“Americans are both happier and healthier when they have strong relationships with one another.” — Robert Putnam, “Bowling Alone” 2001

Social capital is the importance and value of individuals bonding with others. Recently the medical and social work fields have come to realize the great role social capital can play in one’s recovery.

“As a medical community, we know that support for brain injury survivors requires a holistic approach that will challenge and stimulate recovery. Krempels Center is a vital and integral part of that continuum of care, and we continue to be inspired by the incredible staff that challenges, empowers, and nurtures those who participate as well as the stories of courage and hope from members, their caregivers, and loved ones.”

— Dr. Timothy S. Pike, D.O. , Chief Medical Officer, Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Krempels Center is a place for brain injury survivors to meet and make new friends. We witness daily the value of what happens within our walls as well as the things that happen outside the walls as a result of these connections.

Over the years hundreds of our members have made lifelong friends and connections. Connections with fellow survivors, program staff, family members, professional and family caregivers, volunteers from all walks of life, and a constant stream of highly trained and enthusiastic college volunteers.

Each and every smile, handshake, hug or word of support helps to break down the engulfing walls of isolation. Wonderful things happen here to a group of remarkable individuals who are often forgotten and alone.

We invite you to come visit & experience social capital in the making.

Thank you for helping us make it happen,

Marquis WalshPresident, Board of Directors

Lisa CoutureExecutive Director

It helps me to help others.Photographer: Deb Cram

Nothing stops Patti Paine. Not recessions or layoffs or a brain injury.

One of the first women allowed in the Massachusetts carpenters union, she’s worked in everything from real estate to maintenance.

Things changed nearly three years ago when she stepped off a curb to cross the street with her hands in her pockets and did a face plant. “I didn’t realize I had a brain injury. I thought when the bruises healed and my teeth were fixed I’d be OK.” Then she went back to work – her balance was off, she couldn’t remember things and was mixing words – and she lost her job. That, she said, was more traumatic than the injury.

But there was a silver lining or two. The double vision in both eyes actually helped her long golf game and losing her job encouraged her to combine her love of cooking with small business ownership. Patti’s Panini’s is just a food truck and a place to park it away from reality.

“My disability isn’t obvious so I almost felt like I was taking someone else’s place at Krempels Center,” she says. “I wasn’t sure I belonged at first but now I know I do. I decided I’m here because it helps me to help other members.”

PattiPaine

It helps me to help others.

January: Brain injury survivor Jason Crigler and his sister Marjorie share a multimedia presentation about his story of survival with members. Crigler recently completed a CD and played the first song he wrote after his injury for members.

February: Members were treated to a special sneak peek performance of Portsmouth Music and Arts Center’s annual faculty concert.

March: Members celebrated and honored the life of long-time member MJ Holland at a memorial service.

May: The center’s board of directors and staff came together for a mid-strategic plan meeting to review accomplishments and recalibrate our initiatives for the next 18 months.

Runner’s Alley Redhook Memorial 5KFor 15 years nearly 2,000 runners and walkers take to the roads around Redhook Brewery, raising tens of thousands of dollars for Krempels Center.

Year in ReviewSeptember:The Portsmouth Criterium’s Community Challenge gives local cyclists the opportunity to race on the same course as the professionals, and proceeds benefit Krempels Center.

October: First Krempels King of the Road Challenge Bike enthusiasts choose one of three scenic New Hampshire rides to raise money for Krempels Center, rubbing elbows with nationally known cyclists like Robbie and Teddy King who ride for their father.

November: Promotion of long-time Krempels staff members Lisa Hanson and Barb Kresge to program co-directors.

July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012

It’s up to you to have a goal.

Robert Boutin has come full circle. When he first met David Krempels more than 12 years ago he couldn’t write but would draw words to express himself. Today he is an accomplished gardener, photographer and artist.

And, he says, it has been the constant support of Krempels Center that helped him achieve the goals he never thought he would. Support he didn’t always think he needed or wanted.

