Working with at-risk youth and their families in Portsmouth and throughout the state, The Chase Home recently received $1,000 from Sprague Energy to support its Seacoast Community Diversion Program (SCDP).
Serving nearly 50 youth, 11 to 17, and their families in the past fiscal year, SCDP works with youth and families struggling with complex issues, some of which include opioid addiction, homelessness and mental health issues.
“The program is unique because it is designed to divert youth from the path they are on before research shows it may be too late for them,” said Meme Wheeler, executive director of The Chase Home. “We are so grateful for the support of Sprague Energy in supporting SCDP.”
In the program, youth are required to sign a contract and meet regularly with a volunteer committee that reviews progress toward various clinical and therapeutic goals.
“These committees are composed of police chiefs, business persons, lawyers, school personnel and others from the community committed to making a difference,” added Wheeler. “The program is incredible because it involves police departments, probation officers, judges, city prosecutors and defenders, schools, mental heath agencies and so many others.”
Founded in 1877, The Chase Home serves more than 140 at-risk youth annually statewide through prevention, early intervention, residential and community-based programs. Some youth are served in the community while others live at The Chase Home.