Kerry Norton Receives Award of Character
Hope on Haven Hill’s co-founder and Executive Director was presented Pro Football Hall of Fame’s first ever Award of Character by Pro Football legend Walter Payton.
Support Hope on Haven Hill for NH Gives
Show your support for Hope on Haven Hill and the women and children we serve by donating on June 9-10 for NH Gives.
Hope Springs Eternal Gala 2026
We came together as a community to celebrate the work and impact of Hope on Haven Hill at this year’s gala, Saturday March 21st at 6:00pm at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH.
Lighting the Way Award- 2026 Honoree Announced
Media Contact:
Emily Sheffield, Development & Communications Specialist
Hope on Haven Hill
603-841-5353 ext. 2025
esheffield@hopeonhavenhill.org
www.hopeonhavenhill.org
Rochester, NH — February 19, 2026 — Hope on Haven Hill (HHH) proudly announces that Sarah Landres, a respected New Hampshire attorney and community leader, will receive the organization’s 2026 Lighting the Way Award at its Annual Gala on March 21, 2026, at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH.
Established at HHH’s inaugural Gala in 2017, the Lighting the Way Award honors individuals who illuminate critical issues impacting women and families affected by substance use disorder and who go above and beyond to create meaningful, lasting solutions. Recipients exemplify courageous leadership, steadfast advocacy, and a deep commitment to strengthening community partnerships that expand access to care and recovery support.
Past Lighting the Way Award recipients include Martha Stone, Dr. Buonomono, Renee Plummer, John Burns, Dr. Janet Perkins, Brad Paige, and former First Lady Valerie Sununu.
Landres has played a foundational role in the growth and long-term success of Hope on Haven Hill. As a founding Board Member and former Board Chair, she helped guide the organization through pivotal milestones, including its capital campaign and the opening of the Center for Hope & Wellness in Rochester. Her strategic leadership and steady guidance were instrumental in building the infrastructure that supports HHH’s innovative recovery model today.
“Sarah has been a light for this organization from the very beginning,” said Kerry Norton, RN, Executive Director of Hope on Haven Hill. “Her leadership, legal expertise, and unwavering belief in our mission helped lay the groundwork for who we are today. She leads with both excellence and heart.”
In addition to her service to HHH, Landres is a partner at Shaheen & Gordon, bringing more than 17 years of experience as a trial lawyer. Prior to joining the firm, she spent twelve years as a trial attorney with the New Hampshire Public Defender, where she represented individuals facing a broad range of criminal charges. She later focused her practice on family law, earning a reputation for thoughtful advocacy and courtroom excellence. Landres also served as a legal consultant for the Presumed Innocent limited series on Apple TV+, advising the creative team with her expertise in the criminal legal system.
Today, Landres continues to support Hope on Haven Hill through her advocacy, community connections, and active service on the organization’s Governance Committee. Her enduring commitment reflects the true spirit of the Lighting the Way Award — honoring those who use their talents and influence to strengthen systems of care for women and children in recovery.
Hope on Haven Hill’s Annual Gala is the organization’s signature fundraising event, bringing together community leaders, partners, and supporters to celebrate recovery and raise critical funds for residential treatment, outpatient services, and supportive housing programs for pregnant and parenting women and their children.
About Hope on Haven Hill:
Hope on Haven Hill (HHH) provides residential recovery support services for women in New Hampshire who are pregnant, postpartum, or parenting. HHH also offers outpatient substance use disorder treatment services to women across the state.
Our Center for Hope and Wellness is located in the heart of Rochester, New Hampshire, serving as a hub for compassionate, evidence-based care and community support. To find out more, please visit www.hopeonhavenhill.org or reach out to Emily Sheffield: esheffield@hopeonhavenhill.org
George Vanderheiden Lifetime Service Impact Award- 2026 Honoree Announced
Media Contact:
Emily Sheffield, Development & Communications Specialist
Hope on Haven Hill
603-841-5353 ext. 2025
esheffield@hopeonhavenhill.org
www.hopeonhavenhill.org
Rochester, NH — February 12th, 2026 — Hope on Haven Hill (HHH) is proud to announce that the 2026 George Vanderheiden Lifetime Service Impact Award will be presented to Scarlett Lewis at the annual Gala on March 21, 2026, at Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH. For more information about the gala and to purchase your tickets, please visit our ticketing website.