Boutin survived a hemorrhage resulting from an AVM, arteriovenous malformation, which essentially causes a “short circuit” in the brain. An original member of Krempels, he stopped attending for a while – “I want-ed to try to just be normal.” But when he wasn’t doing well emotionally he asked for help. “At Krempels you can always come back. Anyone who leaves is welcome to come back.”

Originally told he would never speak or get out of a wheelchair, Boutin has defied the odds. He earned

master gardener certification. He got his driver’s license. He lives on his own with his dog Oliver. And he is never without a small camera. Those photographs allow him to capture the images – in nature, at the ocean, of flowers – that inspire his artwork.

That’s his latest achievement. Becoming an artist. “We all have the talent but it’s up to you to have a goal and conquer your deepest emotions.”

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Alternative Energy: Krempels Center is a hybrid – significantly fueled by student interns and community volunteers – and gets great mileage via that alternative energy. 123 occupational therapy, speech, social work, therapeutic recreation, and students from several other disciplines supported Krempels Center’s programming. And 82 community volunteers committed their time to Krempels Center as well. All told, 10,225 hours of service were provided by these volunteers – a significant use of alternative energy.

Initiatives undertaken in the previous year did restore and build our financial foundation and sustainability as well as create opportunity to meet the growing need for service.

Financial Highlights July 2011 – June 2012

Total Revenue & In-Kind Value:$755,323

Total Expenses (includes in-kind):$680,687

10,225 Hours of Service from 205 community & student volunteers

Student volunteers representing:

University of New HampshireTufts UniversitySmith CollegeWashington Universityand others

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I feel like I have purpose in life, again.

When Melissa found Krempels Center she had hit her lowest point. Scared, lonely, broke.

At the finish line of this year’s annual Runner’s Alley/Redhook 5K road race she had a sense of accomplishment like nothing she’d ever experienced. Friends to cheer her on, confidence and the financial help she needed. The difference? Krempels Center.

“I’m excited for my future,” the 35-year-old jewelry maker and volunteer says. “I still have a lot of challenges to face but with my friends here nothing can stand in my way. I was so relieved to find people like me. I feel like I’m home when I’m at Krempels.”

Davies survived a harrowing whitewater rafting trip on the Penobscot River more than two years ago that left her with the adult version of shaken baby syndrome. She couldn’t work but was denied disability even after a brain inju-ry diagnosis. Family and friends couldn’t understand what she was going through and drifted away.

“Being here that’s all changed,” she says. “I have friends, I drive, I have ambition, I feel like I have purpose in life. I never thought I would have that again.”

Even when she isn’t literally running Davies doesn’t stop. She’s finding a way to give back, leading jewelry making classes and helping to spread the word about brain injury around the world.

Photographer: Deb Cram

MelissaDavies

“As the parents of two adult sons who suffered very serious brain injuries in separate automobile accidents ten years apart,

we intimately understand the value of the services provided by Krempels Center. Providing opportunities for brain injury

survivors to reconnect the pieces of their lives and become productive members of a community again is an important and necessary service. Having personally experienced the physical,

emotional, educational, financial and social stresses surrounding brain injury, we truly believe Krempels Center cost-effectively provides programs and activities that address these issues in a caring and supportive manner. We are pleased to provide

financial support to such a worthwhile organization.”

— Jim & Marjorie O’Donnell

$2,500+

$20,000+

$10,000+

$1,000+

$5,000+

Anvil InternationalBrain Injury Association of New HampshireJesse DevitteLiberty MutualNeal & Darlene Ouellett/ Living InnovationsAlice & Lee Seidel*Strava, Inc.The Fabulous Find - A Caring CommunityAnne & Mark Weidman*Dorothy White*

Anonymous* (1)

David & Mary Krempels and the JD Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation*

