Dear NERSC Community, 

This past week reminded us that even the most taboo topics can become powerful tools for growth. Our session on how to lead a Death Café opens a door to something deeper—self realization, connection, and community building. When we create space for honest conversations, we strengthen not only our residents, but ourselves.



If you haven’t yet registered for our upcoming Ask Me Anything with expert Christa Clapp on the latest scams and fraud prevention, I encourage you to do so. This is not just valuable for your residents; it is information that protects you, your family, and your wider community. Staying informed is one of the most practical forms of care we can offer.

As we round the corner into summer, NERSC has some exciting surprises and announcements on the horizon. We will soon be opening registration for our Fall Virtual Summit —a flexible, high impact experience that allows you and your team to connect with other housing professionals in a supportive cohort while earning your CEUs before the end of year sprint. It is one of our most accessible ways to stay grounded, inspired, and connected.



Amid all of this momentum, I hope you are finding moments to refill your own cup. Whether that means a few days off with the AC humming, a quiet morning with a book, or time spent in your favorite café, give yourself permission to rest.

Restoration is not a luxury in this work—it is a necessity.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

It is rare to attend a professional conference and walk away not only with new skills, but with genuine connection and a community that reminds you that you are never doing this work alone. That is the magic of NERSC.

In a very chaotic environment, the 28th Annual Conference: Reimagining Resident Services was a beautiful reminder of how we can lean into our communities and each other to make things happen for our sites and residents. 

Gratitude hardly feels sufficient for our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and especially our NERSC Team, Conference Planning Committee, and Board of Directors. Your dedication is what makes this conference and our year-round programming possible.

This summer will bring even more exciting news and announcements. But as we enter May, Mental Health Month, I encourage you to stay connected to the practices, peers, and resources that help you support your residents with confidence and care.

Have you ever wondered what is a Death Café? Our next quarterly webinar takes place June 4 at 2:00 PM ET. Death Cafes are not grief support groups; it is a method focusing on individuals attending and can help residents build community and reduce isolation. The webinar is free to members and available to non-members for a small fee.

Also, we are thrilled to announce that Christa Clapp of the New Hampshire Department of Justice will host our free members only virtual community gathering, Ask Me Anything! Protect Your Wallet, Protect Yourself—a practical conversation on fraud prevention—on June 11 at 2:00 PM ET.

If you haven’t visited the NERSC Member Portal, now is the perfect time to stop in, say hello, and explore our growing library of resources—including podcasts on aging, pest management, food access, and more.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

I find myself reflecting on the sheer breadth and depth of what it means to sustain an Annual Conference for 28 years. It is, in every sense, a marathon. And right now, we are approaching our own “Heartbreak Hill.”

For those who know the Boston Marathon, Heartbreak Hill rises around mile 20—not the finish line, but the steepest, most demanding climb before the final stretch. That is exactly where we stand today. The finish is in sight, but this moment requires focus, stamina, funding, and heart.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our Conference Planning Committee, led with unwavering dedication by our Director of Events, Sam Roccapriore. Their diligence in this final sprint is nothing short of extraordinary. Every detail, every decision, every email is part of what makes NERSC’s Annual Conference a national standard for excellence, supported by the generosity of sponsors and exhibitors who make this experience possible such as Wellcare, Maloney Properties, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Beacon Communities, Connected Communities, and MassHousing.

And as if the conference were not enough, April brings an abundance of good news for NERSC.

With nearly 30 years of service to Resident Service Coordinators and the broader housing community, we are honored to share that NERSC has been selected to receive the 2026 Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Training and Education from the American Society on Aging.

This recognition belongs to all of you—our staff, our partner organizations, and the board members past and present who built the foundation, strengthened the mission, and carried forward the reputation that NERSC holds today. It is a testament to decades of commitment to high-quality training, community building, and elevating the profession of service coordination.

As we prepare for our own conference at Mohegan Sun on April 28th, I encourage you to stay connected to our ongoing programming. New podcast episodes dropping soon feature John Painter’s winding journey from lobster boats to community leadership, Dr. Timothy Holohan’s insights on hospital-to-home transitions and whether pain should define aging, and Carol Marak’s powerful exploration of solo aging and the peer-led supports that transform isolation into empowerment—together offering service coordinators a rich tapestry of stories, tools, and perspectives that deepen understanding and strengthen community.

Thank you for being part of this journey—through every mile, every hill, and every moment of growth. Together, we continue to build something remarkable.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

As we navigate another month of rapid shifts at the federal level, our work continues to demand creativity, adaptability, and the willingness to explore new markets. These moments can feel uncertain, yet time and again our community shows how powerfully we come together to meet them. 

I was reminded of this recently while listening to a conversation between Trevor Noah and Dulcé Sloan. They talked about how hope is often the harder choice. Patience is easier. You wait because you know something is coming. Hope requires us to keep moving even when we don’t know what the outcome will be.

