Odyssey NH Leaves Legacy to Local Organizations

Odyssey NH was long known for its tireless support of young people in transition. Now, too, it is in transition.

As the organization formally ends, Odyssey NH has identified three organizations to support in continuity of its mission to prevent, treat and recover from substance abuse: Exeter Area YMCA, Seacoast Youth Services, and Winnacunnet High School, according to a press statement.

A one-time donation to the Exeter Area YMCA – opening on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 – will fund a dedicated youth and teen community room. This space, named The Odyssey Center, will provide a space for positive youth engagement based on what teens really want. A focus group of local teenage students will help define the space. The possibilities really are endless.

“I’m so glad that the name and prevention work will live on at the YMCA. By engaging our youth in positive activities, focusing on the health and wellness of the mind, body and spirit for all, many negative behaviors can be prevented and more positive outcomes generated,” said board vice president Danette Wineberg.

Seacoast Youth Services in Seabrook, with a strong mission of supporting youth and families, will initiate a new program, The Odyssey Intensive Outpatient Program (OIOP), for adolescents and young adults. This program will provide a structured, intensive, hands-on, educational treatment experience for young people, ages 14-21, who are struggling with substance use and mental health issues.

Winnacunnet High School is establishing a scholarship fund to benefit students who have overcome challenges or hurdles to academic and personal success. The scholarship award may be used for trade school, community college or a four-year college or university. Two funds at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, set up by Odyssey NH, will provide the ongoing support for both Seacoast Youth Services and the Winnacunnet High School scholarship.

“As a board, we feel that each of these organizations is uniquely positioned to help carry on the work and the spirit of Odyssey NH. The heroin epidemic in the Seacoast is pervasive and scary and teen alcoholism is at an all-time high. There is much work today, but by providing resources for prevention, treatment and recovery, Odyssey NH will live on,” said board president, David Choate.

Caption: Pictured in the new Odyssey Center for teens at the Exeter Area YMCA: Jack Sanders, OdysseyNH Board Member; Vic Maloney, Executive Director of Seacoast Youth Services; Danette Wineberg, OdysseyNH Board Member; David Choate, Chair of OdysseyNH Board; Lisa Jennings, Odyssey NH Board Member; and Rob McGregor, CEO of Southern District YMCA. Not pictured: William McGowan of Winnacunnet High School. The photo was taken in July