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

Thomas W. Haas Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation*

David & Jerilyn Brownell

Rockingham Gaming LLC

Diane Scott O’Brien

Anonymous (1)Rose M. BakerBorealis VenturesJane Bruno*Louis F. Clarizio, DDS PAiamtedking/Teddy KingRobert & Barbara Kintz*Tim & Laurie LeBlanc*Dr. Kent & Kathy Logan*Joseph & Nan Marotti *Jay McSharry*Gurdon MetzJim & Marjorie O’DonnellJeanne & Jim O’Sullivan*Piscataqua Savings BankPortsmouth Brewery, Inc.Portsmouth CriteriumWarren Purdy*Sandra RayJudith RyanSeacoast VolkswagonStaritch Foundation, Inc.Christopher SuttonPeter Taylor*The Pykett Family*Peter & Lee Vandermark*Donald & Barbara WallsMarquis & Patricia Walsh*Denise Williams/Maxfield Real Estate

Anonymous (1)Access Sports Medicine & OrthopaedicsBank of AmericaBetterment Through BeadsRob & Briana Carrigg, Jr.*GARM FoundationGeorge W. Merck Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable FoundationTom & Suellen LeBosquet*Portsmouth Regional Hospital3D PremotorSkill Techologies LLCEd & Zoe VeaseyWheelabrator Technologies Inc.

Donor List July 2011 – June 2012

* Denotes our Stewardship Circle, donors who are generously giving at multi-year commitments to ensure the financial sustainability of Krempels Center

Anonymous (1)Peg & Rich AaronianTom & Mimi AdamsTodd & Kristin AdelmanKayvon AgahniaElle AndersonJudy Atkinson SanchezStephanie BailensonAmy BaileyTimothy BarnhorstSteve & Cathy BarnhorstMichael BartonDonald BattisWilliam BeacjaDr. Robert & Dr. Cynthia BearBruce Belanger/Library RestaurantCrocker BennettTracey BentleyKate BergeronStephen BernackiCathy BlaisdellJane BolandSamantha BonzMegan BouchardPeter BraddockJeffrey BrennanGail BristowCynthia BrownMaryellen BurkeCarla BurnsPaul CarignanMargaret & Arlon ChaffeeGeoff & Heidi ChamberlainKathryn ChamberlainJohn & Sharon ChurchillEric CimonJohn CivaliKevin ClarkHeather & Roger CloitreFergus CochranMark CochranClaire CocoMaria & Wayne ColbySusan ColeChuck CollinsRichard CollinsNorman CookTimothy & Andra Copeland*Marcia CorbinDaniel CorcoranCrotched Mountain Rehabilitation CenterDenise Crowley of Crowley Test and BalanceJohn CummiskeyNikki CypJanet DanforthJamie Davis

Dr. Timothy & Dr. Tricia Pike*Frances PorterRobert PorterSage & Brad PorterElizabeth PowellPublic Service of New HampshireRoyce RandlettSara Richard & Dean ChaseDoug RobertsWilliam RobertsAlexandra RowlandMark RuddyDurval & Christie SalemaLori SalemaMichael & Karen SchidlovskyGia SchultzJohn ScottSeacoast Midwifery Services LLCAnn & Herb SearsJarrod ShoemakerAdam ShutesKarl & Paula SingerJan SlezakJessica SocksJim & Deb SomesPaul & Michelle SosenkoKC & Ellen SpenglerDr. Steven SpielmanJoseph & Susan St. MartinDan StearnsRick & Deb StrottTerrie Harman, Attorney At LawCharles ThayerBiju ThomasWilliam ThomasJeff ThompsonJames TiernanMargaret TiltonG Robert TodDavid TooleyLaurie Warren TrufantJennifer TubbCharlene Galarneau & Don TuckerTufts UniversityUNH Cooperative Extension, State ExtensionUnitilShannon ValerioRuth S. Veasey Eliot & Louisa VestnerWade LandscapingRob WatsonStephen WeinerElaine WiesmanSumner & Helen WinebaumKen WolfeGreg WoolfKathleen Zaffino

