March 2026 Community Bridges News and Events

A message from our CEO & President

Greetings to individuals and families served by Community Bridges,

I am writing to share that I will retire from my role as the President and CEO of Community Bridges by the end of this year.

It has been an adventure and an incredible honor to serve and support you and your families over the last 40 years. It is difficult to leave a community that has become as familiar as family. We have woven a tapestry of mutual support, shared triumphs, and collective growth. Together, we have built a community rooted in trust and shared purpose. The relationships I have formed have been a rewarding part of my career, and I will carry these memories with me always.

I now look forward to the imminent birth of our first grandchild, more time spent with family and friends, and the next chapter of my life. Community Bridges will continue to thrive thanks to its amazing staff, and you and your family will remain in excellent hands.

The Board has hired Career Management Associates to lead the search for my successor. To ensure a smooth and intentional transition, I will continue in my role full-time through the search and selection process, working closely with the Board and the leadership team to support operations, the search for a new CEO, and the transition of responsibilities. Community Bridges' day-to-day operations and leadership structure will remain unchanged during the transition period.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives; it has truly been a privilege.

With warm regards and heartfelt appreciation,

Ann P. Potoczak

President and CEO, Community Bridges

Across Community Bridges, teams have been working together this month on a fun initiative that supports programs throughout our organization.

The Community Bridges Calendar Fundraiser is Underway!

Throughout March, Community Bridges teams are taking part in our annual Calendar Fundraiser. The fundraiser helps support opportunities that benefit the individuals and families connected to our services.

It’s been wonderful to see the creativity and enthusiasm staff have shown in sharing the fundraiser with the broader community. Teams have already seen encouraging participation from community supporters, and it has been exciting to watch the momentum build across the organization. Each calendar includes daily prize drawings throughout April, making it a fun way for supporters to get involved while helping strengthen our programs.

If you’re interested in learning more about how the fundraiser works, or if you would like to help spread the word within your networks, additional information is available on our website:

Learn more about the Calendar Fundraiser

We are grateful for the many ways our community helps support the work of Community Bridges.

Registration is now open for the Family Support Conference!

New Hampshire Family Support Conference (April 24–25, 2026)

Families, caregivers, self-advocates, and professionals are invited to attend the New Hampshire Family Support Conference, taking place April 24–25 in Concord at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center and Grappone Conference Center.

This statewide event offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and recharge. Participants can explore a variety of educational workshops, access helpful resources, and meet other families and community partners from across New Hampshire.

With a long-standing tradition of bringing people together, the conference creates opportunities to share experiences, build connections, and gain practical information to support individuals and families.

Please see the attached materials for full workshop details and registration information, or click on the fly above to view the Eventbrite page.

Workshops

Registration Form

Spring Fling Dance at Saint Anselm College

Celebrate the season at the Spring Fling Dance hosted by Saint Anselm College’s Meelia Center for Community Engagement! Join us on Saturday, April 18, from 1:00–3:00 PM at the Carr Center for an afternoon of music, connection, and fun.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their best spring formal wear and enjoy a welcoming, inclusive environment. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

This event is a great opportunity to gather with others, celebrate spring, and enjoy time together in the community.

Please see the attached flyer for full details, directions, and RSVP information.

Detailed Flyer

Learn to Ride the Free Bus – Laconia

Laconia Congregational Church is hosting a “Learn to Ride the Free Bus” event on Wednesday, March 25, from 10:00–11:00 AM in the Church Hall. This informative session will introduce participants to the Mid-State Transit (CAP Laconia) free bus service available throughout the Lakes Region.

This service is available at no cost to eligible individuals, including older adults and people with disabilities, and the buses are wheelchair accessible. The session will walk through how the system works and how to begin using it—offering a helpful step toward greater independence and community access.

Individuals, families, and support staff are all welcome to attend.

Please click flyer for full details and contact information.

Legislative Update: Staying Informed and Engaged

Community partners across New Hampshire are continuing to monitor legislative activity as the State moves through the current session. We are now approaching “crossover,” an important point in the process when bills that have passed one chamber (House or Senate) move to the other for further consideration. Bills that do not advance before crossover will not move forward this session.

Crossover also creates a second opportunity for community members to engage. As bills move to the opposite chamber, there is another chance to provide input—whether through testimony, outreach to legislators, or participating in hearings. It’s an important moment to ensure your voice is heard.

Several proposals this year may be of interest to individuals and families, particularly those related to disability rights, access to services, and system oversight. These include efforts to strengthen nondiscrimination protections, support communication access, and improve oversight and accountability within the developmental services system.

Staying informed and sharing your perspective can play an important role in shaping policies that impact our community. There are many ways to get involved, including: