PLEASE VOTE FOR THE WARRANT ARTICLE THAT HELPS TO SUPPORT CRISPIN'S HOUSE IN GOFFSTOWN!

Crispin's House of Goffstown has served the community for over twenty years through excellent programming and community involvement.  Crispin's House is committed to the youth and families of Goffstown and providing valuable programs and opportunities is our highest priority.

Crispin's House has been deeply impacted by recent budget cuts from state, county and federal funding.  The heart of Crispin's House has been the youth and families that we serve.  We have been unable to provide the level of service the town has come to know over the years and many families have been negatively affected.  Most recently the after school program at MVMS was forced to close its doors leaving youth without the necessary support during after school hours.  Other programs have continued to operate but a lack of staff support has proven to be detrimental to consistency and value.  We have been fortunate to be supported by an excellent group of community volunteers including a dedicated Board of Directors that have steered Crispin's House during tough times. More help is needed though.  Voting for the warrant article to support Crispin's House is a vote for youth and families in our town.  Here are some examples of why a "yes" vote can benefit Goffstown.

• The VolunTEENS program has over 40 youth giving their time to the community including volunteering at animal shelters, the library, nursing homes, Main Street Association and Food Pantry.

• Crispin's House Dream Catchers offers local youth and families with special needs a place for support, fun and fellowship.

• Crispin's House monthly community Youth Forum has, since 1993, provided a gathering for community leaders and youth to share concerns, collaborate on community projects and develop resources for families, businesses and educators.  The Youth Forum is an idea incubator that focuses on making Goffstown a better place to live.

• Crispin's House Juvenile Diversion Program offers youth who are first time offenders of the law an opportunity to take full responsibility for their actions through a restorative juvenile justice process.  For over 30 years the Diversion Program has guided youth in paying restitution to victims, performing community service hours and taking a closer look at their actions through assigned projects.

• After School options for middle school students is a priority at Crispin’s House. While our after school program at MVMS has closed we have created a scholarship program to help families in need to access healthy alternatives to youth being home alone after school. The hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex. (Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2002)

All of these programs will need a much needed boost of support and nurturing to continue thriving in Goffstown. Vote “yes” on the warrant article in support of Crispin’s House.