$500+ $250+ $100+Anonymous (1)John AhlgrenBottomline Technologies, Inc.Martha & Stephen BurnhamDianne Durkin Loyalty Factor LLCExeter Health Resources, Inc.Federal Savings BankJackie FelixJoseph & Cynthia FreemanGlance Networks Inc.Gravestar FoundationGreen Gate FarmNancy Grigor & Gale BrownAnn KellyNancy KogutErik & Maggie Loranger*Jonathan MarottiDonald MartinJennifer MasonBryce McKenzieNortheast Rehabilitation HospitalJeffrey NortonCindy NottagePaddy’s Restaurant - Ocean AP Inc.Mark PattersonSusan PattersonJoseph PekalaJim & Kathy RaybinRobin Hill FarmSeacoast Rotary ClubChandler TagliabueThe Provident Bank, Community e-VoteTio Juan’s Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Inc.Geoffrey & Mary Wilson*Sharon Worman & Richard Bryne

Davis Living TrustPaula DempseyAndre DeryPeter DominskiGeorge DonovanKathleen DonovanDonovan Spring CompanyKathryn & Mitchell DrewGerry Duffy & Effie MalleyJay DugalTimothy DugganDuane & Debbie DugganBecky & Bill DunhamHeidi DunhamMiriam DunsterEast Kingston Police AssociationTom & Betsy EllimanBill EngelFairPoint CommunicationsC. Anthony & Suzanne FedererDavid & Linda FeldmanTroy FendersonStephen Fink*Dr. James & Myra FishbeinJim ForesterTerry Fralich & Rebecca WingDonna FrankelJameson FrenchKen FrenchAlison FrostGehn FujiiAndrew GardnerJim & Nicki GarveyMichael GaughanDebra GervaisG. Eric GeslienJean & Linda GillMichael & Barbara GinalskiRobert Goodby & Tracy BottingJulie & Tom GoodrichCharles A. GordonGottesman and Hollis, PAJohn GromekRebecca GruberJohn GruenCraig GualtiereRandall HackJanet HansonMary & Henry HardingMark HarrisonJohn & Suzanne HartwellKevin HeatonPaul HeggartyMichael HennessyLewis HitzrotHolloway Automotive GroupBob & Joan HolmbergScott HoughtalingKevin IrvineJane James*Jay’s Automotive ServicesDavid E. & Jo Lynne J. JohnsonJean Johnson

Anonymous (2)Mark Abramson/Abramson, Brown & DuganMarie & Steve BarrettBurns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A.Dort A. Cameron IIIGail & Peter CinelliRobin ClarkMartha & Paul CoxDartmouth COOPMarta DowningRoland FowlerHampshire Development CorporationJames HarrisonDaniel & Lori HoustonIndoor Ascent Climbing Gym, LLCAnne JamiesonBruce & Jane KeoughNewton & Arlene Kershaw*Robert KingScott & Jeanne KolesRobert KrempelsBruce & Peggy KresgeDawn & Robert MacarthurJane McLaughlinRobert & Carla MooreHunter & Donna Parrot*Robert PaulDonald PowersMark PrestipinoTom Prophet*Padmalatha ReddyMatt RightmireKristi & Mike Scarpone*Secular Institute Of Pius X CenterIrvin SmithBob & Sandy SoberThe Ladies of the ClubKatarina ThomeWentworth-Douglass HospitalChristopher & Jennifer Wheeler

Steve JohnsonMarilyn & Charlie JonesGary KearneyOran KellyKit KennedySally KennedyDouglas Kennedy, Kennedy Chiropractic, LLCJoanne S. KenyonKim KettRoxanne KingHarrison KnightR. Douglas & Wendy KrempelsPeter Lamb & Faith HarringtonJudy & Gary LamphereDiane LangloisSara LeeGreg & Joanna LeGoreLewis, Clark, & Brown Insurance AgencyEnrique LopezPeter & Nancy LoughlinBen LowensteinChris & Carm LymanJennifer MaddenAnn MansonErika Mantz*Dr. & Mrs. James Marshall, DVMKevin & Deborah McAfee, MHL Technologies, LLCNathaniel & Lisa McAllisterH. S. McCoartSatish MehtaTerry Meisenbach & Andrew FerberLeigh Anne & David MelansonKaren E. MemmoloMiddle Street Advisors, LLCRobert MitchellBrian MitchellDonna MoultonAnthony MoultonDiane MulveeBob & Jill MungerJohn MunozNational Student Speech Language and Hearing AssociationSandy & Angella NichollsScott NicholsCharlie NieblingScott NielsenDavid NoakesBrian & Jill NortonPatty O’ConnorChuck OfficerR. Drew OgdenRichard OlsonMichael O’NeilPhil & Koshka PabstJane PalmerParrott InternationalLinda PattiCharlie & K. C. PeakeRuth Peaper-Fillyaw

