"River House continues to support Chase Home"

Since late 2013, River House began to support Chase Home, which Executive Director Meme Wheeler said has made a big difference in the lives of their kids.

“Our kids come from tough circumstances in life—very tough, in fact—so to have a business like River House play such a consistent role in their lives is wonderful,” she said. “Our kids need to know that people in the community care.”

Noting they initially began to help Chase Home by fulfilling wishes on a giving tree during the holidays, River House Manager Justin Rivlin said they then began to invite the kids into dinner. “We load them up with River House sweat shirts and gear and then send them over to the Music Hall for a holiday show,” he said. “This is an extremely exciting time because some of them had never been out to a sit down restaurant before.”

Wheeler said River House also provides dinner one time each month, which has helped Chase Home’s bottom line.

“Justin and the owners of River House—the Labrie Family—have made a remarkable impact,” she said. “Our budget is very tight, so their willingness and generosity provides a tangible return in terms of dollars saved that can be applied to pressing needs elsewhere.”

In looking ahead, Wheeler said they look forward to continuing their partnership with River House and noted they try to do all they can to leverage their own resources to also give back.

“We patronize River House and encourage staff and friends of Chase Home to go there for lunch and dinner when they go out,” she said. “By working together, we can both benefit in the short and long-term.”

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, visit www.chasehome.org.