The next phase of development will expand opportunities for healing, resilience, and connection for military members, Veterans, first responders, and their families.

Franklin, NH, August 4, 2026 – On Tuesday, August 4, Easterseals NH 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 at 27 Holy Cross Road 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 distinguished 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, project partners, and community leaders who have helped make the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus a reality.

“Our hope is that every deserving person who walks through these doors feels welcomed, supported, and that this becomes a place of peace, confidence, and healing. We are honored to support the next chapter of the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus and look forward to seeing the lasting impact these new spaces will have,” said Ken and Grace Solinsky, Co-founders of Insight Technology, Envision Technology, Spot On GPS Fence, and principals in development of The Village On Technology Hill.

“Breaking ground on Phase II of the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus, is a milestone we’ve been looking forward to since the day we finished Phase I. 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,” said John Stebbins, CEO of PROCON.

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 that make the campus unique. 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.

The Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus is also available to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups seeking a unique setting for meetings, retreats, conferences, and team-building experiences. Every event booked on campus directly supports its mission, with rental revenue reinvested into programs and services that help military members, Veterans, first responders, and their families heal, connect, and thrive. To learn more about hosting an event or retreat, visit militaryveteranscampusnh.org/bookings.

**Therapeutic Miniature Horse Joins the Groundbreaking** – Ceremonial groundbreaking photo for the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, NH kicks off the start of Phase II which will include the Solinsky Equine and Recreation Center and the Empowerment Center. Pictured (l. to r.) Bryan Bouchard, Chairman, Easterseals NH & VT Board of Directors; Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander; Congressman Chris Pappas; Grace Solinsky, Co-founder of Insight Technology, Envision Technology, Spot on GPS Fence, and principal in development of The Village on Technology Hill; John Stebbins, President, PROCON; Maureen Beauregard, President & CEO, Easterseals NH & VT; Charlotte Troddyn, Executive Director, Operation Delta Dog; miniature therapy horse and Karen Kerting, Executive Director, Upreach Therapeutic Equestrian Center; and Executive Councilor Joe Kenney.

**Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus Phase II Breaks Ground on the Solinsky Equine & Recreation Center and Empowerment Center –** Grace Solinsky, Co-founder of Insight Technology, Envision Technology, Spot on GPS Fence, and principal in development of The Village on Technology Hill, speaks during the Phase II Groundbreaking at the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, NH. Phase II will include the Empowerment Center and the Solinsky Equine & Recreation Center, expanding access to equine-assisted services, recreation, challenge-based programming, service dog training, art and music therapy, care coordination, classrooms, and wellness initiatives.

**Service, Partnership, and Purpose Take Center Stage at Easterseals NH Military and Veterans Campus Phase II Groundbreaking** – Charlotte Troddyn, Executive Director of Operation Delta Dog, speaks during an event at the Easterseals NH Military and Veterans Campus in Franklin. Seated behind her (l. to r.) are Grace Solinsky, Bryan Bouchard, John Stebbins, Executive Councilor Joseph Kenney, and Maureen Beauregard, President and CEO of Easterseals NH and VT. In the foreground, service dogs in training and their trainers participate in the event.

**Honoring Hope, Building the Future –** During the Phase II groundbreaking at the Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, NH,, Maureen Beauregard, President and CEO of Easterseals NH and VT, dedicates Hope’s Way while Jamie Staton, Major Gift Officer at Easterseals NH, holds the newly unveiled street sign. The road is named in memory of the late Hope Makris, recognizing her lasting dedication to Easterseals NH and the Veterans it serves.

About Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus

The Easterseals NH Military & Veterans Campus in Franklin, NH, is a first-of-its-kind center in New Hampshire, providing military members, Veterans, and their families with housing, essential services, and recreation — all in one place. Spanning 15 acres, next to a rail trail and the Merrimack River, the campus offers affordable housing, a hub for military support organizations, and access to a variety of outdoor activities.

Located on campus, the Bernadine Herron Center offers a flexible event and retreat space to rent and 22 carefully-appointed guest rooms for people participating in retreats who need overnight accommodations. The Campus offers opportunities for nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses, to host gatherings, trainings, and events. In Phase II, the Campus will feature the Solinsky Equine & Recreation Center and the Empowerment Center. With these spaces for healing, connection, and growth, this Campus ensures those who served receive the care and community they deserve. For more information, visit https://militaryveteranscampusnh.org or follow us at @militaryveteranscampusnh on Facebook.

About Easterseals NH

Established in 1936, Easterseals NH provides exceptional services to ensure that all people of all abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. Throughout New Hampshire, the organization serves the diverse needs of more than 14,000 children, adults, seniors, and Veterans with a wide range of abilities and needs each year. The organization does this through comprehensive, outcome-driven services and programs covering early intervention, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, family and physical disability services, substance use treatment, and care coordination.

For more information, visit eastersealsnh.org or follow us @EastersealsNH on Facebook.

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Easterseals NH Celebrates Phase II Groundbreaking for Military & Veterans Campus