PORTSMOUTH –  Connections Peer Support, a nonprofit mental health organization located in the heart of Portsmouth (544 Islington St.) and in Northwood, recently received a $5,000 grant from the Jen and Eric Chinburg Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

Per their website; “Chinburg is a talented and passionate team, dedicated to transforming the landscape for the better, by creating unique places for people to live, work and play. This company's vision is informed by over 30 years of development and construction. In addition to new construction, the Chinburg portfolio of services includes: construction management, renovation and restoration, commercial and residential rentals, and property management.”

Eric Chinburg, owner and president of Chinburg Properties, and Jen Chinburg, vice president of Brand Marketing and Corporate Development for Chinburg Properties, graciously granted $5,000 to help support a much-needed ramp project at Connections Peer Support’s Step Up / Step Down transitional living program in Northwood. This 24-7 residential program is designed for individuals seeking support with their mental health and offers up to a 120-day stay. Staff at the home work collaboratively with participants to promote empowerment as well as support them in establishing a stable routine while moving towards their personal wellness goals.

Building a ramp at this location will support residents and staff who are living with mobility challenges, as well as assist in ADA compliance. A ramp allows Connections Peer Support to reach a larger demographic. 

“Adding a ramp to our residential program will open up our services to a wider population and improve the safety of both our participants and staff who live with mobility challenges,” said Fred Poisson, executive director of Connections Peer Support.

At their Portsmouth location, Connections Peer Support facilitates an assortment of support groups that focus on a variety of topics such as LGBTQ+ Allyship, Nutrition, Managing Depression, Living with anxiety, Art, Hearing Voices, and more.

Additionally, Connections Peer Support offers a Warmline that is available daily from 5-10 p.m. for N.H. adult residents. A warmline is a confidential, free phone service that offers mental health support. Unlike a hotline, Connections Peer Support’s Warmline is staffed by Peer Support Specialists who have personal mental health experiences. You can call Connections Peer Support’s warmline from 5-10 p.m. every day at (603) 427-6966. 

Members regularly participating at Connections Peer Support report fewer hospitalizations, fewer mental health crises, and improved quality of life.  

Connections Peer Support is a nonprofit organization and a responsible fiscal steward.