Concord, NH - Finalists for the Smith Award for Excellence in Service to Families with a $15,000 cash prize have been selected.  The winner will be announced on May 20th at the Family Services Celebration in Concord. To RSVP for the Family Services Celebration (Smith Award) contact NHCTF at 224-1279 or info@nhctf.org or via website www.nhctf.org.

On May 20, during a Family Services Celebration at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, the New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund/ Prevent Child Abuse NH will award the prestigious Smith Award for Excellence in Service to Families to one of four following finalists:

Greater Nashua: The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua
Since 1971, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua has been helping the youth of Greater Nashua to stay out of trouble, stay in school and succeed in life. The organization has 7 locations where kids can spend time after school. During the summer months, camp programs and the Grand Avenue drop-in program offer youth a place to learn, grow, and prosper. The Club locations are not just hang-outs, but places where young people can learn, do homework, utilize technology, express themselves through the arts, play, develop social skills, participate in athletics, give back to the community and engage in meaningful conversations with caring adults.               

Greater Concord: The Children's Place and Parent Education Center
The Children's Place and Parent Education Center (TCP) is a family resource center committed to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect. Offering a range of family-centered services including family support, parenting education, a respite childcare program, a strong volunteer program, and events for families, TCP is a parent run, volunteer organization, serving over 300 families of all economic, racial, and educational backgrounds from nearly thirty communities in the Merrimack County area.

Statewide: Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire
Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire, where girls achieve their personal best, is a member-based organization for girls, ages 6 to 18 dedicated to developing their confidence, intelligence, and leadership abilities.  Their research-based empowerment programs are uniquely positioned to provide experiential learning not readily received elsewhere.  Girls at the centers participate in worthwhile activities, feeling free to be themselves and talk candidly with each other and trusted adults, a most important benefit for girls growing up today.

Greater Concord: Merrimack Valley Day Care
Since 1967, Merrimack Valley Day Care Service has been providing care in an enriching environment that fosters the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of children.  They strive to enhance each parents' or caretakers' ability to nurture their child through support, information and friendship.  Merrimack Valley Day Care Service is committed to providing care to those with the greatest need; children at risk of abuse and neglect, low income families, and those with special needs.

 
ABOUT THE SMITH AWARD
The Smith Award is given by the New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund to an exemplary nonprofit family support agency demonstrating exceptional practices and standards. The Smith Award for Excellence in Service has been awarded every other year since 1998. The Cash prize can be used for any purpose the agency deems necessary. Lou and Lutza Smith, the founders of Rockingham Park, were New Hampshire philanthropists and had a special interest in children and families.
 
ABOUT THE NEW HAMPSHIRE CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND
The New Hampshire Children's Trust Fund's mission is to prevent Child Abuse and Neglect by promoting and supporting evidence informed strategies, leveraging resources, and evaluating effectiveness to realize our vision that all children are raised in safe, stable, and nurturing families and communities. For more information visit www.nhctf.org.