David’s House hires new director, expands facility for families with hospitalized infants

LEBANON, NH

David’s House, pictured above, a nonprofit organization providing a home away from home to families from across Vermont with hospitalized children, is starting the New Year with a new executive director, new board and expanded facility capable of welcoming more people than ever before.

Jaye Olmstead, who served as development director for the past seven years, takes the helm at David’s House following a nationwide search. Previously, Olmstead served as executive director of a domestic and sexual violence crisis center in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, where she oversaw a shelter for women and children.

David’s House also has announced new board members. Joining president emeritus Dick Cyr are Stacey Chiocchio as president; Tracey Evans and Ethan Frechette as vice presidents; Amity Ollis, treasurer; Terry Durkin, assistant treasurer; Susan Vickers, secretary; and members Kinson Craft, Rob Daley, Sean Gorman, Richard Mounce, Nichole Romano, John Sands and David Watts. Finally, Johanna Beliveau will serve as liaison between David’s House and the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.

At its annual meeting in November, Chiocchio stated that new rooms added as part of the Keeping David’s Promise Capital Campaign have all but eliminated the turn-away problem it had been experiencing for the past few years. “In addition to the new wing of the house giving us more capacity than ever before, we’re using that space to accommodate the families who need it most,” Chiocchio shared. “Families with babies in the ICN who are staying with us for months at a time are able to utilize this quiet area as they come and go at all hours of the night to meet their infants’ needs. Having the Nursing Mother’s Center in the new wing is also a great convenience for the new moms.”

David’s House provides a home-away-from-home and support for families with children receiving treatment through Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. Learn more about David’s House, including how to donate or volunteer, by visiting www.davids-house.org or calling 603-643-2298.