MANCHESTER, NH – A six-figure contribution from casino gaming revenue is coming at the right time for the state’s only program that focuses on helping justice-involved woman and female veterans in recovery rebuild their lives – right as Dismas Home of New Hampshire gears up to open a new 20-bed home.
Dismas Home was one of 10 nonprofits that shared nearly $1.8 million in contributions from The Nash last month, beneficiaries of a state law that requires a percentage of gaming profits to be donated to local nonprofits.
Dismas Home, marking its 10-year anniversary this year, supports women in recovery, helping them rebuild after being involved in the court system. It provides 24/7 clinical care, housing and vocational training for women – the only residential treatment and re-entry program in the state dedicated solely to justice-involved women and female veterans with substance-use disorder.
The organization is opening a 20-bed center in Rochester in June, tripling its reach in the state. The $161,752 received from The Nash will help with completion of that project, Executive Director Cheryll Andrews said in a news release. The renovation to a former medical building is being done by Hudson-based Northpoint Construction Management.
The organization will still maintain its eight-bed flagship center on Manchester’s West Side.
The added 20 beds are in response to growing statewide demand for full continuum of care under one roof, combining 90-day and transitional living programs, Andrews said. Dismas Home’s approach has proven results, with a 90% success rate for long-term recovery, she said.
“Many women who have experienced trauma develop substance use disorders and end up incarcerated for nonviolent crimes,” Andrews said. “Our model of care enables these women, including veterans, to live in a supportive home where they can participate in therapy, learn life skills, continue their sobriety, and restore their mental health, which positions them to be productive, stable and available for their families and employment.”
The Rochester plans unfolded after backlash in Manchester scuttled plans for a center at the former Daniel Webster Boy Scout headquarters on Holt Avenue.
Eric Althaus, The Nash general manager, said that the casino is grateful for the opportunity to support Dismas Home. “Their work has set the standard of care for women who need a second chance, and we are committed to partnering with charities that make a difference in the lives of New Hampshire residents,” Althaus said.
The Rochester Dismas Home care center will open in a renovated 7,646 building that formerly housed a pediatric medical center and was previously owned by HCA Healthcare. Besides the 20 furnished bedrooms for 90-day and transitional living program residents, the Rochester Dismas Home location will have:
- A commercial kitchen, living, and dining spaces that foster community and healthy routines;
- Dedicated clinical and executive office suites for on-site therapy, case management, and workforce coaching;
- Recreation and outdoor gardening areas to support physical wellness and restorative activities;
- Round-the-clock clinical staff to ensure continuous care and crisis response.
“With additional capacity and expanded vocational training space, the second campus will allow Dismas Home to pilot new partnerships with local employers, trade programs, and Veterans’ services — furthering its mission to empower women, including women veterans, to rebuild their lives and re-enter the community with confidence,” the organization’s website says.
The Nash just completed its first year in operation at the Pheasant Lane Mall. State law requires that 35% of games of chance revenue and 8.75% of historical horse racing machine revenue is set aside for two nonprofits, assigned to each week of gaming. The combined revenue is split evenly between the two nonprofits. In addition, 10% of games of chance and 16.5% of HHR revenues are contributed to the state Education Trust Fund. New video lottery terminal revenue is taxed at 31%, of which 35% also goes to local charities. The remainder goes into the state’s General Fund, Education Trust Fund and other state programs. In the month of January, The Nash sent $1,907,921.76 to the state fund, the casino said.