PRESS RELEASES

The Upper Room, A Family Resource Center and Marion Gerrish Community Center have created a series with fun ways for teens to learn the skills necessary to live independently. The “On My Own” program started as a conversation between Brenda Guggisberg and Sarah Garvin, Executive Directors of their agencies, and this concept has become a reality which will kick-off on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at The Upper Room.  

   

The Upper Room and Marion Gerrish Community Center both noticed a need for teens to explore the skills they will need before they head out on their own. The two Executive Directors had many conversations about some simple and not so simple skills that could be explored with students, to facilitate learning and create a place where teens can do something fun and productive afterschool. 

All classes in the series will be offered for FREE on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 pm at The Upper Room, 36 Tsienneto Road, Derry, NH and will run for four (4) weeks. The program kicks off on March 4th with basic sewing; where students will learn how to sew on a button, how to hem pants and basic repair of clothing. On April 1st the second class in the series will be basic cooking, facilitated by UNH Cooperative Extension; offering the opportunity to prepare fun recipes. Registration for the program is done through Shelly Koza 603-437-8477 x 27 and all classes are completely FREE, with the help of generous volunteers. Future classes may include basic personal finance, yoga and baking. A survey of students will help us decide future offerings for this year-long series. 

“The name On My Own evolved from the very concept, teaching teens things that will prepare them to be self-sufficient.” states Sarah Garvin, Executive Director of Marion Gerrish Community Center, “This partnership with The Upper Room will allow us to support our community in a very positive way.” 

Brenda Guggisberg, Executive Director of The Upper Room states, “We are very excited about this promising offer for teens and hope that this will be an opportunity to come together and learn things that will improve their lives as adults. It will probably save them a little money too, as they will have the capacity to do things on their own.” 

“We are happy to offer an afterschool alternative for teens, where they can not only learn but be connected to other teens, in a place that is easily accessible from Pinkerton Academy.” states Shelly Koza, Marketing & Events Coordinator for The Upper Room

Founded in 1972, the Marion Gerrish Community Center has been called the “heart” of our community. We offer a wide variety of senior games groups every weekday, a monthly movie viewing, monthly Wifi Café and support for community-based services such as AARP tax aide.

For more information call (603) 434-8866 or visit our website www.mgccderrynh.org