Good Samaritan Awards
The Good Samaritan Awards (GSA) event is held annually as BrightLeaf’s primary fundraiser. As a result of funds raised, together we can reach more people in need of mental health services throughout New Hampshire.
The 2025 Class of Good Samaritans represent the epitome of what this acknowledgement is designed to celebrate. These admirable individuals are committed to making a positive impact in our communities through their unselfish and altruistic work and we were delighted to honor them on October 9th at our annual event. This year’s event was held at the Derryfield Country Club and welcomed more than 200 BrightLeaf supporters.
Good Samaritans Class of 2025
Thank you to everyone who sponsored and attended this year’s event, and we look forward to the 2026 application process. To learn more about this event and available sponsorships, please contact info@brightleafnh.org.
Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH)
The Health Care for the Homeless team is a fully integrated Behavior Health and Primary Care Practice serving unhoused persons in the city of Manchester. This includes people who are experiencing homelessness, those who are residing in shelters or treatment centers, people who are living on the streets, and those couch surfing with friends. As the primary medical team for such vulnerable populations, Health Care for the Homeless offers full medical services, Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) for substance use, behavioral health services, and connection for social services. This team consists of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Medical Assistants, Therapists, Patient Service Representatives, Transition of Care Coordinators, Quality Improvement, and Billing Specialists. This organization collaborates with a multitude of social service agencies and providers to assure that the needs of those to whom they offer care have the necessary resources to improve their health and living status.
Kristen Kraunelis
As the current Quality Improvement Director and an employee of The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM) for 30 years, Kristen is committed to ensuring that individuals in the Greater Manchester community receive high-quality, evidence-based mental health care. Kristen is a recognized leader in suicide prevention, co-leading MHCGM’s Zero Suicide initiative and participating in efforts led by the NH Suicide Prevention Council. Her work has been instrumental in shaping local and statewide efforts to enhance personal, professional and organizational wellbeing. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others is shaped by her faith as well as her experiences as a registered nurse, licensed socialworker, hospice volunteer and someone who has navigated significant personal health challenges.
Calley Milne
Calley has built a unique community of dedicated and passionate volunteers at Brookside Congregational Church. What started out as a simple gesture of kindness and support to a few people has grown into a Community Resource Center that now serves hundreds of families and people in need every year. Calley initiated the collaboration with the International Institute of New England (IINE), an organization that provides humanitarian relief, English language learning, and job skills training to refugees and immigrants. Calley’s hard work and passion for outreach led Brookside to become a hub for organizations such as the Greater Manchester Clergy and other interfaith churches across NH to collectively supply the Brookside Thrift Shop with refugee resettlement kits.
Karen Ross
Karen has been a volunteer at The Elliot Hospital for over 15 years with over 10,000 hours of service to that organization’s staff and patients. She will celebrate 70 years of ministry as a Sister of Mercy in September of this year. Karen always says, “it is my job and duty to take care of community.” At The Elliot she volunteers in three separate roles. She is a Wayfinder, On-Call Volunteer, and NICU Baby Cuddler. Karen goes above and beyond the call of duty to offer emotional support, clothing and toys, kindness, and thoughtful care to those in need. She is an essential member of the Elliot Family, known by many and cherished by all.
Kristen Kraunelis
As the current Quality Improvement Director and an employee of The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (MHCGM) for 30 years, Kristen is committed to ensuring that individuals in the Greater Manchester community receive high-quality, evidence-based mental health care. Kristen is a recognized leader in suicide prevention, co-leading MHCGM’s Zero Suicide initiative and participating in efforts led by the NH Suicide Prevention Council. Her work has been instrumental in shaping local and statewide efforts to enhance personal, professional and organizational wellbeing. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others is shaped by her faith as well as her experiences as a registered nurse, licensed socialworker, hospice volunteer and someone who has navigated significant personal health challenges.
Calley Milne
Calley has built a unique community of dedicated and passionate volunteers at Brookside Congregational Church. What started out as a simple gesture of kindness and support to a few people has grown into a Community Resource Center that now serves hundreds of families and people in need every year. Calley initiated the collaboration with the International Institute of New England (IINE), an organization that provides humanitarian relief, English language learning, and job skills training to refugees and immigrants. Calley’s hard work and passion for outreach led Brookside to become a hub for organizations such as the Greater Manchester Clergy and other interfaith churches across NH to collectively supply the Brookside Thrift Shop with refugee resettlement kits.
Karen Ross
Karen has been a volunteer at The Elliot Hospital for over 15 years with over 10,000 hours of service to that organization’s staff and patients. She will celebrate 70 years of ministry as a Sister of Mercy in September of this year. Karen always says, “it is my job and duty to take care of community.” At The Elliot she volunteers in three separate roles. She is a Wayfinder, On-Call Volunteer, and NICU Baby Cuddler. Karen goes above and beyond the call of duty to offer emotional support, clothing and toys, kindness, and thoughtful care to those in need. She is an essential member of the Elliot Family, known by many and cherished by all.