New Generation History

Founded in 1987, New Generation Shelter provides shelter, direction, and guidance for pregnant and parenting homeless women and their infants regardless of race, religion, marital status, disability, or economic status. New Generation was the first agency of its kind in New Hampshire. Board members converted an historic farmhouse in Greenland to provide housing and an educational program for up to five women in crisis. The property has a large colonial home, and two barns.

In 1993, New Generation opened Second Generation Thrift Shoppe in a barn on the property to help cover rising operating costs. The thrift shoppe collects donations of gently used clothing, household goods, and collectibles for resale, generating over $50,000 in shelter operating support annually.

In 1997, a major addition was built onto the home. The shelter expanded to serve seven women and their children. A two-bedroom transitional apartment was added to accommodate a woman and two children for up to 18 months during difficult times. With a growing demand for affordable childcare, Next Generation Infant and Toddler Center was created to serve 18 children (age 6 weeks to 3 years) full-time; the Licensed Plus center reserves some slots for low-income families through New Hampshire’s Title XX program.

In 2001, Generation Gap Furniture Barn was opened to compliment the thrift shoppe; community donations include quality household furniture, lighting, and even some antiques, which are then resold to the community.

In 2007, Second Generation Thrift Shoppe opened a new location in Rochester, NH to raise more operating support and increase community recycling to benefit the shelter. As of 2008, New Generation’s programs have sheltered more than 340 women and 240 children while helping new mothers to find housing, learn about parenting and self-sufficiency, and move towards a stable, healthy lifestyle.

     The full history of New Generation is enumerated in this timeline.  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!