2008 Nominees and Announcement

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women announces that Maureen Beauregard of Northwood will receive the Twelfth Annual Women’s Recognition Award. The award is presented in the Fall at a meeting of the Governor and Executive Council. (The date of the meeting has yet to be determined). The award is given each year to a woman chosen by the Commission who has brought honor and valor to herself and to the state through her accomplishments and contributions.

Maureen Beauregard is this year’s recipient for her tireless efforts as the President and Founder of Families in Transition, a non-profit agency providing housing and services to homeless families and individuals in Manchester and Concord. The organization provides a variety of housing options including transitional, permanent supportive and permanent.

“Maureen is a strong advocator for the issues that lead to homelessness, including domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, lack of skills and /or minimal opportunities for education or employment and poverty”, offered NH State Senator and Senate President, Sylvia B. Larsen in her letter supporting the nomination of Ms. Beauregard.

The goal of the services and programs provided to participants of Families in Transition is self sufficiency. Maureen developed the agency’s two thrift stores, Family OutFITters Thrift Store, a social entrepreneurial business venture. Maureen’s commitment to social change is also seen through her commitment to the community at large. Currently, she is on the Leadership Committee of the Manchester Continuum of Care and the NH Charitable Foundation - Manchester Region. Maureen received her Bachelors Degree at the University of New Hampshire and is the proud mother of eight-year-old twin boys.

Along with Ms. Beauregard, twenty one other New Hampshire women were nominated for the award this year. They are:

Mira Braunstein, Concord, Professor of Psychology, New England College
Edda Cantor, Concord, Executive Director, Leadership NH
Maureen Chamberlain, Londonderry, President NH Chapter American Parkinson Disease Association
Barbara Couch, Hanover, Vice President Human Resources, Hypertherm
Susan Croteau, Weare, Chair, Service Committee, Zonta Club Concord
Sara Dustin, Hopkinton, Advocate for Mothers & Children & Welfare Recipients
Jessica Dutille, Plymouth, Executive Director Pemi Youth Center, Plymouth
Emily Geoghegan, Manchester, Pastoral Counselor, Manning House, Manchester
Meri Goyette, Nashua, Life Trustee, Arts & Science Center; the Conscience of Community Culture
Amanda Grady, Concord, Public Policy Director, NH Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Sara Mattson, Manchester, Staff Attorney, NH Legal Assistance
Heather Mike, Strafford, Founder, Pittsfield Youth Workshop
Ann Miles, Newton, Executive Director, Sarah’s Way, Jacob’s Village & Carriage Barn Equestrian Center
Deborah Osgood, Exeter, Entrepreneur, Mentor, Knowledge Institute
Sandra Pellletier, Nashua, President & CEO, Gateways Community Services
Joanne Sowa, Allenstown, CEO, President, The Cinderella Project
Leslie Sturgeon, Bristol, Founder, President, Women Inspiring Women
Terry Sturke, Concord, Volunteer NH Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Sarah Chaisson Warner, Founder, Athena Magazine for Girls, Civic Engagement Director for NH Citizens Alliance
Betty J. Winberg, Nashua, longtime community activist working on behalf of vulnerable populations.
Volunteers/Sisters of Mercy - Teaching English & Citizenship, Nashua & Manchester : Anastasia Smith, Madonna Moran, Esther Norton, Gloria Boisclair, Joyce Scott, Marian Carrigan, Ronnie Granfield, Annette Boucher, Barbara Clifford, Pat Moquin