Crotched Mountain Foundation

A quick note from Ned Olney, President and CEO of Crotched Mountain Foundation: On this Labor Day, we would like to honor the work that is done to advance our shared commitment to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all. Here at Crotched Mountain Foundation, we are dedicated to empowering people with disabilities, as well as providing the support and resources they need to thrive. We know that there is much work to do, but that day in and day out, together, we are contributing to a better world, better communities and better lives. And you power that effort! Today, I want to thank each and every one of our staff for their dedication and hard work. Their commitment to creating positive change is inspiring, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of so many living with disabilities. And I want to draw special attention to our staff who are helping the people we serve find rewarding employment, giving them the opportunity to thrive in the community. Now that's a win-win! Thank you, and I wish you a happy and restful Labor Day!

Crotched Mountain Foundation is pleased to announce a $150,000 grant from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Anna B. Stearns Fund. The funds have been awarded to Crotched Mountain’s CMF Kids special education partnership program to strengthen educational outcomes for children with complex disabilities in Coos and northern Grafton Counties. CMF Kids is Crotched Mountain’s school-based partnership program aimed at improving educational outcomes for students with complex disabilities. CMF Kids works with school districts in under-resourced communities to support special education programming such as post-secondary readiness through prevocational training, professional development and training for teachers and paraprofessionals, inclusive learning and play spaces for students with disabilities, and wrap around services for families. “This generous grant will make a significant impact on the families, teachers, and students in Coos and Grafton counties,” said Melissa White, Executive Director of CMF Kids. “We are incredibly grateful to both the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the Anna B. Stearns Fund for their support. Thanks to them, children with disabilities will have even more opportunities to live, learn, and thrive in the community.” CMF Kids has supported the advancement and capacity building of special education programming in the North Country since 2022.

Here’s an interesting piece on Special Education in New Hampshire, confirming why Crotched Mountain Foundation’s work, through our CMF Kids’ program, is more important than ever for its support of students with disabilities in impoverished areas. https://lnkd.in/eRxxy_-K

Hot dog! Hey, it's our friends from Berlin Middle High School - and they made the local paper! And there, with the mega-wattage smile, is Caleb, who we spotlighted last year in Horizons (read about Caleb here). Caleb (second, left) recently graduated and took part in the CMF Kids-supported vocational program at the food stand, operated out of Berlin Middle High School. Even though he graduated, he still helps out at the food stand - because he's a guy who loves customer service and his customers love him! Thank you for your support in making this important program a success - and helping great folks like Caleb discover awesome opportunities!

BIG NEWS! Crotched Mountain Foundation has approved a new round of partnership awards to New Hampshire schools in low-income communities to improve education and opportunities for kids with autism and other disabilities. The CMF Kids program announcement brings the total three-year investment in New Hampshire special education to over $3 million. The following communities and their representative school districts have been selected as this round’s CMF Kids partners: Berlin – $190K Providing an inclusive/accessible developmental preschool playground, as well as upgrades to life skills programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. White Mountain School District – $150K To build/train staff capacity to educate kids with developmental disabilities including autism. Littleton – $300K Purchasing a van for Special Education to provide vocational training and community experiences. Supporting a two-year Special Education teaching residency for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Newport – $300K For teacher and administrator special education professional development, including coaching and mentorship for school leadership. “Throughout our history, Crotched Mountain Foundation has focused on making a real and lasting difference in the lives of people of all abilities,” said Ned Olney, President and CEO of Crotched Mountain Foundation. “With CMF Kids, we are partnering with New Hampshire schools to strengthen the outcomes of their special education programs. Thanks to our donors, staff, and partners, we are helping children with autism and other disabilities live, learn, and thrive in the community.” To learn more about CMF Kids please visit cmfkids.org.

Crotched Mountain Foundation has approved a new round of partnership awards to New Hampshire schools in low-income communities to improve education and opportunities for kids with autism and other disabilities. The CMF Kids program announcement brings the total three-year investment in New Hampshire special education to over $3 million. The following communities and their representative school districts have been selected as this round’s CMF Kids partners: Berlin – $190K  Providing an inclusive/accessible developmental preschool playground, as well as upgrades to life skills programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. White Mountain School District – $150K  To build/train staff capacity to educate kids with developmental disabilities including autism. Littleton – $300K Purchasing a van for Special Education to provide vocational training and community experiences. Supporting a two-year Special Education teaching residency for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Newport – $300K For teacher and administrator special education professional development, including coaching and mentorship for school leadership. “Throughout our history, Crotched Mountain Foundation has focused on making a real and lasting difference in the lives of people of all abilities,” said Ned Olney, President and CEO of Crotched Mountain Foundation. “With CMF Kids, we are partnering with New Hampshire schools to strengthen the outcomes of their special education programs. Thanks to our donors, staff, and partners, we are helping children with autism and other disabilities live, learn, and thrive in the community.” To learn more about CMF Kids please visit cmfkids.org.

On Saturday, more than a dozen dedicated volunteers performed much-needed maintenance on Crotched Mountain's Accessible Trails in Greenfield. Big thanks to our friends at the Appalachian Mountain Club for organizing this event. The amount of work that was done was incredible! We also welcomed our volunteer gardeners for the spring planting session at the Memorial Garden. Many are graduates of the UNH Master Gardener Program and we extend an extra special thanks to the UNH Master Gardener Alumni Association for their generous grant for plants and supplies! And our volunteers were thrilled by an up close encounter with a beautiful deer. And, remember Carter? He was featured in the spring edition of our Horizons magazine. Carter had a great day out on our trails recently and his mom sent a photo - a reminder of why our volunteers are so passionate about these accessible trails and our Memorial Garden. Just a wonderful day of celebrating how EVERYONE can enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors!

It's another beautiful day today! Are you feeling the summertime beckon? Enjoy the scenic sands of Lake Winnipesaukee for the 2024 Volleyball Classic on June 22! It's not too light to sign up your team for a day of fun! All proceeds support the Logan's Giving Fund for Autism, which directly helps families with children with autism. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eNtUfi4k

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Mary Frances Lawler, long-time Crotched Mountain supporter and former nurse at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center. Mary passed away on April 23 at the age of 86. She was a community stalwart and a true force for good on behalf of people in need. Her legacy will not soon be forgotten. Click here to view her obituary: https://lnkd.in/dZCrr5KV

Celebrate Earth Day by helping us reopen our accessible trails. Make a difference, while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors! Join a group of volunteers this Sunday, April 21, at 10:00 am, for as long as you can - spend the day or spend an hour. No experience needed and all help appreciated! Register here: https://lnkd.in/ed3PrVVf