Piscataqua Savings Bank, a mutual savings bank, has renewed its longstanding partnership with a $1,000 investment to support The Chase Home for Children in Portsmouth.
The investment will support Chase Home’s Seacoast Community Diversion Program (SCDP), which is set to launch in April. Formed in collaboration with the Portsmouth Police Department, New Heights, Portsmouth Middle and High School, Rockingham Juvenile Court, and Office of Juvenile Justice, SCDP will provide alternatives for youth about to enter the juvenile justice system.
“It’s an opportunity to divert youth from the courts by offering them a chance to rehabilitate themselves in a program that address the root causes of their behaviors,” said Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler. “We are so grateful that Piscataqua Saving Bank sees the value in the program.”
For Wheeler, the support from Piscataqua Savings Bank is also symbolic, as both organizations are celebrating their 140th year in operation in Portsmouth.
“We have been here together a very long time—it seems fitting that we work together to address critical community needs,” she added.
According to the NH 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 57,326 students, teens across the state are engaging in risky behavior:
• 10.8% drank alcohol before age 13,
• 29.9% currently drink alcohol,
• 22.2% currently use marijuana,
• 6.8% currently use prescriptions without a doctor’s Rx, and
• 15.3% considered attempting suicide.
“These are not just data points,” said Wheeler. “These are real kids and they need support.”
Serving 36% of youth requiring intermediate placement, Chase Home is one of four intermediate level group homes in New Hampshire. In addition to residential and community based services, Chase Home has begun to develop prevention programs for youth and their families.
To learn more about Chase Home, or to support SCDP, visit www.chasehome.org.