In Episode 22 of Community Catalyst, host Lynn Boyer,Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Officer Justin Agraz of the Merrimack Police Department to discuss two impactful programs making a real difference in our community: ACERT (Adverse Childhood Experience Response Team) and PEP (Prevention, Enforcement, and Treatment).

Justin explains how ACERT supports children who haveexperienced trauma by connecting families to essential resources, including mental health services, mentorship, and after-school programs. He also shares how the PEP program assists individuals battling addiction, offering guidanceand support on their path to recovery.

Learn how these initiatives are breaking stigma, fosteringresilience, and building stronger connections in Merrimack. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration and proactive support.

In Episode 21 of Community Catalyst, host Lynn Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, talks with Alicia Angove, Kinship Navigator at Waypoint of Nashua, about supporting families raising children in kinship care. They discuss Waypoint’s programs, including one-on-one services, support groups, and community resources that help families navigate challenges and feel connected. Alicia shares insights on the new “Parenting a Second Time Around” support group launching at the Nashua Y, along with upcoming events and programs designed to strengthen families and keep them together. Tune in to hear how Waypoint and the YMCA are making a meaningful difference in the lives of families across New Hampshire.

In Episode 20 of Community Catalyst, host Lynn Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, talks with Mike Apfelberg, President of the United Way of Greater Nashua, about the organization’s long-standing history, community impact, and evolving initiatives. They discuss the United Way’s roots in emergency response during the Great Depression, pandemic relief efforts including food distribution and resources for families, and current programs like tutoring partnerships and the launch of Memory Cafes to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Tune in to learn how this partnership between the Y and United Way is addressing local needs, fostering community connections, and creating meaningful change in Greater Nashua.

Visit www.nmymca.org to learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua.

Visit https://unitedwaynashua.org to learn more about the United Way of Greater Nashua.

In Episode 19 of Community Catalyst, host Lynn Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, is joined by Danielle Crowe, Director of the Greater Nashua Prevention Coalition. They discuss the coalition’s work to educate and support youth and families around substance misuse prevention in Nashua, Hudson, and Merrimack.Danielle shares details about the Lock It Up campaign, which provides free lock boxes to help families safely store medications, and an upcoming partnership with the Y to make these resources more accessible. The conversation also highlights their school-based Prevention Series, bringing topics like mental health, emotional intelligence, and grief support directly to students.This episode is a powerful look at how collaboration, education, and community engagement are helping create safer, healthier environments for all.

Visit www.nashuacares.org to learn more about the Nashua Prevention Coalition.

In Episode 18, host Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Paige Beauchemin, RN, PMH-C, founder of OwlHive Perinatal Education & Consulting. Paige shares her journey into perinatal mental health and how OwlHive addresses the growing need for education, support, and access to care for expecting and new parents. They discuss the impact of stigma, the importance of community partnerships, and a recent collaborative listening session with local families. Learn how OwlHive is working to improve maternal mental health outcomes through inclusive programming, professional training, and accessible parent education.

You can learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua by visiting: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.nmymca.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.

To learn more about OwlHive visit: www.owlhivehealth.com⁠⁠⁠.

In Episode 17, host Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Ashley Spencer, Senior Director of Club Operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua. They talk about the vital work being done to support youth in the community, from early learning and teen programs to Camp Mariposa, which serves children impacted by addiction in their families. Learn how the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club partner to meet community needs and why youth-serving organizations play such a critical role in shaping bright futures.

You can learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua by visiting: ⁠⁠⁠www.nmymca.org⁠⁠⁠.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua visit: ⁠⁠www.bgcn.com⁠⁠.

In Episode 16, host Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Kim Shottes, Executive Director of The PLUS Company, to discuss their longstanding partnership, the vital support services PLUS provides for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and exciting new initiatives like their Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship Program. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community inclusion, employment, and the powerful impact of passionate nonprofit work.

You can learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua by visiting: ⁠⁠www.nmymca.org⁠⁠.

To learn more about PLUS Company visit: ⁠www.pluscompany.org⁠.

In Episode 15, host Lynn Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Katelynn Karugu, Community Programs Coordinator at Marguerite’s Place. Learn about their mission to support single mothers through transitional housing, childcare, and community programming. Discover how Marguerite’s Place and the Y collaborate to empower families, foster connections, and create lasting impact. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on community, resilience, and support!

You can learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua by visiting: ⁠www.nmymca.org⁠.

To learn more about Marguerite’s Place visit: www.margueritesplace.org.

