Rosenberg and his team have found that under-served populations for trauma-related services, including youth, patients in primary care and internal medicine, cultural minorities, those with co-occurring psychiatric disabilities and those living in rural areas, are at high-risk for trauma exposure. Unfortunately, these same groups do not generally receive scientifically validated interventions, leading to other negative behavioral, substance abuse and physical health outcomes. Currently, Rosenberg is the principal investigator on a four year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration to extend the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to youth in NH.

One group of children visited the New Hampshire Humane Society and Heritage Farm in Sanbornton to learn the value of empathy. Another group faced a rock wall with the goal of increasing self-esteem and strengthening problem solving skills. And still another group, facilitated by GBH staff and councilors from Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield focused on teamwork while learning to canoe.

“This program gives our clients the ability to have hands on, real world opportunities to use the skills that they are learning,” commented Christine Gauthier, GBH case manager and leader of the canoeing trip. “They are great kids and this is a terrific program.”

TREK is made possible in part by donations from area residents and businesses. To find out how you can donate or to learn more about the TREK program contact Theresa Mahoney at 603-524-1100 extension 443 or visit their website at http://www.genesisbh.org/

Dr. Harris, who was in practice as a pediatrician at the Laconia Clinic in the early ‘60s, became concerned with the lack of services available to the children of the Lakes Region. The only mental health services available to his patients were weekly visits from Dr. Anna Philbrook of Concord. The Community Mental Health Center Act, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, sought to reorganize the country’s mental health system to support individuals with mental health issues in a community setting.

“I have high hopes for the beginning of something real,” stated Harris at the meeting of a mental health center exploratory committee in February 1966. Dr. Harris and a small group of dedicated individuals focused on making the vision of a local mental health center a reality. As a result the Lakes Regional Mental Health Center opened its doors on July 6th 1966.

Forty years later, GBH continues to provide quality mental health services to the community. Serving over 2500 clients in 2005, the center continues to enhance the quality of life for many in the Lakes Region.

“It is a real honor to have the Harrises chair our celebration,” commented Coughlin. “Dr. Harris and his team of visionaries worked hard to build the strong foundation that allows GBH to continue to serve the communities of the Lakes Region.”

“It is very rewarding to see what the early clinic has become,” said Barbara Harris. “We thank all of those who made it possible!”

The evening’s program focused on the history of the organization and the contributions that Dr. Harris and the original mental health center founders made to the community. “The mental health clinic was burgeoning; always busy and always in need of funds,” commented Barbara Harris, honorary co-chair of GBH’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. “Pete and his team started with one employee and a commitment to bring quality mental health care to our area. It is amazing to see how the commitment of a few individuals has made a difference for so many.”

GBH, originally named the Lakes Region Mental Health Center, first opened its doors on July 6, 1966. With outreach efforts focusing on children, adults and the elderly, the center continues to serve over 1800 clients annually. GBH has partnered with area schools, LRGHealthcare and local nursing homes to provide a strengthened support system for those in need.

“We are fortunate to live in a community where individuals can and do make a difference,” stated Michael Coughlin, GBH Executive Director. “Dr. Harris and many of the individuals represented here tonight saw a need for quality mental health care in the Lakes Region. I am honored to have a role in supporting their vision.”

Peter Minkow, President Board of Directors expressed his appreciation, “It is a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful organization. Tonight is our way of thanking all of those people who worked so tirelessly to make the quality of life better for so many. Our children and families continue to benefit from their efforts”

Dr. and Mrs. Pete Harris are the honorary co-chairs of Genesis Behavioral Health’s 40th anniversary annual meeting which is scheduled October 24th. For additional details, contact Theresa A. Mahoney, GBH Director Communications and Development.

GBH’s operates under the belief that children with mental health problems can live happy, productive lives if they receive care early enough. Through programs like the Therapeutic Recreational Experience for Kids (TREK), the Children’s Theater Group, and Girls on the Run, GBH clinicians are involved with all aspects of their young clients’ lives.

