Confident And Competent

Our House for Girls is a nonprofit, residential program in Dover that provides a safe and nurturing environment for adolescent girls referred by the court system due to abuse or neglect in their homes.

Programming at Our House allows residents to learn the value and fund of sharing experiences in a safe environment. Caring, trained adults serve as mentors and models during activities designed with girls in mind.

These activities are designed to build their skills, address their concerns, spark their interests, and instill a sense of connectedness to the community.

One such program is “Confident and Competent”, and eight-week ad-venture-based program designed for personal growth and development. Through sharing common activities and experiences, facilitators and participants are able to establish an environment of trust, fun and learning.

Participants are asked to engage in activities and then reflect on those experiences to gain useful insights and discuss how those lessons are applicable to real life scenarios.

Confident and Competent encourages increased skill building and responsibility, and promotes the development of strong leadership and decision-making skills.

Confident and Competent can change the way girls see the world and their place in it. Girls learn the importance of personal responsibility, the value of goal setting, the spirit of teamwork, and the thrill of accomplishment.

Notable Program Accomplishments

• 100% of girls whom received services in 2005 and 2006 showed increased stability and were reunited with their families and/or transitioned to foster care or independent living situations.
  
• 95% of girls whom received services in 2005 and 2006 achieved grades that were passing or better with 90% of girls showing substantial improvement in their academic success. In each of these years, girls graduated and enrolled in college.
  
• 100% of girls whom received services in 2005 and 2006 positively participated in the community through paid employment, volunteering and/or involvement in extra-curricular activities.
  
• Awarded a three-year Client Services grant from the United Way of the Greater Seacoast for providing services within an identified community impact area.
  
• Commended by DCYF in recent Site Review for meeting compliance in all certification areas and demonstrating positive outcomes with all clients referred.
  
  

How to Get Involved

• Extend volunteer and work opportunities to our girls.
  
• Sponsor a girl enrolling in a community dance class or sports team.
  
• Help fund a girl’s driver’s education class.
  
• Share a skill with our girls, (i.e., cooking, craft class, etc.)
  
• Inspire our girls by participating in a Career Night presentation.
  
• Sponsor a pizza and movie rental party.
  
• Mentor an individual resident.
  
• Join our Board of Directors.
  
• Inquire about our wish list.
  
  

Contact Our House for Girls at 603-742-2963

Board of Directors
Judith Parks – President
Matthew Mowry – Vice President
Toni Smith – Treasurer
Lisa Acee-Szymanski – Secretary
Janet Butler – Director
Linda Butler – Director
Kathy Eagan – Director
Vicki Decker – Director
Nancy Starks Cheney – Director
Judith Zalansky – Director
Helen Donnelly – Director
Sarah Cox – Director

Our House for Girls
576 Central Ave.
Dover, NH 03820
603-742-2963

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