Webster House Children’s Home
Webster House Children’s Home provides a safe, supportive home for children who are unable to live at home primarily for reasons of abuse, neglect or difficulties in the community.
Cedarcrest Center
2025 Goals:
Mission Statement:
At Cedarcrest, we believe that every child has the right and deserves the opportunity to live a life of the highest quality possible. Cedarcrest enriches the lives of children with complex medical and developmental needs, supports their families, and collaborates with other providers to build a continuum of care.
Top Funding Sources:
Contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations are vital to helping bridge the gap between the cost to provide high-tech medical care and the funding received from Medicaid and school districts. Educational and therapy support for children (ages 3-22) is supported by each child’s school district, and contributions help fund experiential learning opportunities and field trips above and beyond their typical curriculum.
Year Established: 1947
Employees: 163 (93 full time)
Annual Revenue: $9,032,500
Service Locations:
Located in Keene, NH, and serves children and young adults from New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Contact:
Jay Hayston, LPD, MBA
91 Maple Ave.
Keene, NH 03431
603-358-3384
jhayston@cedarcrestcenter.org
www.cedarcrestcenter.org
Founded 77 years ago, Cedarcrest provides extended residential and short-term specialized medical care; advanced respiratory; physical, occupational and speech therapies; and education for children, infants to age 22. We provide a nurturing, home-like setting and state-of-the-art medical supports including telemedicine appointments with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, advanced respiratory therapy and an adaptive playground. In 2024, Cedarcrest launched its new 3-year strategic plan, which consists of three core themes: providing exceptional services to children, young adults and their families; taking exceptional care of our staff, volunteers and community partners; and being exceptional stewards of a proactive, transparent and sustainable business. Demand for our services has grown for both long-term and short-term care and broadened to include all of Northern New England.
Fundraising Events:
Several events are held throughout the year including:
The Annual Walk & Roll held in October, a non-competitive, in-person walk or roll (with an assistive device) over a non-incline, 2.1-mile course. Fun for people of all ages and abilities.
Battle of the Badges, an Exhibition Hockey Match held in early spring at Keene Ice, featuring Keene Fire vs. Keene Police.
Those wishing to raise community funds for the children are encouraged to do so with the support of our development team. Special event websites can be created for local fundraising efforts. Service clubs, civic groups and fraternal organizations are some of the community groups that have supported the children’s needs.
Giving Opportunities:
Private funding is an important part of Cedarcrest’s fiscal stability. Donations can be made on a recurring basis through our website. In addition to our operations, philanthropy also supports special medical equipment and educational and therapeutic technology not funded through any traditional sources. Corporate sponsorships are welcome through partnerships with our Walk & Roll event. Interested individuals may contribute to Cedarcrest securely at www.cedarcrestcenter.org or via mail.
Cedarcrest’s 501(c)(3) number is 02-0441832, and we welcome contributions from donor-advised funds, retirement proceeds or through appreciated securities. Please consider naming Cedarcrest as a beneficiary of your estate plan.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers play an important part in the lives of the children at Cedarcrest. The children benefit from those in the community who come to read, play music and engage in activities with the children and staff. Opportunities are available for ongoing volunteerism or special group events.
Board Officers / Board Members
Jay Hayston, LPD, MBA
President/CEO
Cedarcrest Center
Tom Bennett, MD
Chair
Franklin Pierce University
Kevin Forrest
Vice Chair
CMC/Dartmouth Health
Kathy Willbarger
Treasurer
CMC/Dartmouth Health
Jackie Ethier
Secretary
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Christine Betts
Franklin Pierce University
Gina Burke
Consultant
Cindi Coughlin
Retired
Annie DiSilva
Ashuelot Valley Academy
Jed Donelan
Franklin Pierce University
Donna Dunlop
Retired
Matt Goodwin
Red Hat Software
Margaret “Lou” Guill
Retired
Victoria Prestejohn
NH Judicial Branch
Richard Skeels
Retired
Charitable Giving Guide
This profile is part of NH Business Review’s 2025 Charitable Giving Guide.
To learn more about the Charitable Giving Guide and other New Hampshire nonprofit organizations, please visit www.nhbr.com/CGG.
