At New Generation, we want to wish you Happy Holidays. We have six women and two children here now and are looking forward to our Christmas reunion with former residents and their children. Please read on how New Generation is working to help women in crisis…

My name is Sukunya and I live at New Gen for eight months this year. I am from Thailand. I met a man and we came here and marry in 2000. Over time I started to fear for my safety. He treat me bad, using me, and controlling me. He call me names, push me down, or talk bad about my family. I ask him many times about divorce and he said no. I was pregnant and after my son was born my friend she help me get a divorce.

I needed a safe place to live and didn’t want to bring trouble to my friend. At New Gen, they always welcome you if you need help. This house makes women stand on own two feet. Now I have a good job, and make money enough to take care of my son. I don’t have to call someone else; I do things by myself. With baby it was hard to work, and they had food and a nice place for us. Everyone here is helpful, like Joan who make sure the baby is ok, teach me to raise the baby right way and feed him the right things. I cooked meals for others and had their food too. [Curfew] is good because if you go out nights, then you can’t make a better life. You have to have routine. Chores are good so the house stays clean. Rules teach people to be polite, and respectful.

Toni show me how to help myself. I got my son in daycare here and I got a job. Toni helped me find a lawyer and went to court with me. She is honest, just saying what she saw. She helped me explain to my lawyer, because my English is not good. She help me apply for working papers. This year I moved to a new place. I sign up for many housing places around the area. My son needs his own room when he grow up. Right now he lives in same room with me. While at New Gen I got a driving license. I have to buy a car but I need credit. I am working at night. I have money left, and I am happy because I can spend time with my son and see how he is doing by day.

Now my life is better. I feel more self-worth. Each month I pay all my bills. I feel prepared. Some people don’t want to learn to make their life better. I listen and want to learn. I want to make more money. Now I work at a store and I bring things to a shop and sell them [on consignment]. I have more ideas too. In Thailand I had my own shop. Maybe I could have own shop here but I have to save so I can get bank loan.

It has been a year since I came to New Gen. My son is 14 months now and I teach him to be a good listener, and listen to older people. They know the way better than him and he should listen. I expect him to be a good person. I talk Thai and English to him. When he grows up I want him to go to school and learn so he can get a good job and have a good life. The best thing for me to do is build my life and take care of my son. At work, my boss knows I do a good job. I work there one year and I feel I could be manager someday. New Gen is great to help and make people strong. Please give to New Gen today and help women like me get a better life.

-Sukunya, November 17, 2006

Sukunya was helped by Lamprey Healthcare, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, Catholic Charities, and the Share Program of Immaculate Conception Church. Staff and other residents learned a great deal from Sukunya about diversity and determination. She is receiving aftercare from us and other agencies in the Seacoast Continuum of Care. Please give generously to help women like Sukunya. We have 120 inquiries a year for shelter. You can send a check or come by with canned foods or paper goods. If you’d like to volunteer, call us at 603-436-4989, visit our website at www.newgennh.com or the Volunteer Action Center website www.uwgs.org. Our home is open for visits now thru December, Tuesdays thru Fridays from 9am-4pm. Happy Holidays from myself, Ruthie Ford, Founder, and the Board and Staff of New Generation,

 Toni Trotzer

Toni Trotzer, Executive Director