Chase Home recently signed on with TextMarks, which will enable the organization to communicate with volunteers, donors and the community at large through a web-based text message platform.
According to Meme Wheeler, executive director at Chase Home, the new partnership directly results from a major grant in May that was awarded by the Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle (SWGC). The grant, which has paid for board development training and a new database among other items, continues to support a year-long capacity building project at Chase Home.
“It’s a grant that helps us pay for nut and bolt like projects that funders generally do not support,” said Wheeler. “The Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle, though, studies community problems from the inside out, which has led to a project with tremendous potential to 
up our capacity.”
In electing to broaden their community engagement strategy to include text messaging, Chase Home Board President Rob Levey said the agency continues to raise awareness regarding its mission.
“Everyone has a phone and everyone spends a lot of time on their phones—it makes sense to communicate through a tool everyone uses all the time,” he said.
According to Dan Kamins, CEO of California-based TextMarks, text messaging can act as a real force multiplier.
“[It can] help small and large teams operate more efficiently internally as well as connect with the wider community they’re serving in a more direct and expedient fashion,” he said.
Noting TextMarks has been in operation for more than 10 years and delivers millions of text messages monthly, Kamins said he is excited to work with Chase Home and expand their footprint into the Granite State.
“We love working with non-profits making positive change in the world,” he added.
Expressing excitement at the opportunity to engage the community through an innovative platform, Wheeler said she is equally grateful for why it is possible.
“A grant like the one we received from the Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle does not come around every year, so it is imperative we do all we can to ensure our future sustainability,” she said.
“The next time you hear from us, it might be in a text,” she laughed.
Serving 36% of youth requiring intermediate placement, Chase Home is one of five intermediate level group homes in New Hampshire. The youth Chase Home serves across the state have all been involved with the abuse/neglect system and require significant interventions.
For updates on all things related to Chase Home, text chasehome to 41411, or visit www.chasehome.org.