Granite United Way supports Upper Room programs

DERRY - The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center Hampshire announced today it has received two $20,000 grants from Granite United Way to support the Adolescent Wellness Program and the Greater Derry Juvenile Diversion Program.

As the local family resource center and primary provider of family support services in southern New Hampshire, The Upper Room is committed to aiding in the community effort to help people stop their reliance on substances as a way to manage daily life.

The Adolescent Wellness Program (AWP) is a comprehensive program for youth aged 13-18 who are exhibiting unhealthy behaviors and provides education and support for their families. AWP creates opportunities for youth to learn to make healthier choices. It works to enable them to achieve a successful transition to young adulthood by increasing insight and awareness regarding substance use and youth violence while building motivation to change their behaviors. The Challenge Course increases knowledge about the consequences of drug and alcohol use. Take Control increases the knowledge and skills necessary to handle anger in a healthy, effective way. URParents increases parenting knowledge and skills teaching parents how to cope with a child's anger or substance use. This year, AWP increased services to youth suspended from high school in an effort to support early stage risk behaviors, with a goal of academic achievement while out of school, serving more than 100 teens this year with positive responses from youth, parents and school administration.

Greater Derry Juvenile Diversion (GDJD) has served this community for 24 years, with a very high success rate for recidivism, and has engaged hundreds of youth to look at behaviors, and make amends. With a community review team and the multiple AWP wrap around services along with community service, youth are brought through a contract in an effort to not enter the legal court system, and to address underlying concerns of the youth.

"Granite United Way has been a long time supporter of The Upper Room, and together we have made a positive impact for thousands of individuals in southern New Hampshire," said Upper Room Executive Director Brenda Guggisberg. "Through our partnership we help youth make healthy decisions about drug and alcohol use, help parents support their children through the teen years and help many families raise healthy happy children, free from preventable heath risks. We are grateful for their continued confidence, support and partnership."

For more information, call 437-8477, or visit URteachers.org.