September 2026

This month, Community Bridges has much to celebrate. We are excited to recognize the Direct Support Professionals who bring our mission to life each day and to welcome a new chapter in our organization’s leadership. 

We also look forward to gathering with our community in October to honor the relationships, contributions, and shared commitment that have shaped Community Bridges over the years.

Community Bridges Announces Sherry Harding as President & CEO

Community Bridges is pleased to announce the appointment of Sherry Harding, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, as President & CEO, effective October 12, 2026.


Sherry currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and brings more than 25 years of experience in people operations, organizational development, and project management across the nonprofit, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and financial-services sectors. She holds degrees in accounting and management, as well as a master’s degree in organizational development and leadership. Sherry also serves on the Board of the New Hampshire State HR Council and previously served on the Community Bridges Board of Directors.


Following a thoughtful search and evaluation process, the Community Bridges Board of Directors selected Sherry to lead the organization into its next chapter. Her leadership experience and familiarity with Community Bridges will provide valuable continuity, along with a strong understanding of our employees, the people and families we serve, and our community partners.


As part of the transition, Ann Potoczak will remain with Community Bridges in an advisory role, helping to ensure a smooth handoff and preserve the knowledge and relationships developed during her many years as President & CEO.


Please join us in congratulating Sherry on her new role. We look forward to continuing our work together in support of the people, families, and communities we serve.

Celebrating Our Direct Support Professionals

This week, Community Bridges proudly celebrates Direct Support Professional Recognition Week!


Every day, our Direct Support Professionals help people pursue their goals, build meaningful relationships, participate in their communities, and live lives shaped by their own choices. This important work requires compassion, creativity, flexibility, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the people they support.

We are also grateful that Governor Kelly Ayotte has issued a proclamation officially recognizing September 13–19 as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in New Hampshire.


To every DSP at Community Bridges: thank you for the many ways you show up, solve problems, build trust, and create opportunities. Your work makes inclusion, independence, and meaningful community connections possible—and strengthens our entire community.

Join Us for an Evening of Gratitude and Celebration!

• October 8, 2026
• 5:00
• Capital Center for the Arts
• Tickets & Additional information:
  www.communitybridgesnh.org

Community Bridges’ inaugural Fall Gala, A Legacy of Gratitude and Partnership, is coming up on Thursday, October 8, at Governor’s Hall at the Capitol Center for the Arts.


This special evening will bring together friends, families, employees, and community partners to celebrate inclusion, recognize the people and partnerships that strengthen our work, and honor retiring President & CEO Ann Potoczak for her many years of leadership and service.


Guests will enjoy inspiring stories, employee and community awards, a silent auction, raffles, and opportunities to connect with others who share a commitment to helping people with disabilities live full and meaningful lives in their communities.


Tickets are $40. We hope you will join us for this memorable evening and help us celebrate the legacy and the future of Community Bridges.

Make a Plan to Vote

New Hampshire’s general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Before heading to the polls, voters can take time to learn about candidates, confirm their voter information, and plan for Election Day.


Learn About the Candidates

Citizens Count provides nonpartisan information about New Hampshire candidates, including their backgrounds, issue positions, and voting records. Voters can also contact their local town or city clerk to request a sample ballot.


Check Your Voting Information

Use the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Voter Information Lookup to:

• Check your voter-registration status
• Find your polling place
• View your voting districts
• Track an absentee ballot
• Access a sample ballot when available


Important Dates

• Now: Check your registration, research the candidates, and confirm where you will vote.
• Monday, November 2: Final day to request an absentee ballot. Because mailing takes time, voters should request and return absentee ballots as early as possible.
• Tuesday, November 3: General Election Day. New Hampshire also permits eligible voters to register at their polling place on Election Day.


Voting requirements and local registration sessions can vary. Contact your town or city clerk for local deadlines, polling hours, absentee-voting instructions, or accessibility information.

Click on the infographics to enlarge.

Why This Election Matters

The leaders elected this November will help shape New Hampshire’s priorities for the next two years—including the state budget that funds developmental services and other essential community supports.


In 2027, the Governor and Legislature will develop and approve New Hampshire’s next two-year budget. Decisions made during that process will directly affect the availability, quality, and sustainability of services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. They will also influence the workforce that provides those services.


That is why participation is especially important this year. Voting is one way to make your voice heard, but advocacy does not end on Election Day. Sharing personal experiences, communicating with elected officials, and participating in public hearings help policymakers understand how their decisions affect people’s daily lives.


Community Bridges does not endorse candidates or political parties. We encourage everyone to learn about the candidates, understand the issues, and participate in the democratic process in the ways available to them.

Save the Date: Legislative Advocacy Luncheon

• Tuesday, November 17, 2026
• 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Bank of New Hampshire Stage, Concord
  

Community Bridges invites individuals, families, employees, community partners, and elected officials to join us for a conversation about developmental services, the upcoming state budget, and the importance of including the voices of people with disabilities and their families in policy decisions.


Please save the date and watch for additional information about the program, registration, and opportunities to participate. We hope you will join us as we build stronger connections and prepare to advocate together in the coming legislative session.

In the Community

Where there is always something new:   

Click the links below to learn more about activities near you.

• Medicaid Providers Resource Page

• Parent Information Center Training and Events

• Institute On Disabilities Workshops & Webinars

• NH Family Voices

• Brain Injury Association

• Council on Developmental Disabilities

• New Futures

• Concord Chamber of Commerce

• Concord Patch



• NH Transition Community of Practice



• Caregivers Conference

• Waypoint Concord Family Resource Center