From gifts for the youth to open on Christmas to meals, Chase Home in Portsmouth receives tremendous support from surrounding businesses during the holidays. Recently, The Gove Group Real Estate in Stratham contacted Chase Home to discuss a partnership with the nonprofit agency in 2017.
After taking several representatives from The Gove Group on a tour of Chase Home, Executive Director Meme Wheeler said she was “completely shocked” when Owner Scott Gove presented her with a $4,500 check.
“Our Board President Rob Levey and I just looked at each other in amazement,” she said. “Their generosity overwhelmed us.”
For Gove, the opportunity to invest in Chase Home for 2017 reflected his company’s strong interest in working with organizations that “impact children’s’ lives.” Noting they themselves work in many different communities throughout the greater Seacoast and beyond, he said they were particularly intrigued at the fact Chase Home serves kids from multiple communities, too.
“The idea of being able to actually have an impact on a child’s life at a critical time in their life is an amazing opportunity,” he said. “After meeting some of the staff and realizing the level of commitment on their part to both the kids and the organization, there is no doubt we made the right decision by partnering with Chase Home.”
Elizabeth Harpin, who is part of the marketing team at The Gove Group, said she was impressed at the culture Chase Home has created for the youth who live there.
“Touring the facility and seeing the art mural, working garden, ropes course, basketball court—there were so many things we saw that exemplified the culture of Chase Home,” she said. “These things help give the kids valuable experiences and opportunities. Their services are truly incredible.”
For Levey, the partnership with The Gove Group represents an important opportunity for both their staff and that of Chase Home to work together throughout the year to enhance the lives of those they serve.
“Scott and his team indicated they want to volunteer their time at Chase Home, too, and get involved in other ways,” he said. “It’s our job now to make sure we do everything we can to ensure a wonderful relationship between these two agencies. I am really excited and humbled by their gift.”
In commenting on their philanthropic commitment to the greater Seacoast, Gove said they have always focused on helping children.
“Not everyone is dealt the same hand in life and being able to help a child level that playing field is a great feeling,” he said. “Every child deserves the same opportunities as another.”
Founded in 1877 as an orphanage, Chase Home has evolved through the years to meet needs in the community related to children and youth. Providing a home for some and working with others in their own homes, Chase Home provides evidence-based treatment and support to families in crisis.
To learn more about Chase Home, or to offer support, visit www.chasehome.org.