Week 47 of #52weeksofgiving - Bringing Holiday Spirit to The Chase Home

Back for the second week in a row, The Chase Home is our week 47 feature for #52weeksofgiving! The entire LeMay Family Goodworks team just wrapped up a wonderful day of bringing Christmas and the holiday spirit to the New Hampshire nonprofit’s facility inside and out with festive decor.

Head decorators and designers Michelle and Denise, along with team members Larry, Beau, Hannah, Will, Bill, Jenn, Shane, and Cooper, had a blast bringing joy to these kids. They set up trees in every child’s room, an outdoor winter wonderland, and indoor holiday scenes.

Thanks to The Chase Home for a fun-filled morning decorating and meeting both team members and children residing there! We hope these holiday decorations make you smile and help you remember what this season is about. 

Read on to learn more about The Chase Home, how they support at-risk youth and their families in distress, and how you can help.

The Chase Home: Programs for At-Risk Youth

Originally founded as an orphanage in 1877, The Chase Home is one of the oldest New Hampshire nonprofit organizations. The Home is located in Portsmouth, NH, and was transitioned from an orphanage to a treatment-level residential program for youth in the 1960s. Since then, they have offered a safe and supportive to children and families in need.

Today, The Chase Home serves at-risk youth and their families in the Seacoast area through various programs. While The Home serves kids between ages 11 and 19, they also offer specific services for young adults ages 18 to 21. The organization focuses on helping vulnerable youth “develop meaningful relationships, set and reach goals, engage in the community and with their peers, and create structure in a safe and nurturing environment.”

According to The Chase Home, the most common issues contributing to at-risk youth are:

• An unstable school environment

• Poor community resources

• Negative childhood experiences

• Family instability and dysfunction

The nonprofit’s programs combat these issues through holistic, evidence-based clinical support and services that equip at-risk youth and their families with the tools to cope and manage all aspects of their life. Programs include:

• Residential Treatment Services: Young adults ages 11 to 19 live at The Chase Home, receive therapeutic services, and develop healthy coping skills and tools.

• Home-Based Program: At-risk youth who need support as they transition back from the residential program or want to avoid residential placement receive support in the community and their homes.

• Seacoast Community Diversion Program: Youth and families in distress in Portsmouth, NH, and several surrounding Seacoast towns access therapeutic groups and group, individual, and substance abuse counseling with a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC).

• Independent Living Program: ILP assists young adults aged 18 to 21 in transitioning from living at The Chase Home or with their parents in distressed circumstances into independent living with comprehensive therapeutic, vocational, and clinical support.

• Summer Program: Over a few weeks, youth learn important skills like self-efficacy, self-esteem, and problem-solving through carefully planned activities.

Contact The Chase Home to learn more about their programs and the signs of at-risk youth.

Help At-Risk Youth, Help Your Community

When you give to The Chase Home, your generosity has a ripple effect in the community. The Home relies on the kindness of donors to continue providing at-risk youth and their families with support and resources to lead healthier, happier lives.

Please consider helping this incredible organization by:

• Donating: Send a check or simply donate online. You can even donate to one of their campaigns and help The Home fund a specific need.

• Donating Goods: Give an in-kind donation of goods for the Residential Treatment Services program (please contact The Chase Home for details).

• Supporting an event: Consider attending or sponsoring a fundraiser, such as the Annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting, as a way to have fun while giving back!

Find details on ways to give to The Chase Home, or follow them on Instagram @the_chase_home or Facebook to learn about their latest initiatives!