The challenges of our turbulent economy show no signs of abating, and the effect on organizations such as Nashua Children’s Home are indeed profound.   The budget woes of the State of New Hampshire, in particular, adversely affect our ongoing efforts with children and families.

 While the New Hampshire Legislature continues to debate the benefits vs. risks of gambling, and scrambles for additional revenue sources, the solution thus far has been to cut, continue to cut, and cut some more.  Level-funded through our per diem rates for the past several years, Nashua Children’s Home, for the first time since the inception of rate-setting in 1985, will suffer a rate cut, 2% for this year, but who knows what awaits in the 2^nd year of the Biennium.

 More concerning is the dip in program census.  While one may view less youth in residential care as a positive commentary on societal need, nothing could be further from the truth.  Time and again, youth are discharged to settings where they’re apt to be unsuccessful, and sent off with hastened discharge plans, contrary to the carefully planned transitions which the boys and girls of Nashua Children’s Home both need and deserve. More and more often, we see youngsters fail with these hastily arranged moves and see youth re-referred to Nashua Children’s Home, or to other residential programs.  One should always bear in mind the negative effects of one more failure on youth that have known more heartbreak, rejection and abandonment by the time they’re ten years old than most of us will experience in a lifetime.

 Nashua Children’s Home will do its best throughout this difficult period to maintain its economic viability and to continue to pursue our century-long mission on behalf of at-risk youth.  Your continuing support and advocacy are more vital now than ever before.

 The Annual Club National Golf Tourney was held on June 24^th at Souhegan Woods in Amherst. Benefiting Nashua Children’s Home since its inception in 2000, the 11th annual tourney once again raised $15,000 bringing to $160,000 the total raised for our Transitional Living Program. 

 Gate City H.O.G. (Harley Owner Group) held its Annual Poker Run, to benefit Nashua Children’s Home, on July 18^th.  Once again, the boys and girls of Nashua Children’s Home enjoyed a fun afternoon, this time at Alpine Grove in Hollis, being treated to a barbecue, live music and motorcycle rides.  The annual event raised $3,000 for Nashua Children’s Home.

The 107^th Annual Meeting of Nashua Children’s Home was held on May 4^th.  The keynote address was delivered by Lorrie Lutz, President of L3P Associates and formerly the Director of New Hampshire’s Child-Protective and Juvenile Justice agencies.

The 11^th Annual Mark S. Rowland Exemplary Service Citation was awarded to Assistant Residential Director Paul Wheeler, a 12-year NCH veteran.  Tim M. was recognized for his volunteer efforts in the community.