Louis Esposito, ABLE NH Executive Director
louis@ablenh.org 

John F. Gabelus, Grants and Programs Associate 
jgabelus@carequest.org 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH receives $100,000 from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

Concord, NH, November 13, 2024 – Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH (ABLE NH), an organization that advocates for the civil and human rights of children and adults with disabilities, received a $100,000 grant from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health in support of its diverse and outcomes-driven Oral Health Care Initiatives. ABLE NH accomplishes its mission by: improving systems, connecting families, inspiring communities, and influencing public policy. Generous funding from CareQuest Institute will help ABLE NH accomplish a key strategic priority for 2024-2025: undertaking a comprehensive and outcomes-based plan of work focused on helping dental offices better meet the needs of their patients with disabilities, while also working with individuals with disabilities to give them the training and support they need to become powerful self-advocates for quality dental care. 

“We’re grateful to the CareQuest Institute for supporting ABLE NH’s ongoing work to challenge barriers in dental care and promote true inclusion,” said Louis Esposito, Executive Director at ABLE NH. “This grant strengthens our efforts to ensure dental offices are better prepared to serve patients with disabilities and empowers individuals to be advocates for their own dental health. With this support, we continue to work toward a future where dental care respects the rights, dignity, and voices of people with disabilities as an essential part of health equity.”

Last year, CareQuest Institute awarded 96 grants in 37 states totaling more than $13 million. These grants address complex and upstream drivers of oral health disparities by investing strategically and providing collaborative, capacity-building support that leads to healthier communities.

“At CareQuest Institute, our goal is to partner with and amplify the voice and work of organizations dedicated to addressing systemic barriers to oral health access, championing structural change, supporting innovative solutions, and investing in community partnerships,” said Trenae Simpson, Senior Director of Grants and Programs at CareQuest Institute. “Maintaining a strong connection with our communities and organizations is crucial for the success of our future oral and overall health care system. By working collaboratively, we can drive positive change and ensure a healthier future for all.”

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About Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH
Founded and led by individuals with disabilities and their family members, ABLE NH organizes and builds power to serve its mission to advance civil and human rights for children and adults with disabilities. Our work to create positive systems change that eliminates ableism and promotes the rights of individuals with disabilities focuses specifically on improving systems of support, connecting families, inspiring communities, and influencing public policy. ABLE NH is free of public funds and facilitates and supports people with disabilities to shape policies and institutions that affect them.

About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Louis Esposito, ABLE NH Executive Director
louis@ablenh.org 

Alrie McNiff Daniels
alrie.daniels@point32health.org

July 25, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH receives $75,000 from Point32Health Foundation

Concord, NH – Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH (ABLE NH), an organization that advocates for the civil and human rights of children and adults with disabilities, received a $75,000, three-year general operating grant from Point32Health Foundation. ABLE NH’s accomplishes its mission by: improving systems, connecting families, inspiring communities, and influencing public policy. Generous funding from Point32Health Foundation will support the inclusion and participation of people living with disabilities in advocacy and civic engagement initiatives across the state. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Point32Health to enhance out advocacy efforts for New Hampshire residents with disabilities and their families, who are often underserved by systems and policies that overlook their unique needs. This grant will significantly impact our ability to advance ABLE NH’s training programs, advocacy initiatives, and overall organizational sustainability. By embracing principles of disability justice, we aim to foster an inclusive and equitable society where the rights and dignity of people with disabilities are fully recognized and upheld,” said Louis Esposito, ABLE NH Executive Director.

This grant is one of 31 new investments totaling nearly $3 million from Point32Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Point32Health and its family of companies, including Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan and Care Partners of Connecticut.  The grants support community-led solutions to advance healthier communities and equity in aging in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. 

“These organizations are increasing social connection, improving community approaches to mental health and making healthy, culturally relevant food accessible—while creating communities that promote equitable aging,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, president of Point32Health Foundation and vice president for corporate citizenship at Point32Health. “They are collaborative and committed to making communities work better for everyone.” 