And More Donors

This place really infects you.

John Howells and Harry Reed Jr. saw a need and they filled it.

When they are not at Krempels Center, where Howells participates as a member, the two men are on the road visiting museums throughout New England, pumping iron at the gym, and listening to the music of the 60s and 70s.

Their long road trips with satellite radio and the fact there are fewer interns in the summer to help lead groups at Krempels Center led them to pitch their first “group” on music. Talking about the music of Woodstock? They add movie clips, an occasional costume, and a little yogurt and granola snack.

Perhaps an unlikely pair at first glance Reed and Howells make a great team. Reed was laid off right around the time Howells’ family realized he needed to get off the couch and start living. Reed took over as John’s caregiver and now they spend at least five days a week together, often finishing each other’s sentences.

“Music is a universal language,” says Reed. “It’s a great way to connect, and some of the members who struggle with speech are able to sing.”

Then they saw a need for art, not just crafts. Now every Wednesday afternoon Reed runs an open art studio for several hours.

“I’ve done things to help people but this place really infects you,” says Reed. “How can you not get involved?”

JohnHowellsHarryReed Jr.

Photographer: Deb Cram

Taking it to the StreetsCommunity reintegration is the ultimate goal of brain injury rehabilitation. Discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation setting and return to home is not the end of the rehabilitation process. The post-acute phase of rehabilitation can be the most challenging for people with brain injury, as the structure and stability of scheduled therapy sessions is exchanged for the openness and unpredictability of community life. Brain Injury Association of America website (biausa.org)

Community reintegration is all the buzz these days. Because of the miracles of modern medicine, more people than ever are surviving serious brain injuries. The unhappy flip side is that more people than ever are trying to negotiate life with significant limitations because of their brain injuries.

Unfortunately, many of these survivors have received minimal rehab before they are shuffled out the door to figure out community reintegration on their own. Most are poorly-prepared to face the enormous challenges ahead.

Krempels Center has been a safe home base for many of these people when everything else in their lives seems to have collapsed. Some of our members find the community they want and need right here within our program walls. Others use the confidence and friendships they have built here as a bridge to that bigger community out there. Starting jobs or volunteer activities. Exploring leisure and recreational interests. Stretching themselves beyond their safety zones. Always knowing they can come back and touch home base when they need to.

Community reintegration. We’ve been calling it Taking it to the streets. Whether it’s our community right here at Krempels Center, or that bigger community out there, community reintegration is what we do. Yours Truly,

David KrempelsFounder & Advisor

Thank YouBoard of Directors2011-2012Marquis Walsh, presidentRobert Kintz, vice president & president electJoseph Lovejoy, treasurerJeanne O’Sullivan, secretaryRob Carrigg Jr.Dean ChaseStephen Fink Peter HamblettErik LorangerErika MantzNeal OuellettDonna ParrotDr. Timothy PikeWarren PurdyPeter TaylorAnne Weidman

Founder and AdvisorDavid Krempels

Executive Director Lisa Couture, MSW

Krempels Center Staff 2011-2012 Carol Davis, OTR/L, CBISJenny Freeman, CBISAmanda Hansell, OTR/L Lisa Hanson, BSW, CCM, CBISBarb Kresge, OTR/L, CBISJan MerkleyLory PrattKristi Scarpone, MEdTess Schneier, LMSWErika Spiegel-Sanborn