Portsmouth - The Somersworth Youth Safe Haven Summer Program will become a reality thanks to a generous donation of $12,000 from Service Credit Union.

Service Credit Union’s donation saved Somersworth Youth Safe Haven Annual Summer Program from closing its doors, which previously was having trouble finding funding until the credit union stepped in. With this contribution, the summer program can rest assured that it can help children this summer. “It (Service Credit Union’s donation) comes at the right time,” Somersworth Mayor Michael Micucci said. “I am glad to see they are getting their funding.” 

The program mentors youth ages 6 - 18 in an afterschool homework lab, activities program, gym program, community service opportunities, and a six-week Summer Program. They aim to give youth the tools they need to grow up to be who they are. One of their main focuses is giving youth a place to do their homework and get help if they need it.  There are always staff and volunteers on hand to make sure the youth's homework is all done.

The Youth Safe Haven program is designed to help low-income at-risk children ages 6-18 who live mainly in the Somersworth Housing Authority homes or are referred by the local SAU. The program currently helps 47 children from working low-income families. During the summer program, the children begin by performing community cleanup service during the first week. They also participate in a summer reading program, nutrition and cooking classes are educated in health and personal hygiene. Service Credit Union will be adding a financial education program. The children also take trips to state parks, beaches and cultural events. Nutritious lunches, snacks and drinks are provided to them daily.

The New Hampshire National Guardsmen volunteer in the program by staffing the anti-drug task force and helping with the afterschool program.

“We are extremely fortunate to be part of Service Credit Union and be able to aid our community in this important and vital way,” said Dan Clarke, former President/CEO of Salmon Falls Community Credit Union. Clarke is now Vice President of Branch Administration at Service Credit Union.

Service Credit Union strives to be a leader in corporate citizenship, supporting non-profit and educational programs in the communities which are served by the credit union and will continue this long-standing tradition in Somersworth and its surrounding communities. Service Credit Union is already investing significantly in the area by becoming the sole supporter for the Somersworth Youth Safe Haven/Police MiniStation Summer Program and will participate in their afterschool program beginning in the fall of 2008. Service Credit Union will take part in teaching the children financial literacy and introduce them to the Smart Savers Programs designed for children and teens just getting started in banking.

“We support charitable, non-profit and educational programs dedicated to improving the well-being of our members and the communities in which we do business,” says Gordon Simmons, President/CEO of Service Credit Union. “Somersworth Youth Safe Haven/Police MiniStation Summer Program fits into our vision of helping others.”

Service Credit Union has also committed to being a major sponsor in the Somersworth International Children’s Festival June 21 in the city’s downtown and supporting the Kids Koncerts August 13 held at Somersworth High School in the summer.