Having operated “under the radar” for more than 100 years, Chase Home in Portsmouth has begun to build momentum in support of its work with troubled youth.
Most recently, Chase Home solicited the support of the local Seacoast community to support an initiative whereby one of its rooms would be transformed into a movie room. A local citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous, answered the call and much more, according to Chase Home Executive Director Meme Wheeler.
“We received a gift of $10,500 total from an individual who was moved by our mission to help youth in need of significant support and guidance,” she said. “While most of his donation is earmarked for general operating support, $1,500 of it will match Best Buy’s offer to cover half the costs needed to create a room here at Chase Home into a real movie theater.”
Acknowledging all of the youth they serve have been involved with the NH legal system, Wheeler said the movie room serves a pragmatic as well as a symbolic purpose.
“These kids need to a place to ‘hang out,’” she said. “For the most part, they are teenagers—and this is their home for right now. This latest gift does more than create a media room, it actually helps to make this place a real home—maybe a home these kids have never had.”
Serving 36% of youth requiring intermediate placement in New Hampshire, Chase Home is one of five intermediate level group homes in the state. To learn more about Chase Home or to check on the progress of the movie room, visit www.chasehome.org.