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New Generation began with a group of individuals who had
come to a common conclusion: women in crisis pregnancy are
faced with a very difficult set of options. Given the
inconsistent support network many of these women have become
homeless. Regardless of the reasons behind this complex
problem, the need was simply too great to ignore.
With this common belief, Ruthie Ford and Sharon Fernald had
the vision to create New Generation. New Generation would
provide homeless pregnant women with a safe haven - a home
where they would be nurtured and comforted as they prepared
for the birth of their child. And whether they choose to
begin a family or pursue alternatives in the way of
adoption, New Generation would provide them with the love
and stability they need to make this transition with
dignity. Aware that sometimes in life, the right thing to do
is also the hardest thing to do, New Generation would
embrace its mission with enthusiasm and purpose.
Through the efforts of Ruthie Ford and Sharon Fernald, an
old white farmhouse in Greenland, NH was purchased in 1987
and converted into a shelter for homeless pregnant women.
(New Generation was the first homeless shelter in New
Hampshire having this specific mission.) To help cover our
rising operating costs and to provide a service to our
community, New Generation opened Second-Generation Thrift
Shoppe in 1993. The shop generates income to support the
shelter solely from the sale of donations from our Seacoast
communities. In 1997, New Generation expanded to include
Next Generation Daycare and a two-bedroom transitional
apartment. The expansion was a response to the need for
quality childcare for low-income families and the need for
transitional housing for women and children during times of
hardship.
The full
history of New Generation is enumerated in
the timeline above. New
Gen has provided a safe, nurturing
environment to some 325 women and been a
loving home to 211# babies. These are the
statistics that make us proud, and should
provide a warm feeling to everyone who
supports our mission. As you look at the
baby page within this website, it is
impossible not to smile!
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