FRANKLIN, NH — Easterseals NH and PROCON’s design and construction team celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase II of its Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, New Hampshire, marking the next milestone in the continued transformation of the first-of-its-kind campus dedicated to serving military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
Hundreds of supporters, veterans, first responders, community leaders, elected officials, and partners gathered at the 15-acre campus to celebrate the expansion, which will bring the Solinsky Equine & Recreation Center and the Empowerment Center to life. Together, these new facilities will expand access to equine-assisted services, recreation, challenge-based programming, service dog training space, art and music therapy, care coordination, classrooms, and wellness initiatives.
"This groundbreaking represents our continued commitment to ensuring those who have served our country and our communities have access to the support, resources, and opportunities they deserve," said Maureen Beauregard, President and CEO of Easterseals NH & VT. "Phase II will build upon the incredible foundation we've already created by expanding programs that foster healing, resilience, connection, and hope."
The morning began with networking before a speaking program featuring remarks from Easterseals NH leadership and guests, including U.S. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas, NH Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, City of Franklin Mayor Glenn Morrill, representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Governor Kelly Ayotte, PROCON CEO John Stebbins, and community leaders who have helped make the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus a reality.
"Breaking ground on Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus, Phase II is a milestone we've been looking forward to since the day we finished Phase I," Stebbins said. "This next chapter — the Solinsky Equine & Recreation Center and the Empowerment Center, will make this campus the complete, one-of-a-kind resource our military members, veterans, first responders, and their families deserve. PROCON has been honored to stand alongside Easterseals NH from day one, with many PROCON veterans who have designed and are working on this project and as the grandson and great-grandson of veterans, this project has never just been a job for our team. It's personal. We're proud to keep building on the promise this campus represents."
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Following the ceremonial groundbreaking, guests enjoyed an afternoon of activities across the campus, including guided tours, networking, and opportunities to experience many of the programs on campus. The event also featured a U.S. Coast Guard birthday celebration, visits with therapy miniature horses and therapy dogs, and opportunities to learn more about the services and partnerships that support military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
