At the annual Strengthening Families Summit held at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord on October 29 with a crowd of over 300, the New Hampshire Children's Trust honored Twin Mountain resident Mollie White as the winner of our 2024 Dr. Robert Chamberlin Award. This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding work, vision, passion, dedication, and leadership in support of the children and families of NH. The nominee must have made a statewide impact on children and families through advocacy, direct care, policy, or funding, and have at least ten years of service to children and families in NH.
Mollie was selected from an impressive group of candidates for her unwavering commitment to advocacy, policy reform, and strategic funding. Serving as the Executive Manager of the Coos Coalition for Young Children and Families, Mollie has made a significant difference in the lives of children and families across New Hampshire. She has played a pivotal role in reshaping the early childhood support landscape, bringing lasting positive change to countless families.
Her tireless efforts have brought much-needed attention to the critical needs of young children and their families, not only in Coos County but throughout the state. By engaging communities, policymakers, and public stakeholders, Mollie has succeeded in raising awareness about the importance of early childhood education and healthcare. Her passion and persuasive approach have fostered an environment where the voices of families are heard and their needs prioritized.
Mollie's deep understanding of early childhood issues has led to the development of innovative policy solutions that address systemic challenges. She has been a key force behind legislative reforms that expand access to quality childcare, education, and family services, benefiting children and families on a statewide scale.
Her strategic approach to securing sustainable funding has also ensured the longevity of essential early childhood programs. By forging strong partnerships and spearheading funding initiatives, she has been able to secure substantial investments, guaranteeing that these vital services continue to thrive and grow.
Mollie’s leadership has had a transformative effect, not only on the Coos Coalition but on the entire state of New Hampshire. Her work has created more equitable opportunities for children and families, establishing her as a leader in early childhood advocacy and development.
Dr. Chamberlin was a public health pediatrician with a long history of advocacy for children, families, and the importance of prevention programming. He is known as the father of NH Family Resource Centers, having initiated the statewide movement in New Hampshire in the 1990’s. He was instrumental in helping individual agencies get started like The Children’s Place and Parent Education Center and The Whole Village Family Resource Center. He was part of the group of activists including Lucy Fowlkes Breed, Kay Sidway, Mary Stuart Gile and Barbara French that championed the expansion of Family Resource Centers in NH. In 2004, Family Support New Hampshire (now a program of NH Children’s Trust) established the Dr. Robert Chamberlin award. Dr. Robert Chamberlin who passed away in 2022, was represented at the Awards celebration by his daughter, Dr. Mary Chamberlin of Hanover.
New Hampshire Children’s Trust is the Governor’s designated statewide community-based child abuse prevention agency, the New Hampshire chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, and a member of the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance.
Learn more at https://www.nhchildrenstrust.org
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