Charles P. Kelsey of Deerfield, N.H. is the new President of the Board of Trustees of Kurn Hattin Homes for Children. Kelsey is Vice President of Resident Life at Riverwoods at Exeter, a continuing care retirement community in Exeter, N.H., serving some 600 seniors. He was officially sworn in at Kurn Hattin’s 117th Annual Meeting of the Corporation.
Connie Sanderson, Acting Executive Director and Director of Development for the past 25 years, says, “Charlie Kelsey brings a new way of thinking to Kurn Hattin Homes. His vision is broad and diverse. He keeps the future success of the organization in front of him at all times, and his efforts and dedication are felt by all who come in contact with him.”
Now in its 118th year, Kurn Hattin Homes is the oldest childcare organization in the Northeast to be continuously supported entirely by charity. Kelsey first became involved with the organization as an incorporator 25 years ago. “I saw it as an opportunity to give back,” says Kelsey, whose own upbringing gives him a personal connection to many of the children served by Kurn Hattin. “Having lost my own mother at a young age, with three siblings, it was challenging. I’ve always held a strong compassion for the needs of those less fortunate.”
As immediate goals for the Board, Kelsey cites the mounting need for expanded children’s services in the region, as well as the need to secure the organization’s financial sustainability for the long-term future. “The societal issues we face today are acute– certainly in the Northeast, and in the world. Kurn Hattin is directly impacted by those trends,” Kelsey says. “We may not talk about it much, and the trauma of some of the children’s upbringing is often invisible, but it has scarred them for life. In trying to undo some of that, we have teachers and staff dealing with their tears and frustrations in an incredible way. This organization needs to go on existing in order to service those needs, to provide access to as many children and families as we can.”
Kelsey brings a healthy dose of optimism to the job, despite the tough economic conditions facing non-profits and charities in recent years. “Non-profit organizations are essential to the fabric of our society, he said, “The financial markets have impacted the reserve funds we rely upon, and we need to position ourselves to be able to provide these services that are so vitally needed. Kurn Hattin has remained in a leadership position because of the generosity of the individuals who have helped make it what it is today, and because of the incredibly dedicated staff here. “
As an added priority, Kelsey says he hopes more people will become aware of Kurn Hattin Homes and get involved. “I invite people to learn more about Kurn Hattin, to come visit, experience it, and participate in it. People’s understanding of our mission and willingness to get involved is what enables this organization to do such important work.”
Kurn Hattin Homes for Children is a charitable home and school for boys and girls, ages 6-15, who are affected by tragedy, social or economic hardship, or other disruption in family life. Its mission: Kurn Hattin transforms the lives of children and their families forever
