Harbor Care’s Cynthia Day Family Center In Nashua Receives $15,000 Award

NASHUA, NH — Harbor Care is proud to announce that its Cynthia Day Family Center (CDFC) has received a $15,000 grant from YouthWell NH to enhance trauma-informed children’s programming for families affected by substance use.

This funding ensures children at CDFC receive vital support for stability, resilience, and family reunification.

As one of only two programs in New Hampshire where children can stay with their mothers during residential substance use treatment, CDFC provides a safe, structured space for family healing. The YouthWell NH grant will expand access to medical care, mental health services, and enrichment programs addressing trauma and developmental challenges.

“This grant is a critical investment in strengthening families and ensuring that children impacted by parental substance use have access to the care and support they need,” Henry J. Och, the president and CEO of Harbor Care, said. “At Harbor Care, we believe that keeping families together during recovery leads to better long-term outcomes for both children and parents. This funding will help us continue providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can heal and thrive.”

Tricia Brannen, the executive director of the Cynthia Day Family Center, said, “YouthWell NH is honored to support the children’s programming at the Cynthia Day Family Center. We truly believe the services and resources provided at the center are invaluable and critical to children and families affected by substance use. I was grateful to have the opportunity to tour the Cynthia Day Family Center and meet with a mother who was receiving treatment. Her remarkable story was so inspiring. The treatment, support and resources she received alongside her children has not only made her a better parent but has changed her life in ways she never thought possible. She is thriving and so are her children. There is hope through trauma-informed care and appropriate support. I commend the staff and the families at the CDFC for the hard and intense work they do every day to help children be well, to heal and to thrive.”

With the rise in homelessness and substance use in New Hampshire, programs like CDFC play an essential role in addressing these intertwined crises. Last year alone, the center supported 130 women and children. To accommodate demand, CDFC now encompasses all 66 beds at Harbor Care’s residential treatment center in Nashua, which also features an on-site, embedded healthcare clinic to meet the daily needs of residents. Harbor Care welcomes community members to learn more about its mission and support its work in strengthening families at www.harborcarenh.org.

About YouthWell NH

YouthWell NH is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of young people across New Hampshire by funding innovative programs that provide essential services, education, and advocacy. Through strategic investments in community-based initiatives, YouthWell NH aims to create lasting, positive change for children, families, and the broader community. To learn more about YouthWell NH, visit youthwellnh.org.

About Harbor Care

Harbor Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, and veteran services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in New Hampshire. Harbor Care breaks the cycle of homelessness and creates pathways to stability and independence for 5,000 NH residents annually. To learn more about Harbor Care, visit harborcarenh.org.

Submitted by Harbor Care.