In Episode 14, host Lynn Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Terri Connolly, Marketing Manager at Triangle Credit Union. Together, they discuss Triangle's long-standing commitment to the community and its partnership with the YMCA, including efforts to promote financial literacy and support wellness initiatives. Terri shares insights into the credit union’s history, new programs like interactive teller machines, and the exciting financial literacy classes offered at the Y to strengthen the community through practical financial education and accessible services.

You can learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua by visiting: www.nmymca.org.

To learn more about Triangle Credit Union or their TCU University visit www.trianglecu.org or www.triangleuniversity.org, respectively for more information.

In Episode 13, host Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, chats with Laura Rice, Executive Director of the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF). Together, they explore CLiF’s mission to provide free books and literacy experiences to children, its partnership with the Y, and the importance of nurturing a love for reading through innovative programs that transform lives.

In Episode 12, host Lynn Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Henry Och, CEO of Harbor Care. Together, they explore Harbor Care's mission to break the cycle of homelessness and provide housing, healthcare, and veteran support across New Hampshire. Discover the impactful ways their partnership addresses community needs, including inspiring stories of transformation, innovative programs, and collaborative initiatives. Learn more about Harbor Care's work and their commitment to creating a brighter future.

In Episode 11, host Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, chats with Cody Switzer, Assistant Director of the Nashua Community Music School. Together, they explore the incredible work being done to bring music education, therapy, and outreach to the Greater Nashua community. From serving over 600 individuals weekly to offering free music programs and financial assistance, Cody shares how the school fosters connection through music.

In Episode 10, Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua sits down with Jenn Morton, Program Coordinator at End 68 Hours of Hunger - Nashua. The discussion focuses on the collaborative efforts between our organizations, emphasizing our ongoing relationship and shared mission to creating healthier youth and family populations by providing access to free food where it is most needed. Specifically, we discuss the impact that End 68 Hours of Hunger has on helping to prevent hunger and where residents in the Greater Nashua community can find food stability. 

In Episode 9, Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua sits down with Jonathan Harper, Director of Athletics at Rivier University. The discussion focuses on the collaborative efforts between our organizations, emphasizing our ongoing relationship and shared mission to creating a more community and service forward young adult population. Specifically, we discuss our collaboration efforts in volunteer efforts and the mission of both organizations to give back to the community and create fun, energetic and safe spaces for our neighbors as both institutions continue to grow in the Greater Nashua area.

In Episode 8, Lynne Boyer, Executive Director of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua sits down with Tim McMahon, Director of Marketing at the St. Joseph Hospital. The discussion focuses on the collaborative efforts between our organizations, emphasizing our ongoing relationship and shared commitment to creating a connected and healthy community. Specifically, they discuss joined paths through the pandemic, community health education seminars and support groups that are held at the YMCA and community events that are coming up in the next few months.

In Episode 7, we had the privilege of talking with Andrew Morin, Co-founder of the ReGenerative Roots Association. Our discussion focused on the collaborative efforts between our organizations, emphasizing our ongoing relationship and shared commitment to building and feeding communities. Specifically, ReGen Roots concentrates on strengthening the food and alternative energy systems in New England through the development of community farms, food forests, plant shares, educational orchards, solar arrays, and farm to school programs at local public schools. Their programs help develop strong social connections and community resilience among diverse people through the common foundation of healthy food.

In Episode 6, we had the privilege of conversing with Melody McLaughlin, Director of Community Outreach and Education for the New England Chapter of the Parkinson's Foundation. Our discussion focused on the collaborative efforts between our organizations, emphasizing our ongoing relationship and shared commitment to enhancing health and wellness. Specifically, the Parkinson's Foundation concentrates on making lives better for those diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in the New England region. The Foundation provides support to organizations like the YMCA of Greater Nashua by providing community grants to assist with offering Parkinson's Disease specific classes to help with stability and mobility, as well as mental and physical health.

In Episode 5, we had the privilege of conversing with Cynthia Whitaker, PsyD, MLADC, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Nashua Mental Health Center. Our discussion focused on the collaborative efforts between our organizations, emphasizing our ongoing relationship and shared commitment to enhancing community health and wellness. Specifically, Greater Nashua Mental Health provides support to the YMCA's summer camp programs by addressing mental health issues among children.

In Episode 4, we had the privilege of engaging in a conversation with Betsy Houde, the Executive Director of Community Partnerships, and Kelly Yellick, the Program Manager of the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Southern New Hampshire Health. Our discussion delves into the collaborative efforts between our organizations, highlighting our ongoing relationship and a shared commitment to enhancing community health and wellness.

In episode 3 we had the honor of sitting down with the Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Lisa Furman, from Nashua Community College (NCC). We discuss NCC's Early Childhood Education program where NCC students can earn hands on learning while interning and working within the YMCA of Greater Nashua's Early Education Center at the Merrimack Y.