Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) honored a valuable community partner and one of our most dedicated employees during our 57th Annual Meeting on May 17 at Flag Hill Distillery and Winery in Lee.
COAST was named this year’s Champion Award winner for the many ways it connects people in Strafford and Rockingham counties. Denise Day, a family advocate and CAPSC employee for 16 years, was named this year’s Mission Award winner because of the kindness and compassion she provides to her families and children every single day.
“CAPSC is successful because of the people and partnerships that allow us to serve and empower Strafford County residents,” said CAPSC Chief Executive Officer Betsey Andrews Parker. “When I think of who is leading the way to help us make Strafford County a better place for all, COAST and Denise Day are shining examples.”
CAPSC’s Annual Meeting is a breakfast event that celebrates CAPSC’s accomplishments over the past year and the accomplishments we have made together as a community. Over 180 people joined us at the event, which also included an inspiring keynote address from New Hampshire Kid Governor Haydin Simmons, a Plaistow fifth grader working to eliminate poverty and hunger in the Granite State.
During the event, CAPSC also released our 2022 Annual Report, an impact report that features community members and focuses on how CAPSC served Strafford County last year. Last year, CAPSC provided $35 million in direct client assistance, which was a single-year record for our organization. We saw more community members coming to us for help than ever before, prompting us to increase our capacity and add jobs so we could administer new programs and get money into the hands of those who needed it most.
COAST Executive Director Rad Nichols said he was both amazed and deeply touched his organization received this year’s Champion Award. He said he and his staff love making a positive impact for people in their community.
“Our mission is to get people to where they need to be and where they want to be, and that’s what drives us,” Nichols said while COAST accepted the award. “We also believe in partnerships with organizations like Community Action Partnership of Strafford County and all of the other community-based nonprofits in the region. We believe when we all work together cooperatively, it strengthens the impacts of all of our programs.”
Denise Day’s coworkers nominated her for the 2023 Mission Award because of “all the good she does in the lives of the families she serves.” Staff, families Day has worked with, and other attendees erupted into cheers as she accepted the award.
“It’s just been such an honor to be part of the CAPSC team and Head Start,” said Day. “And to my families, I so admire your courage and your spirit. It’s just been an absolute joy and honor to work with you.”
More information about the 2023 Champion Award and Mission Award winners can be found in our award videos, posted at straffordcap.org/annual-meeting/#2023winners.
CAPSC’s 2022 Annual Report can be found at straffordcap.org/agency-reports.
ABOUT CAPSC
Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) is a 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit organization established in 1965. CAPSC works with our community, state, and federal partners to assist more than 15,000 low-income children, families, and adults each year. Our mission is to “reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy, and partnerships.”
At CAPSC, we strongly believe no one should go without having their basic needs met. As the leading anti-poverty agency in Strafford County, we strive to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency by opening the doors to resources and opportunities that offer a hand up, not a handout. When we achieve this goal, we reduce the impact of poverty and build a stronger community.
For more information on how to access CAPSC’s programs and services, please visit straffordcap.org. To donate to CAPSC and help us help our community, please visit straffordcap.org/donate.