In March, Chase Home turned to social media to request support from the communities it serves without any expectation as to what may happen. Several monetary donations came into Chase Home, including a $10,500 gift out of which $1,500 was allocated to match Best Buy’s offer to create a movie room for youth residents.
According to Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler, work has been completed on the room, which has thrilled both staff and the residents. Referring to the room as “an example of how much the community cares,” she said the residents—ages 11 to 18—can now experience something many might take for granted.
“It’s not just a movie room—it’s a slice of home, a home most of these kids have never experience before,” she said. “To see the look on these kids’ faces when they first saw the room completed was just incredible…While the kids are here, it is critical we create a home-like environment for them, which can enhance the overall therapeutic process.”
Serving 36% of youth requiring intermediate placement—which means a place to live—in New Hampshire, Chase Home is one of five intermediate level group homes in the state. The goal of its residential program is to reunify the youth with their families. According to Chase Home Board Member Rob Levey, though, such a goal is not always possible.
Many of these kids come from troubled circumstances where the parents are addicted to drugs, in jail, or have outright disappeared,” he said. “When we say we provide a home here, we mean it, and this media rooms helps us create a very subtle, comfortable environment…We are so grateful for all the gifts that have come into Chase Home. It sends troubled youth an important message—that people care.”
To learn more about Chase Home, visit www.chasehome.org.