While school be out, summer is a very busy time for The Chase Home, as staffing levels increase to accommodate the fact that youth are essentially on-site 24/7 in its Residential Program.
“The community has rallied around us this year to provide our kids with all kinds of games and activities,” said Executive Director Meme Wheeler. “It’s been a wonderful, busy summer.”
Aside from fun for those who live at Chase Home while participating in the program, this summer has also seen several successes, including a 16 year-old old boy who recently celebrated 90 days sobriety.
“He came from a more intensive drug treatment program at the beginning of summer and is using Chase Home as a step down for re-entry to the community,” said Craig Dennis, director of operations. “He is a local kid and has been attending drug treatment counseling with Seacoast Youth Services in Seabrook, too.”
Another success includes a 17 year-old old girl who recently worked her way up into the Independent Living Program (ILP), which provides apartment-style dwelling for older youth.
“She is working, maintaining her finances and completing her senior year this year with the support of Chase Home and ILP staff,” added Dennis.
According to Wheeler, such successes are particularly notable given the pandemic.
“It’s tough for the kids because a lot of their freedoms have been curtailed this summer to protect them due to social distancing guidelines,” she explained. “I’m proud of their resiliency and the efforts of our staff, too, to navigate these very stressful times.”
Founded in 1877, The Chase Home in Portsmouth serves at-risk youth annually statewide through prevention, early intervention, residential and community-based programs. Some youth are served in the community while others live at The Chase Home.
To learn more about Chase Home, visit chasehome.org.