That spirit of hopeful action is reflected in the way our members show up for one another, and it’s one of the reasons our 24/7 Member Portal has become such a valuable space. It’s a place where you can access our latest podcasts, ask questions, share insights, explore member‑only materials, and connect with colleagues from across the country long before we gather at the conference. It’s a hub built for collaboration, curiosity, and the kind of collective resilience that defines NERSC.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay engaged, stay connected, and continue leaning into the work—even when the path isn’t fully clear. 

That’s where our strength has always been.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

It is finally here! Registration for our 28th Annual NERSC Conference: Reimagining Resident Services is now open. The moment many of us look forward to each year: a chance to reconnect, reflect, and imagine what’s next together.

This year’s theme feels especially timely. With new SNAP work requirements taking effect and ongoing changes to Temporary Protected Status for certain nations, many of you are likely fielding a flood of questions from residents, as well as their families and friends. That can feel overwhelming.

If this resonates, remember: it is okay not to have all the answers right now. Lean on your state websites, your organizational leadership, and your professional networks — many of whom have updated guidance. For our members, we also have an upcoming free CEU focused on federal-level SNAP changes to support you through these shifts.

Our theme, Reimagining Resident Services, recognizes that we are working in a complex, changing landscape. You will see this reflected throughout our conference catalogue, including a range of workshops from Steadfast Solutions designed to meet you wherever you are on your journey with artificial intelligence.

However you arrive at this moment, you belong here.

We look forward to learning with you and continuing this important work together.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

At NERSC, January brings momentum. We move from the energy of the holidays straight into opening invitations for our 28th Annual Conference. This year’s theme, Reimagining Resident Services, reflects where many of us stand after a year marked by rapid change and new demands.


The conference offers space to pause, reflect, and look ahead with purpose. It creates time away from daily responsibilities to reconnect with colleagues, strengthen teams, and refocus on the work we share. We are grateful to the sponsors and partners who committed in 2025 and made this gathering possible.


As the year begins, our work continues beyond the conference. We remain focused on ensuring membership brings real value. Please plan to join upcoming free CEU opportunities, including sessions on SNAP and other essential benefits. These trainings support your daily work and the residents you serve.


We look forward to the year ahead and to continuing this work together.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

As we approach the end of the year, I know many of you are may be feeling the weight of the season already — not only the reflection that naturally comes with the holidays, but also the uncertainty surrounding what is happening at the federal level. When our communities are anxious or afraid, it can take extra energy to show up with steadiness and compassion.

Please remember you are not alone in this work, and your efforts make a profound difference every single day. November is a good time to pause and ask ourselves, are we nurturing the spark that led us to service coordination work in the first place? To help you reflect, recharge, and reconnect, I encourage you to take advantage of our free online CEU opportunity: Essential Skills for Professional Success on November 13th and upcoming Ask Me Anything sessions about Career Paths in Affordable Housing. Register in the NERSC portal and get them on your calendar to refill your cup and reconnect with our shared mission.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, we do want to share some sad news. This past weekend, we lost one of the founding members of NERSC, Sam Falzone, whose vision and dedication helped shape NERSC into what it is today. We are deeply saddened by his passing. We will be sharing more about Sam’s impact and legacy in the months ahead.

In times like these, connection matters more than ever. Reach out to your network. Log onto the NERSC Portal to share your stories — of hope, of challenge, of the good that persists even in uncertain moments. There are also many resources there to support you and your residents as we navigate these times together.

Thank you for all that you do and for the care you bring to your communities.

Stay safe and well.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

As I write this on Day 1 of the government shutdown, we understand that this may bring about a mix of challenges and uncertainties for both you and the residents you serve. In times like these, resilience is more than a trait—it’s a necessity. And just as we have done before, we will face these challenges together.

Today, we also recognize the start of Yom Kippur, a day of reflection and renewal in the Jewish community. It is a reminder of our shared values—compassion, understanding, and community. Like the resilience we find in times of hardship, Yom Kippur teaches us the importance of reflection and a renewed commitment to our work and those we serve.

We know the road ahead may not be easy, but we also know that your community partners and our NERSC family, especially our organizations & sponsors,  deeply value the work you do and the worth of every single resident you serve. Together, we will find solutions. We will work to ensure that residents have the support, resources, and guidance they need, even as larger systems face disruption.

This is also a great opportunity to visit the NERSC portal. It’s a place where you can check in with your colleagues, get information that is more reliable and vetted than social media, and share both the challenges and innovative solutions you’re discovering as we navigate these uncertain times.

We are all in this together, and while we may face difficult moments, we will always come out stronger—just as we have before. We’re here for you, and we will continue to be a resource, a sounding board, and a partner in this journey. If you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you strength, resilience, and peace in the days ahead.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear Friends,

As the crisp breeze of fall begins to settle in, we’re embracing this season of change with gratitude and great anticipation. Autumn reminds us that transformation is both beautiful and necessary—and we’re thrilled to witness so many new faces and fresh ideas joining our efforts!

We’re especially excited to welcome new Service Coordinators and Leaders who are participating in our upcoming Virtual Summit! Your presence brings fresh energy to our mission, and we can’t wait to learn, collaborate, and grow together during this event.

