Step Up Parents Hires New Executive Director—With Big Plans for 2024

Step Up Parents, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance and other support to families caring for children whose parents suffer from substance use disorder (SUD), has hired a new Executive Director—one with big plans to help the organization grow.

Jessica Parker brings more than 15 years of experience working with New Hampshire nonprofits to her new role, encompassing everything from fundraising and marketing to community outreach and organizational management. She most recently served as Development and Communications Director for Hope on Haven Hill, a Rochester-based nonprofit committed to empowering women struggling with SUD.

Throughout her years in the nonprofit sector, Parker has seen firsthand the toll that SUD can take—on individuals, families, and communities alike. Now, she’s determined to use her expertise to broaden SUP’s impact in New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

“I’m so honored to have the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to help the organization grow and continue to meet the needs of kinship caregivers,” Parker says. “I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to provide a safe, supportive, and caring home environment for the children and families we serve. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Since launching in 2019, SUP has given over $300,000 in direct assistance to nearly 600 families, helping bring stability and hope to over 1,000 “kinship kids.”

For Denyse Richter, SUP’s Founder and outgoing Executive Director, Parker’s hiring represents a watershed moment for her beloved organization.

“Over the past six years, I’ve been so touched by the amazing community of kinship caregivers we’ve had the honor to serve,” says Richter, who will continue to serve on SUP’s Board of Directors. “It’s truly been a labor of love. SUD is a ‘family’ disease, but there’s been too little focus on the collateral damage of addiction—especially the impacts on children. I truly believe our work is making a difference. It’s about showing these kinship caregivers that they’re not alone. That we understand how difficult it is. I know that Jessica has the expertise, empathy, and passion to do this important work and I’m so excited to pass the torch to her.”

Looking ahead to 2024, Parker says she’s ready to hit the ground running: working closely with the board to bolster the organization’s fundraising efforts, creating new community partnerships, and ensuring that SUP continues to make a positive impact.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Step Up Parents at this very pivotal time in the organization’s history,” says Parker. “I truly look forward to this opportunity to grow SUP’s community of support and expand our capacity to provide assistance to the heroes who step up for children in need.”