Staff Highlight: Kat Morris

If you’ve ever visited the Family Resource Center (FRC) in Northern New Hampshire, you might have crossed paths with Kat Morris; a warm, creative, and deeply compassionate member of the FRC team. Kat’s journey to this role is as unique and inspiring as the families she serves, and her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of giving back.

From Guam to the Granite State 

Kat’s story begins far from the forests and lakes of New Hampshire. She was born in Tamuning, Guam, a place known for its vibrant culture and natural beauty. But it was in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region where Kat grew up, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the Northeast. This blend of island roots and New England upbringing has given her a unique perspective, one that values both close-knit community and the beauty of new beginnings.

A Creative Spirit 

Outside of her work at the FRC, Kat is a true creative at heart. She loves reading, photography, and anything that lets her imagination take flight, whether it’s painting, graphic design, digital art, or writing. For Kat, creativity isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way to process life’s ups and downs and to connect with others. 

Theatre is another big part of her life. Kat finds joy in being part of the local theatre community, especially when she gets to watch her kids shine on stage. She’s often found volunteering behind the scenes, helping productions come to life and supporting young performers as they find their confidence. 

Here’s a fun fact you might not know about Kat: she’s a published poet. Her first poem was published when she was just 11 years old. This early recognition of her talent set the stage for a lifelong love of words and storytelling, a gift she now shares with her family and community. 

A Journey Rooted in Empathy 

Kat’s path to the Family Resource Center was shaped by her own life experiences. For 17 years, she was a stay-at-home mom, pouring her energy into raising her seven children and supporting her husband. During those years, she volunteered in countless ways from teaching co-op classes, tutoring, and helping new homeschool parents navigate curriculum choices.  

But Kat’s journey also includes challenges that have shaped her into the empathetic advocate she is today. She was a teen mom and a survivor of intimate partner violence (IPV). As a young mother, she received home visiting services that provided the support and encouragement she needed during some of her hardest days. Those experiences left a lasting impact. 

When a friend suggested she consider working at the FRC, Kat was intrigued by the idea of helping others discover their own strengths. “I feel like I’m an encourager,” she says, “and I love to help people discover their own gifts and value.” The chance to give back—to offer the same support she once received—was too meaningful to pass up. 

Building Programs & Building Community 

Kat joined the FRC seven years ago, starting in Comprehensive Family Support and Child Health Supervised visits supporting families with reunification. Over time, her role has evolved to include administrative support, training, community engagement, and program development. She helped launch the FRC’s Kinship program in 2020, supporting grandparents and other relatives stepping up to care for children. When the organization decided to launch its Navigation Services program, Kat’s background in resource navigation and program development made her the perfect fit. 

Her work is driven by a passion for helping people see their intrinsic value. “I believe in the FRC mission of strengthening families and building stronger communities,” Kat explains. “I actively see this mission being played out through our home visiting programs, amazing staff, events, and community partnerships.” She’s quick to praise her colleagues, describing them as “amazing individuals who truly care about their communities.” 

Moments That Matter 

Of all the moments Kat has experienced at the FRC, one stands out: the first time she was part of a family reunification. “Seeing this family work hard to bring their children home and change the trajectory of their story—and knowing that I was able to play a small part in that through encouragement and support—was amazing.” Moments like these remind Kat why she does what she does. 

A Life of Gratitude and Giving Back 

Kat is deeply grateful for the support she received as a young mom. “I know that I am stronger having come out of the trauma I survived as a young mom through the help of my family and home visitors,” she shares. Now, she’s honored to give back and help others find the same strength and hope. 

Outside of work, Kat celebrates nearly 22 years of marriage with her husband, and together they’ve raised seven children—a bustling, creative, and loving family. Whether she’s cheering from the audience at a school play, capturing a perfect photo, or helping a family navigate through a tough time, Kat brings warmth, creativity, and encouragement to everything she does.