From Healing to Hope: Annabelle's Story Comes Full Circle
Five years ago, Annabelle and her young daughter walked through the doors of Marguerite’s Place seeking safety and stability. After spending time in a shelter, Annabelle quickly recognized just how different Marguerite’s Place was: “I needed more time to build and heal, along with the privacy of our own space. Marguerite’s Place gave us that.”
With steady encouragement from her case manager—and a deep commitment to her family’s future—Annabelle worked hard to transition into long-term housing. Today, she and her daughter have lived safely and independently in Nashua for over four years.
But her story doesn’t end there.
Motivated by her journey and the tragic loss of her daughter’s father, Annabelle recognized a critical gap in services for single fathers experiencing homelessness. Inspired by the model of Marguerite’s Place, she launched the vision for Bella’s Home for Hope, a future transitional housing program designed to support single dads and their children with the dignity, housing, and resources they deserve.
“I’m living proof that transitional housing works,” Annabelle shares. “None of this would be possible without people believing in programs like Marguerite’s Place.”
Annabelle’s story is a powerful reminder that when we fully support families experiencing homelessness, we create ripples of change—for this generation and the next.
Exciting Education & Career Updates from Marguerite’s Place Residents
This season, several of our residents are taking bold steps toward long-term stability by pursuing education and career growth:
- Valerie earned her Pharmacy Technician License.
- Whitney is enrolled in Information Technology at Nashua Community College and is pursuing her LLC and Equity Leaders Fellowship.
- Danielle completed her Medical Billing & Coding certification and is now working in the field.
- Uliah graduated from massage therapy school and is officially working in the industry.
- Ashley is preparing to begin a Nursing program at NCC.
- Caitlyne is exploring several nursing pathways and weighing her next steps.
These steps are powerful and deeply personal. Whether they’re in school, newly employed, or just beginning the journey, each mom is moving forward because she knows she’s not doing it alone.
Our Featured Supporters
Marguerite’s Place is proud to highlight the Service Credit Union Impact Foundation for their support of our expansion project at 106 Pine Street. We first connected with the Foundation through Sarah Kuhl, their Foundation Director. Sarah grew up in Hudson, and her father has been a long-term supporter of Marguerite’s Place.
“Giving moms another opportunity to have a safe place to call home while they get back on their feet is so impactful and contributes to the greater good in and around Nashua,” Sarah shares.
Started in 2020, the Foundation was created to expand the philanthropic support of Service Credit Union, broadening their community impact. The Foundation hosts annual charitable events and donates every dollar raised to nonprofits. In 2024 alone, they raised over $1,000,000 for education, veterans, first responders, and housing and homelessness initiatives. The Foundation is excited to see Marguerite’s Place expand: “We believe in your vision to increase your capacity and help more families in need. Falling into homelessness can happen to anyone, so it is important to have an organization like Marguerite’s Place that supports people in their most difficult times.”
The money donated to Marguerite’s Place was raised at their Spring Gala. They look forward to hosting their 5th Annual Spring Gala on April 10th, 2026 in Portsmouth, to raise even more funds for impactful housing causes like Marguerite’s Place.
Jen McAdams – Volunteer, Donor, Committee Member
From her very first night at Marguerite’s Place (our first in-person community programming since the pandemic), Jen has brought warmth, energy, and connection to Family Empowerment Nights. Whether it’s joining in outdoor fun, helping a newcomer feel comfortable, or chatting with moms about their children’s latest milestones, she’s there to make everyone feel seen and loved. “Being even the smallest part of them feeling safe and supported is more rewarding than I ever could have imagined,” Jen shares.
Jen especially loves seeing older kids encourage younger ones—teaching them to catch a ball, use a pogo stick, or lead a game of “Simon Says.”
We’re so grateful for Jen’s generous heart and all the ways in which she makes families at Marguerite’s Place feel welcomed, supported and loved.
The Seeds You Help Plant Are Growing
Friends,
Sometimes our work at Marguerite’s Place is about meeting a need in the moment. And sometimes, it’s about planting seeds – offering care, resources, and opportunity – and trusting they’ll grow, even if we don’t see how right away.
Annabelle’s story is a beautiful reminder of that. Years ago, we supported her during a hard chapter. Now, she’s come full circle – starting her own nonprofit to help others in need.
It’s proof that your time, your donations, and your belief in this work ripple far beyond today. The impact you have on the families we serve doesn’t end when they leave – it grows with them, shaping what’s possible.
In this blog post, we’re celebrating those ripple effects. The lasting change. The hope you help plant.
Thank you for being part of it and for helping families nurture futures filled with possibility!
With gratitude,
Hannah Stohler, Executive Director
P.S. We’d love to celebrate all that you make possible at our upcoming annual benefit, The Power of Home. Use the link below to purchase your tickets today!
