In support of some of the Seacoast’s most vulnerable youth, Newburyport Five Cents Charitable Foundation recently contributed $5,000 to support Chase Home’s Seacoast Community Diversion Program (SCDP). Developed in collaboration with numerous community partners, SCDP provides youth who have committed minor offenses with an alternative to arrest or incarceration.
According to Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler, delinquency in youth is often the precursor to—and consequence of—more serious problems.
“Drug and alcohol misuse, domestic violence, mental illness, sexual abuse and trafficking—these are the sorts of things we are up against,” she said. “With proper support, many of these youth can lead productive and happy lives, but we need to get to them sooner rather than later.”
President and CEO of Newburyport Five Cents Saving Bank, Janice C. Morse said their continued partnership with Chase Home is very important.
“We understand the complex needs within our community and look for ways to do our part to help,” she said. “We believe this contribution will improve the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable youth.”
To graduate from the program, youth must complete some variation of the following based on specific individual needs: Five sessions of a therapeutic group (anger management/social skills); one session of substance abuse counseling; two joint sessions with parents; two weeks of adventure-based learning experiences; one capstone adventure opportunity with parents; and one personal goal achievement.
“There is so much that goes into the program, but if we make the investment now in these kids, we save the community substantially more money in the future,” added Wheeler. “The financial support from Newburyport Five Cents Charitable Foundation will have a direct impact in the lives of youth who really need our help.”
Founded in 1877, Chase Home is dedicated to providing supportive and restorative residential and family service to at-risk youth in a safe and nurturing environment. To learn more about Chase Home or its Wheels 4 Chase Home campaign, visit www.chasehome.org.