“We not only council children through traditional means, but we also use play and hands on interaction to aid in the process,” commented Ray Barrett, director of the Children and Family program. “This grant will be used to support the involvement of children in pro-social community activities.”
The Philbrook Children’s Fund, named for Dr. Anna Philbrook, is an advised fund within the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

Further tying the book to the day’s activities, TREK Leaders helped the children, in groups of three, build their own volcanoes. Each volcano made of clay and yogurt containers took turns representing a child in the group. Before the eruption, each child was instructed to insert one toothpick into the side of the volcano to symbolize each member of the family. As the volcano let go the children saw the “lava” spill down over the sides and cover each of the toothpicks.

The TREK program also traveled to the Spaulding Youth Center to participate in their Rocks, Ropes and Rims day program. Children had the opportunity to participate by climbing a rock wall and cross country skiing. “These kids do not normally have the chance to experience healthy, fun activities such as cross-country skiing,” said Ray Barrett, Program Director. “Their families struggle to cover basic needs. TREK provides a fun experience that enhances each child’s self-esteem and confidence.”

Genesis Behavioral Health (GBH) is the Lakes Region’s Community Mental Health Center. GBH provides services and programs to the community’s children, adults and elderly. For further information contact GBH at 603-524-1100 or visit their website at http://www.genesisbh.org/

Russ Thibeault of Laconia and Tony Gamble of Laconia, have been named to the Genesis Behavioral Health’s Board of Directors.  “Russ and Tony bring their individual strengths and experiences to our Board,” stated Peter Minkow, Genesis Board President. “Russ’s expertise in economics and planning will support GBH’s financial stability today and into the future. Tony’s experience as a GBH client provides a unique perspective that is crucial to our success.”

Thibeault is the President of Applied Economic Research, an economic and real estate consulting firm he founded in Laconia in 1976. He has been a frequent commentator on Marketplace, the Savvy Traveler and Living on Earth. His expertise has earned him appearances on CNN, ABC Nightline, MacNeil Lehrer News Hour, ABC World News and other major news outlets. Previous Board positions include; Lakes Region General Hospital, Laconia Industrial Development Corporation, State Real Estate Appraisers and various New Hampshire banks. “I am honored to serve on the Genesis Behavioral Health Board. My wife, Patty, and I are committed to the community and have a special interest in adolescents. GBH supports our youth through their many programs and services including those in our schools. This is my opportunity to help our adolescents face their challenges and be successful in life.”

Gamble was elected to the Board at the GBH Annual Meeting. Previously employed as an aerospace inspector, he studied electrical engineering at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord New Hampshire. He has lived in the Lakes Region for seven (7) years. During that time, Gamble became involved in finding a solution for adolescents who felt that “there is nothing to do.” Working with a core group of individuals, he founded Tri-Com Youth Association. The Association gained the interest and enthusiasm of eighty-five local youth who decided that a skateboard park was the solution. Working together they raised the funds required to develop and build a skateboard park. “. I came to Genesis Behavioral Health extremely depressed. I didn’t believe that I could recover. With the help of GBH, I am on path to recovery. As a GBH client, I am able to be the link between clients, staff and the Board. I am committed to my own recovery and to ensuring that others have the same opportunity.”

Genesis Behavioral Health (GBH) is the Lakes Region’s Community Mental Health Center. GBH provides services and programs to the Community’s children, adults and elderly. For further information contact GBH at 603-524-1100 or visit their website at http://www.genesisbh.org

In Karen’s own words, she recognizes that “children with mental illnesses need to be held accountable” for their actions; at the same time she believes that it is best to keep a child in the community with his or her family and works to connect families with services that can help the family and child become successful while remaining in the community.

Karen Thurston’s volunteer activities include:

• Genesis Behavioral Health,
• Parent Information Centers
• Cornerbridge
• Blue Star Mothers (Founder and President)
• Belknap County Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Team
• Enhance Life Options