Children's Alliance of New Hampshire Is Now NH Kids Count

CONCORD, N.H., Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Alliance of New Hampshire's track record of making a real difference for children entered a new phase today as the organization becomes New Hampshire Kids Count.

Known for its comprehensive research on child well-being, the 25-year-old organization has successfully advocated for a wide variety of important issues including universal kindergarten, statewide children's health insurance, greater access to Children in Need of Services (CHINS), and maintaining access to vital Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The organization is recognized for its ability to convene diverse organizations and individuals to create a unified voice for New Hampshire children.

"It's great to look back and reflect on where we have been, but we are equally excited about the years ahead and the impact we will continue to have making courageous decisions on behalf of children and their families. Our new name, NH Kids Count, memorably embodies our mission of advocacy for public initiatives that make a real difference," said Executive Director Ellen Fineberg.

The organization's new website www.nhkidscount.org also launched today. It features research reports, current data about children in NH, a blog, media center and stories of organizational impact.

25^th Anniversary Breakfast
The organization celebrated its 25-year milestone this week with an anniversary breakfast attended by over 100 guests. This included state dignitaries, commissioners, Congressional staff, partners, advocates, current and former board members and members of the local community.

Speaker of the House Terie Norelli read a commendation from Governor Maggie Hassan, who thanked the organization for "its work to improve the lives of New Hampshire's children." Senator Jeanne Shaheen also praised the organization's "tremendous impact on the future of our state" saying (via letter) that New Hampshire's distinction as a great place to raise a child "is the product of advocacy groups like yours."

The breakfast featured two prominent guest speakers, Patrick Corvington, senior fellow at the Washington, DC based Campaign for Grade Level Reading and Bruce Mallory, former Children's Alliance board member and interim director of the University of New Hampshire's Carsey Institute. They discussed the pivotal importance of improving children's well-being and highlighted the organization's enduring commitment to system-wide change. They also cited the impact on making New Hampshire the best place to be a kid by continuously strengthening government, businesses, communities and families.

About NH Kids Count (Formerly Children's Alliance of NH)
New Hampshire Kids Count is dedicated to improving the lives of all Granite State children by advocating for public initiatives that make a real difference. Together with our partners, we raise questions, seek answers, foster conversations and advocate for changes to make New Hampshire the best place to be a kid. As the only independent, multi-issue child advocate, the organization is focused on pivotal issues including child poverty, oral healthcare, childhood hunger, and juvenile justice reform. To learn more, please visit www.nhkidscount.org or call 603-225-2264.

SOURCE NH Kids Count