New Futures Honors Advocates, Champions at 27th Annual Awards Celebration

CONCORD, N.H. – On Thursday, October 24, New Futures, New Hampshire’s leading health policy and advocacy organization, brought together advocates and legislative champions for its 27th Annual Awards Celebration, which honored legislative achievements and recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the health and well-being of the Granite State in 2024.

Kelly Untiet, Board Chair, kicked off the event and shared, "As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past year, I’m reminded of the strength of this advocacy community—the way we come together in partnership, lift each other up, and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles."

This year, New Futures expanded its capacity in early care and education, building on recent work to ensure that every family has access to quality, affordable care, supporting both the growth of Granite State children and the strength of the workforce. New Futures presented a video at the start of the ceremony to showcase the current state of child care in New Hampshire along with recent policy wins that improve access to quality, affordable child care across the state:

"Instead of constantly responding to crises after they happen, together, we can address the conditions that create these crises to begin with," said Michele Merritt, President of New Futures, in her opening remarks. "Whether it’s ensuring families have access to healthcare, expanding mental health services, or supporting children before behavioral health issues escalate, policy work is about putting necessary guardrails in place."

New Futures' 2024 award recipients worked throughout the year to advocate for policy changes that create these guardrails and systems to prevent harm and protect our children, families, and communites. New Futures recognized Representative Mary Jane Wallner as the Legislator of the Year for her leadership in the passage of two important bills that address the state's child care availability crisis. The Callahan family — Katreena, Scott, Nugget, and Kit — received the Jennifer Wierwille Norton Advocacy in Action Award for their work in spreading the word about the harms of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Seven-year-old Cordelia Dubois was honored with the Youth in Action Award for her brave testimony to keep social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum in New Hampshire schools.

In addition to the awards, New Futures honored the following individuals with scholarships:

• Health and Wellness Scholarship: Kristine Stoddard, Senior Director of NH Public Policy for Bi-State Primary Care Association, for her partnership with New Futures on health policy initiatives over the past five years.
• Madeline Demeule Behavioral Health Scholarship: Amanda Vachon, Coordinator of the Merrimack County Recovery Court program, for her advocacy to support individuals who are seeking to overcome their substance use disorder.
• Kids Count Scholarship: Declan Rourke for his efforts to ensure young people have access to the behavioral health services they need.

During the ceremony, New Futures also honored Immediate Past Chair Gary Lavoie for his dedication and service to the organization as a member of the Board of Directors.

New Futures continues to lead the charge in advocating for policies that support the health and well-being of all Granite Staters, ensuring that all New Hampshire residents have equitable opportunities to live, work, and thrive.

Learn more about the 2024 New Futures award winners: