JPH Executive Director's Newsletter - Summer 2026
- JPH Organization
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
Hello Community!
Long before JPH at Ferry Hill became what it is today, it was home to my family. When my children were young, we lived on this property, and so many of my memories of raising them are woven into these fields, trails, and the river that surrounds us. Walking into the caretaker cottage today, I am often brought back to those years, to the quiet moments and the everyday beauty of life here. That sense of connection and nostalgia continues to deepen my commitment to protecting this land and nurturing it as a place of healing, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.
At JPH, stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team with experience in operations, development, business, and community building, all working toward one shared vision: a sustainable future where this property can continue to heal, inspire, and serve generations to come.
I am grateful to share this update, made possible through the commitment of our team, our supporters, and our incredible community.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: PRESERVING A PLACE OF HEALING
For the past year, we have been building a campaign to secure the future of both JPH and the property that makes our work possible.
Preservation requires more than protection from development. It requires thoughtful investment, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability. Led in partnership with Karen McArdle of the Emilson family, our campaign focuses on revitalizing the property, reducing long term debt, and strengthening the infrastructure needed to serve future generations.
As Karen recently shared, "We believe in the power of healing, the strength of community, and the possibility of lasting change."
Ways to give include traditional donations, donor advised funds, and stock transfers. Every contribution helps preserve this special place and move us closer to a sustainable future.
CHILD WELLBEING: INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
Supporting children and teenagers remains one of the most important areas of our work at JPH.The growing support of our community has allowed us to expand staffing for Child Wellness Summer Camp, create more enrichment and mindfulness opportunities for young people, and strengthen the coordination behind our school-based mental health field trips and youth programming.
Among these gifts was one of the most meaningful contributions to our child focused work from Karen and Rob Hale. Their generosity reflects a deep belief that every child deserves access to support, connection, healing, and hope. We are incredibly honored to put their funding directly toward creating safe, nurturing spaces where young people can build confidence, learn healthy tools, and feel seen. Investing in children and teenagers today strengthens the wellbeing of our communities for generations to come.
BUILDING HEALTHIER SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
One of the most rewarding developments this year has been the growth of our partnerships with local schools. Our nature-based property provides a unique setting where students can step away from daily pressures, slow down, and reconnect with themselves and one another. Through mindfulness, reflection, and outdoor experiences, we continue to see meaningful impacts on emotional wellbeing and connection.
This year we were honored to welcome, Cohasset High School, Marshfield High School, Marshfield educators for after-school decompression programming and Plymouth School Nurses for a restorative retreat experience. Supporting the wellbeing of students, educators, and school professionals helps strengthen the entire school community.
STATE SUPPORT: INVESTING IN LONG TERM STABILITY
We are grateful to share that JPH has fully received its third consecutive State of Massachusetts earmark, with $250,000 included in the FY26 budget through the support of Senator Patrick O'Connor and local legislators. Senator O'Connor was pleased to recently announce that he also secured $25,000 in the FY27 budget through Amendment 1070. "I am grateful to continue partnering with this incredible organization and remain committed to ensuring they have the resources needed to keep making a lasting difference in the lives of children, adults and families throughout our community." Senator O'Connor.
These investments support property revitalization, infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and the long-term sustainability of our organization and community programs.
TRANSITIONING INTO SUMMER
Over the past year, our program team has continued to create spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and find support. From mindfulness and meditation programs to therapeutic art, decompression opportunities, men’s and women’s wellbeing offerings, community dinners, mother's support, and many other gatherings, each program has been an opportunity to remind people that they are not alone and that healing often happens through connection. To date over 13,500 seats have been provided in programs at JPH for adult mental health and over 4,500 for child mental health.
Our May Mental Health Awareness series was a beautiful reflection of that commitment, bringing together more than 40 free and low-cost programs for the community and creating moments of learning, contemplation, creativity, and care for hundreds of participants.
We are deeply grateful for the staff, volunteers, practitioners, donors, and community members who make this work possible.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING PURPOSE AND OPPORTUNITY
One of the most exciting opportunities ahead is expanding workforce development at JPH.
With the unique opportunities provided by our property and the programs we host, we are exploring ways to create pathways to employment while building confidence, purpose, and practical skills.
Over the past three years, we have piloted a culinary workforce training program through our events and hospitality operations. Participants gain real-world experience in food preparation, hospitality, and event execution while working alongside experienced professionals.
We are currently meeting with workforce development organizations to help shape the future of this work and explore how JPH can become a place where people not only heal, but also grow through meaningful opportunities.
At the heart of it all is a simple belief: when people have access to connection, purpose, nature and support, communities grow stronger.
With gratitude,
Diana Harrington Scolponeti
Executive Director, JPH Organization
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