About Advocates Building Lasting Equality in NH
Founded and led by individuals with disabilities and their family members, ABLE NH organizes and builds power to serve its mission to advance civil and human rights for children and adults with disabilities. Our work to create positive systems change that eliminates ableism and promotes the rights of individuals with disabilities focuses specifically on improving systems of support, connecting families, inspiring communities, and influencing public policy. ABLE NH is free of public funds, facilitates and supports people with disabilities to shape laws, policies and institutions that affect them.

About Point32Health Foundation
Point32Health Foundation builds on values of giving and service that were central to both Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation. We work with communities to support, advocate and advance healthier lives for everyone. The Foundation advances equity-focused solutions in healthy aging, access to healthy food and behavioral health in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to ABLE NH’s members, friends, partners, board members, and especially the staff for the series of warm welcomes I have received during my first month. It is truly an honor to be entrusted with this important role within our state and growing community. I am humbled by your words of advice, encouragement, and expertise. These opportunities have provided me with the opportunity to establish a foundation to understand ABLE NH’s core values and mission. While our conversations have been positive, what has truly been remarkable is that they are not one-time exchanges. These conversations are the start of a longer dialogue and the foundation of relationships meant to further all of our shared goals of creating a more inclusive New Hampshire.

It’s no coincidence that my first day at ABLE NH coincided with the first day of National Disability Pride Month. This has given me an added opportunity to reflect on the history of ABLE NH and the movements and leaders that have paved the way for its creation and solid foundation. Without the dedication and passion of those who led these movements, we would not be where we are today. As we reflect on what came before, it is also appropriate to think about the challenges and goals ahead of us. To build a more inclusive society, we need strong leaders and advocates throughout our local communities, our state and our country to continue the progress in making our society more inclusive.

My background as a special educator, program director, and paraprofessional has taught me that learning and growth are lifelong journeys. My experiences are unique to me, and I recognize that no two people can walk through life with the same perspective. I am looking forward to a continuous flow of opportunities that allow me to learn through you. Whether you are a person with disabilities, a parent, a sibling, an educator, a professional, an employer, or any person with a vested interest, I am excited to learn of your journey and share my experiences in return.

I am determined to see the growth of individual advocacy, for voices that have previously been silenced to be amplified, and to bring long-ignored issues to the forefront. This is necessary to make inclusion everywhere, for everyone, every day. I look forward to supporting emerging leaders as they find their voice. Even though there has been a change in leadership at ABLE NH, our vision remains the same: “To live in a world where the social, emotional, economic, and human rights of people with disabilities are fully realized.”

I am seeking your support in several areas. First, please ensure we have your correct details by updating your membership information. If you are not yet a member, I encourage you to join us and make your voice heard. Additionally, I invite you to support and attend our task forces, where your input will help us collaboratively address key issues facing our community. Finally, I would love to meet you at one or all of our upcoming events: Fisher Cats game on August 25th, the Advocate NH Conference: Art of Advocacy on October 4th, and the Disability Justice Parade in Concord on October 5th.

I am excited to work together on the issues that impact our community and I look forward to continuing the journey of making New Hampshire a more inclusive state. Most of all, I am eager to meet and get to know all of you!

Sincerely,

Louis Esposito
Executive Director

ABLE NH’s Board and Staff were all very excited to welcome Executive Director, Louis Esposito, to the team on July 1st!

Louis is a NH local with lived experience as a parent of a child navigating neurological differences. He has been serving people with disabilities professionally for over a decade in the fields of special education, supported employment, and community integration.

Louis holds degrees in History and Education from Southern New Hampshire University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Southern New Hampshire University, with his dissertation focusing on “Identity Positioning through the High School Transition Process for Students with Autism Enrolled in Higher Education.” His research emphasizes the critical role of inclusive educational practices in supporting the identity development of students with autism and aims to influence policy and practice to promote more personalized and supportive transition planning for students with disabilities. We are very proud that he has also been accepted into the 2024/25 class of the NH Leadership Series where he will meet many of ABLE’s friends and allies.