CHD is dedicated to advocacy, empowerment and fostering independence and community integration of the people we serve.

Many CHD clients struggle year-round, so the holidays are that much harder. As you are enjoying your family this season, take a few minutes to think about the families whose lives you could improve and consider supporting CHD so we may work together, bettering the lives of the people in our community. Here are two stories that exemplify how your gift will help others:

Brian’s Story:

Brian's life had fallen apart. He lost his marriage, his house, and his job due to substance abuse problems and long-standing, unaddressed severe childhood trauma. He was homeless, hopeless, over-medicated, and terrified by nightmares and flashbacks. Brian’s CHD treatment team formed an alliance with him so that he could finally tackle the fears that had led to his meltdown—fears that had been plaguing him for years. Brian began seeing a therapist and psychiatrist, CHD helped him find housing, and his outreach workers attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings with him.

With the appropriate therapy, Brian was able to cope with less medication and his treatment team saw the cloud that hung over him slowly lift. Brian enrolled at HCC maintaining a 3.8 GPA, studying information technology and computer science. This fall, he enrolled at the University of Massachusetts, having received a full scholarship due to his academic achievement.

Brian is eager to share his story of personal recovery. It is a successful and compelling one—and your support made it possible.

It is said that this is the most wonderful time of the year—and you can make that come true for someone. Your gift brings hope and cheer to struggling families. Your gift brings courage and self-confidence to individuals facing hardship and adversity.

David’s Story:

David was once bed-ridden with extreme obesity, in a nursing home, and diagnosed with a supposedly incurable eating disorder. He was depressed and unable participate in daily activities with friends and family. Luckily, David came into the care of CHD’s Meadows Homes program.

With the support of his outreach team, David has successfully lost 150 pounds and made the transition from living in 24-hour residential care to living in his own apartment where he receives 2-3 hours of care after work each day. He is learning how to cook nutritious meals and regularly works out at the local YMCA with one-on-one staffing. David also participates in art groups, takes leisurely walks, and attends local events where he meets people and makes new friends.

The staff at CHD’s Meadows Homes feels privileged to be able to provide him with the opportunity, at long last, to get on with his life—this wouldn’t have been possible without your help.

These are just two examples of how your gift will directly impact your community. Gifts to CHD make a lasting impact on the lives of each person we work with. Will you make a gift to CHD today and continue to help those who have the greatest need?

As you think about your family that gathered together on Thanksgiving and the holiday get-togethers you will enjoy in December, please remember that the individuals and families who depend on CHD are struggling not only at the holidays but all year round. Your gift will help those who are facing serious troubles in life. You helped Brian enroll in college and David to live on his own and become part of the community again.

Your contribution to CHD lets you make a proven and effective investment in the quality of the community you live in. Thank you for giving generously.