This prestigious award honors the enduring spirit and legacy of George Vanderheiden by recognizing an individual who has made a profound and lasting impact on improving the lives of women and children. It celebrates those who embody the values George cherished — deep love of family, commitment to health and well-being, and unwavering support for causes that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Past recipients include:
Mary Ellen Jackson (2023), Tym Rourke (2024) and Tom Raffio (2025)
Each honoree reflects the selfless dedication and service that defined George’s life. His legacy continues to inspire and lives on through the more than 1,000 women, children, and babies whose lives have been touched by Hope on Haven Hill’s programs and services.
From hiking and pickleball to championing organizations aligned with his values, George created community and connection in every place he encountered. This award recognizes leaders who use their experience, compassion, and influence to create meaningful and lasting change.
Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Choose Love Movement™, a nonprofit organization that has positively influenced millions of children and educators across all 50 U.S. states and more than 135 countries. After the tragic loss of her son, Jesse, in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Scarlett created proactive and evidence-informed programs to be taught in a variety of environments. Her programs teach essential life skills and qualities — qualities like courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion — empowering people of all ages to Choose Love™ in any circumstance, helping to prevent future tragedies. Her programs now serve schools, families, foster care systems, corrections settings, and community organizations worldwide.
Scarlett is the author of Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother’s Journey of Hope & Forgiveness and From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives, along with several children’s books. Her work and leadership have earned her numerous honors, including the 2025 Woman of the Year Nonprofit Stevie Award, the 2025 ACEP Humanitarian Award, the 2024 AARP Purpose Prize Fellowship, the Bloomberg 50 honor, the Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact Honoree list and more. Through global speaking and media appearances, Scarlett continues to share a message of healing, resilience, and compassion that is transforming lives around the world.
Scarlett was first introduced to Hope on Haven Hill through longtime supporter and HHH Lighting the Way Awardee, former First Lady Valerie Sununu, in September 2023. During her first visit to Hope on Haven Hill, Scarlett met with staff, clients, children, and babies and presented the Choose Love framework in person. Her time on campus deeply impacted everyone present at HHH and resonated across the organization.
Following Scarlett’s visit, HHH formally embraced Choose Love principles as part of its organizational culture and care philosophy. That commitment extended beyond HHH itself and helped inspire broader community adoption — with the City of Rochester also embracing the call to “Choose Love” as a shared community value.
Scarlett Lewis’s work, voice, and vision continue to bring hope and practical tools for healing to individuals and systems alike — making her a fitting and inspiring recipient of the 2026 George Vanderheiden Lifetime Service Impact Award.
About Hope on Haven Hill:
Hope on Haven Hill (HHH) provides residential recovery support services for women in New Hampshire who are pregnant, postpartum, or parenting. HHH also offers outpatient substance use disorder treatment services to women across the state.
Announcing our Presenting Sponsor, Kennebunk Savings
Recently, Kennebunk Savings CEO Lex Meagher and Social Responsibility Director Liz Torrance visited Hope on Haven Hill with a very large and very exciting check.
Kennebunk Savings presented our Executive Director, Kerry Norton, and Associate Director, Gabrielle Straube, with a $25,000 check as the presenting sponsor of our 6th Annual Hope Springs Eternal Gala.
The Hope Springs Eternal Gala takes place on Saturday, March 21 at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH. This year, we will share powerful stories of impact and important updates on how supporters can help sustain services for families during this time of uncertainty for substance use and mental health funding.
We truly could not do this work without mission-driven partners like Kennebunk Savings. Their leadership and generosity help ensure families receive the care and hope they deserve.
Empowering women to be successful in recovery.
We provide a safe, nurturing home for pregnant women with substance use disorder, along with their children.
Residential Program
Treatment for pregnant or newly postpartum women providing a home environment that is both nurturing and therapeutic for those seeking sustained recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders.
Outpatient Services
Hope on Haven Hill offers Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Clinical Services to all women in recovery. For women who are parenting, child care is provided during group time.
They changed the person I am today
and reminded me to let go of the past, live in the present and don’t trip in the future.”
- Kristina
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Financial donations allow us to provide care for the women and children living at Hope on Haven Hill & Abi’s Place.