Recently, the Portsmouth Rotary Club Cash Committee awarded Chase Home a grant of $2,950 to refinish the wood floors of the agency’s third floor. As part of the grant, approximately one dozen Rotary members helped “demo” the area before the floors were finished. Shipyard Waste donated a dumpster to aid in project completion.
According to Meme Wheeler, executive director at Chase Home, the project transformed an area in which many staff members work.
“The change has been incredible—the old carpet was ripped up and revealed beautiful wood floors,” she said. “The amount of work Portsmouth Rotary did was just amazing. We are so thankful.”
According to Ted Alex of the Portsmouth Rotary Club, their relationship with and support of Chase Home extends back many years.
“Our committee has done trail clean-ups a couple of times and we have planted ornamental grass at the entrance,” he said. “We have replaced the flag pole. A few years back, we also built solar panels for the home. Part of this recent Cash Committee money is to have a tune up on the panels. President James was instrumental in getting us the components back when we built the panels and has volunteered his crew this time to help with the tune up.”
In commenting on the impact Portsmouth Rotary Club has had on Chase Home through the years, Chase Home Board Member Mike LaLime, who owns TRE Cleaning & Restoration, said it goes well beyond “the financial piece.”
“They invest their time, energy and resources—it’s a lot of sweat equity,” he said. “The Portsmouth Rotary Club has left a lasting impression on Chase Home and the kids we serve. Their genuine caring and concern is evident in all they have done here.”
Founded in 1877 as an orphanage, Chase Home has evolved through the years to meet critical needs in the greater Seacoast community related to children and youth. To learn more about Chase Home, visit www.chasehome.org.