Community Catalysts Greater Nashua

In this episode of Community Catalyst, host LynnBoyer, VP of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Nona Alexander, Advisory Board Member at Hidden Battles Foundation, to discuss the organization's mission of supporting veterans, first responders, nurses, and dispatchers through connection, wellness, and community.Learn how Hidden Battles Foundation is reducing isolationthrough peer support, outdoor activities, fitness, family programming, and meaningful partnerships—including their growing collaboration with the YMCA of Greater Nashua. Together, they explore the importance of mental health, community connections, and ensuring no one has to face life's challenges alone.

Welcome to Community Catalyst, the podcast from theYMCA of Greater Nashua where we highlight the people, partnerships, and programs making a lasting impact in our community.In this episode, host Lynn Boyer sits down with SheilaVargas, Community Relations Manager at Fidelity Investments, to discuss a longstanding partnership built on volunteerism, education, and community impactacross the Greater Nashua region.Together, they explore how Fidelity employees support YMCA programs year-round, including Camp Sargent transformation projects, winter relief efforts, and the Power Scholars Academy. They also highlight Fidelity’s commitment to financial literacy and STEM education, including hands-onvolunteer engagement that helps students build confidence and career readiness skills.This conversation showcases the strength of collaborationbetween the YMCA of Greater Nashua and Fidelity Investments, and how working together continues to create meaningful opportunities for youth and families inour community.

In this episode of Community Catalyst, Lynne Boyer,Vice President of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Nick Hammond, Health and Wellness Manager at Opportunity Networks.Nick shares how Opportunity Networks supports adults livingwith intellectual and developmental disabilities across southern New Hampshire, providing meaningful opportunities in health and wellness, supportedemployment, and daily living skills. Together, the YMCA and Opportunity Networks have built a long-standing partnership focused on creating inclusive, engaging experiences that promote confidence, connection, and overall wellbeing.From group fitness and recreational activities at the YMCAto innovative virtual programming during the pandemic, this conversation highlights how collaboration can expand access and improve quality of life. Nick also shares exciting upcoming initiatives, including a new employment training program at the YMCA and their annual golf tournament fundraiser.Tune in to learn how person-centered support, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to inclusion are making a lasting impact.

In this episode of Community Catalyst, Lynne Boyer,Vice President of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Liz Calabria, President and CEO of the Greater Merrimack & Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce. They discuss how the chamber serves as a truecommunity connector, helping local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals grow, network, and make meaningful connections across 12 towns in the region.Liz shares the story behind the chamber’s events, from networking mixers and volunteer opportunities to the Annual Business Awards and Healthy Kids Fest, and how partnerships with organizations like the YMCA bring these initiatives to life. She also explains how anyone in the community can get involved and take advantage of the chamber’s programs to strengthen connections, support local businesses, and make a positive impact.

In this episode of Community Catalyst, host LynneBoyer, Vice President of Community Impact at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, sits down with Jana Brown, Program Manager at the Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF), to explore their long-standing partnership.CLiF has been inspiring children across Vermont and NewHampshire for nearly 30 years, promoting a love of reading and writing through grant programs, book giveaways, and in-person experiences with authors, illustrators, poets, and storytellers.From summer reading programs to early childhood educationinitiatives, Jana shares how CLiF brings books and literacy experiences to kids in under-resourced communities, helping them connect with stories, develop skills, and build a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.Learn how the YMCA and CLiF are working together to support children and families, create meaningful community connections, and make reading fun, accessible, and engaging.

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.