Award went to the Raymond Coalition for Youth for its dedication to supporting positive, healthy choices for youth and for the way it empowers the community to promote positive youth development and reduce youth substance use, and suicide risk.

“We are proud to partner with NH Center for Nonprofits and honor Raymond Coalition For Youth for proactively engaging the community to support youth in making choices to live healthy, happy lives,” said William Brewster, MD and vice president, NH Regional Market for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. “Harvard Pilgrim is committed to providing quality care to individuals and families across New Hampshire to ensure they are connected, empowered, and supported. We want to acknowledge nonprofit organizations like the Raymond Coalition For Youth who promote community partnerships and involvement, and bring resources and support to ensure a healthy, vibrant community for all.”

Pictured above, fun times at the Mayhew program.