The Gift of Hope
The White House was built in the 1930’s and was in need of numerous physical repairs. The kitchen where the boys cook, eat and clean was cramped. Insulation is old and inadequate, the boiler was inefficient and a closed-in front porch was not usable in winter months. The living and sleeping quarters were in need of brightening and decorative enhancements.
This two-story building is home to five boys who for any number of reasons cannot live with their families. Many residents here have behavioral problems, learning disabilities and other setbacks. Most have experienced severely traumatic life experiences along the way, but they come to the White House because they are working through those problems and have plans for a better future. Easter Seals NH operates more than 60 different programs to assist New Hampshire families in crisis or people in need and often those problems seem beyond repair. So this place is unique because it represents the possibility of success. The White House represents hope.
Building on Hope set forth to make the improvements needed, expand living space, improve the house’s energy efficiency, improve the grounds with functional appealing landscaping and transform a small back yard into a basketball court to provide healthy recreation for the residents. Interior designers brightened the home environment making it more conducive to the hopeful positive outlook that can assist the residents in overcoming the problems life has put in their paths.
- Before picture of the staircase
- Before picture of the kitchen
- Co-Founder Emily Shakra with BOH Co-Chair, Karen VanDerBeken
- The outside of the building during construction
- The outside of the building during construction
- The new dining room
- New bathroom
- New bathroom
- New bathroom
- New bedroom/office
- New bedroom
- New office
- New bedroom
- Hallway
- New office
- New living room area
- New kitchen
- New stairway
- New entrance
- Well-wishes from the volutunteers to the White House residents
- The finished product
- Our volunteers