In other exciting news, we’re proud to announce the launch of our very first podcast—a platform dedicated to sharing powerful perspectives from Service Coordinators, industry leaders, and those impacted by our work. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, real-world insights, and thought-provoking conversations that center the voices that matter most.

On a more urgent note, we want to encourage everyone to stay informed about the Expanding Service Coordinators Act which has been reintroduced in Congress. This bill is a crucial step forward in supporting and strengthening the work we all care so deeply about.

Tip: set a Google Alert to stay up-to-date on developments, and take a few moments to learn more about what this legislation means for our community. Awareness leads to action—and your voice can make a difference.

It was an honor to attend and present with our colleagues at AASC in National Harbor. We are looking forward to sharing more insights with you from the United Healthcare Foundation Expo and NEAHMA Annual Conference. 

Stay tuned in October as we announce the newest members of our team and our first ever NERSC Ambassadors. 

Let’s step into this new season united, energized, and informed.

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear NERSC Community, 

NERSC was created by Resident Service Coordinators, for Resident Service Coordinators — a guiding principle that remains at the heart of everything we do. From the very beginning, our goal has been to provide the highest-quality education, training, and connection opportunities at the most accessible price point possible.

For years, we have worked hard to keep both membership and conference registration rates significantly lower than other industry organizations — often nearly half the cost. Nearly 50% of our registration fees go directly to meals, so your dollars stretch further, and we intentionally kept our organization lean to pass those savings along to you.

As we head into a new fiscal year, our board and conference planning committee are excited to invest more in YOU — your professional development, your experience, and your ability to connect and thrive in this work.

Aligned with our new strategic plan, we made several key investments recently for our members:

• Free quarterly CEUs
• Virtual community Gatherings
• Regional events launching in 2026
• Increased staff support
• A robust member portal to connect with colleagues nationwide
• Unlimited access to our online webinar library on a new platform for seamless record keeping

Looking ahead, we analyzed pricing from numerous locations for our 2027 conference, and Mohegan Sun continues to be the most affordable option without compromising the quality you expect.

After holding prices steady for several years, we are sharing upcoming changes now to support your budgeting and, for many, reimbursement planning through your employer. These changes will go into effect for 2026 and are designed to be sustainable for the years ahead:

• Professional Membership: $200 annually
• Annual Conference – Member Early Bird Registration: $675
• Annual Conference – Non-Member Early Bird Registration: $775
• Annual Conference- Regular Member Registration: $725
• Annual Conference-Regular Non-Member Registration: $825

We want to assure you that even with these changes, NERSC remains one of the most affordable professional training experiences in the field.

For those looking for continued value, don’t forget about our Fall Virtual Summit, which includes both a leadership/management track and a track tailored for RSCs — all for the same low price of $399, with early bird pricing. We hope members will take advantage of the Wellcare Information Sessions on July 29th, our FREE CEU on August 14th Grants 101: Show Me the Money!, and our virtual community gathering on August 21st, Ask Me Anything! Let's Talk About Confronting Immigration Enforcement.

We are so grateful for your continued commitment to NERSC, and we make these decisions thoughtfully, always keeping your needs at the center. Together, we can keep growing a community which equips, connects, and supports Resident Service Coordinators at every stage of their careers. 

As always, please feel free to email me directly if you have any questions or wish to set up a phone call at the address kate@nerscinc.org. 

With Appreciation,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Have you registered for our exciting learning opportunities over the next two weeks? Free to members, we’re excited to launch our second free CEU credit —this one focused on Dual Diagnosis. But I’m especially thrilled to invite you to a truly unique and meaningful opportunity: our next Ask Me Anything! on June 12th designed just for you.

Whether you are a caregiver, professional, advocate, or simply someone passionate about creating a better world for adults, this is your moment—to be heard, to ask questions, and to feel supported. Together, in a safe and welcoming space, we’ll explore real-life challenges and the big-picture ideas that move us closer to building truly Age-Friendly Systems.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Susan Wehry, a nationally respected psychiatrist, educator, and changemaker with decades of experience in aging, mental health, and health systems. A professor at the University of New England, Dr. Wehry brings not only deep expertise but also a generous, engaging spirit to every conversation. She’s not here to lecture—she’s here to listen, collaborate, and help us problem-solve as a community with her decades of experience, especially leading AgingME a work placement initiative specific for sites and communities supporting adults to age in place.

This is more than an event—it’s an invitation to learn what it really takes to create age-friendly systems, and to explore the powerful collaborations that make them possible. Whether you're brimming with questions or just curious, I promise you’ll leave feeling inspired, informed, and connected.

Come as you are. Leave empowered.

We can’t wait to see you there.

Before I close, I’m excited to give you a sneak peek of what’s coming in July. While you're planning your summer vacation, be sure to keep an eye out for our July newsletter—we’ll be announcing the highly anticipated Fall Virtual Summit, introducing our new Board members, and unveiling a new podcast exclusively for our Service Coordinator Community.

Exciting things are ahead!

Sincerely,
Kate Cantwell
NERSC Executive Director