Michelle Lennon, president and chief operating officer of Archways, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Sandi Van Scoyoc Legacy Award by the New Hampshire Children’s Health Foundation. Archways is an integrated family resource center and recovery organization, with locations in Tilton, Franklin, Concord and Plymouth.
Lennon’s work has prevented and reduced childhood trauma through her innovative “whole family” approach to supporting parents and caregivers. Her leadership shines in integrating family support and peer support, and in advancing best practices in preventing and reducing childhood trauma—one of the New Hampshire Children’s Health Foundation’s priority areas.
“Michelle exemplifies the power of caring, leadership and innovation. Our award recognizes both the importance of her work and her effectiveness in doing it,” said New Hampshire Children’s Health Foundation President Gail Garceau.
From Archway’s beginning, Lennon exemplified a hands-on, supportive leadership style, working collaboratively with her team and participants. She played a pivotal role in establishing the first community-built center in the basement of a church in Tilton, New Hampshire, in response to the profound impact of poverty and substance use on local families.
Through her visionary leadership at Archways, Lennon has profoundly impacted New Hampshire’s approach to tackling the intertwined issues of substance use, family support, and community health.
Trauma-Informed Care and Recovery Support
Her establishment of Family Threads, a pioneering program offering comprehensive, trauma-informed care and recovery support, marks a significant innovation in the field. This program, integrates recovery services with essential family support, thereby promoting healthy living and emotional resilience among our most vulnerable populations.
Lennon’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the development of Family Threads. Recognizing the need for scalability and broader impact, she has taken steps to position it on the path to becoming an evidence-based framework. This strategic move ensures that the benefits of Family Threads can extend beyond local communities to have a statewide and even national reach.
Michelle Lennon’s adaptability and compassion are further demonstrated in her response to the increasing homelessness among families. By providing a sanctuary for families to find warmth, take showers, share meals, and spend valuable parenting time, Archways addresses immediate needs while fostering dignity and respect.
The deep and lasting impact of Lennon’s work is evident not only in the programs she has developed and the policies she has influenced but also in the personal stories of those she has helped. Many in the community credit her with making a significant difference during their most challenging times. Her ability to maintain long-term relationships with those she has supported speaks volumes about the personal and heartfelt nature of her commitment.
“We really blessed to have an incredible team that has made this possible,” Lennon said. “People don’t recover in isolation. It should be in the context of family and community. We’re thankful for being recognized for that.”
Michelle Lennon’s work with Archways and her team is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of dedicated, innovative action in creating significant, lasting change.
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About Archways
Archways is an integrated family resource center and recovery organization, with locations in Tilton, Franklin, Concord and Plymouth. Its mission is to strengthen and empower families and our community by promoting health, well-being, and self-sufficiency through positive relationships, support, collaboration and education. Its vision is to see individuals and families have what they need to thrive. archwaysnh.org.