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Wayside will continue fundraising to reach its $100K goal

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Wayside Youth & Family Support Network announced today that it raised more than $77,000 from the 2020 Virtual 5K4Kids Run/Walk.

This year’s virtual event was held from Oct. 10-17 and drew more than 450 registered runners, 135 from outside Massachusetts. The 5K4Kids was sponsored by 30 businesses, including nonprofits such as lead sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, community organizations and supported by hundreds of individual donors.

“The Virtual 5K4Kids exceeded our expectations, especially the outpouring of support from our community, sponsors, employees, families and friends,” said Eric L. Masi, Ed.D, President & CEO of Wayside. “Our employees are the driving force behind the success of this event; their strength and dedication throughout the pandemic has been nothing short of amazing. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The 5K4Kids is Wayside’s largest, and only, annual fundraiser. All funds raised go directly back to programs and benefit youth and families receiving services in 19 locations in Central, Eastern and Northeastern Massachusetts. This year is an especially critical year for Wayside as many families are struggling financially due to COVID-19. Wayside staff will use the funds to buy emergency clothing, food and technology for remote learning.

“Every year this event is so meaningful, not just for the support it generates for our youth and families, but as an important reminder about why we do this work,” said Sara McCabe, vice president of campus services. “Our families are some of the most vulnerable and this year they are facing tremendous challenges. We are so thankful that we are able to provide extra support.”

To date, the 5K4Kids has raised more than $900,000 for the thousands of children and families served each year by the nonprofit, human services agency. Wayside will continue to accept donations online. To donate visit: wayside5k4kids.itsyourrace.com/Sponsors.aspx?id=13913

About Wayside: Founded in 1977, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is a nonprofit, nationally accredited human services agency headquartered in Framingham, Mass. Wayside is dedicated to building strength, hope and resiliency through its family-based outreach services, residential treatment programs and community-based counseling services to more than 6,000 children, youth and families throughout Eastern, Central and Northeastern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.waysideyouth.org.

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The post Wayside Youth & Family Support Network’s Virtual 5K4Kids Raises Over $77K appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

By Dr. Lauren Barry/Guest Columnist
Director of Clinical Initiatives and Data Analytics

Explaining what “normal” looks like to children is difficult when there are no real answers.

It’s been a rough couple of months living through a pandemic, with little indication regarding when life will ever go back to “normal.” Explaining what “normal” looks like to children is difficult when there are no real answers. Anxiety in children is fueled by fear of the unknown which causes worry, stress and irritability.

Even as the state continues to reopen and loosen restrictions, there are still so many questions about what’s next that we don’t have the answers to.

Unfortunately, anxious children live in the world of “what-ifs.” What if school is different? What if I must wear a mask? What if I forget my mask? What if I won’t know anyone? What if I can’t go to Girl Scouts, or basketball or to summer camp? What if my parents get sick? What if I don’t want to go outside, to the beach or swimming? What will I do this summer if we can’t go anywhere?

As parents, what can you do?

Do Your Best to Answer Questions

Answer the “what if” questions as best you can, using simple language and being honest about what you don’t know. Anxiety is typically about anticipating that something bad will happen. Children with anxiety need reassurance more than most other children. They are looking for an answer to quell the fear that keeps them up at night. If you don’t know the answer, it is OK to say that you don’t know, but that you and the important people in the child’s life are doing everything you can to make sure that they are safe wherever they are.

Prepare Ahead of Time

Children with anxiety like to be prepared. They want to anticipate every scenario. It may feel frustrating to you that they want to know for the sixth time if the school is safe, if desks are spaced apart, if teachers will wear masks, etc. Taking the time to have these conversations will go a long way toward reducing the fears that could potentially result in school refusal, tantrums, anxiety attacks or physical symptoms later.

Brainstorm Answers to “What if” Questions

Give them concrete examples of how they can respond to their “what if’s” on their own. For example, “what could you do if you have to wear a mask and you forget it at home?” Have them brainstorm ahead of time about what they would do in this situation; keep an extra mask in their backpack, tell their teacher, go to the nurse, etc. This is a way to turn a “worry thought” into a “positive thought” by creating a plan of action.

Avoid Avoidance

Children who are anxious want to avoid situations that are scary or triggering for them. Allowing them to avoid these situations reinforces that the way to deal with their anxiety is to hide from it. You can help soothe their fears by taking small steps toward the feared situation, instead of running from it.

Build a Coping Kit

Help your child build a “coping kit” of tools that will work for them when they feel anxious. Some children like having a stress ball or fidget toy handy. Others like to practice deep breathing and yoga or put on headphones and listen to distracting music under a weighted blanket. Still others prefer to work with their hands – to draw, make a bracelet, knit, or build something. You and your child know best the tools that will help to calm them, and it is important that your child have access to those tools before their anxiety takes over.

Debrief

After your child has tried different coping tools, ask them what worked, and why, or alternatively, what didn’t work, and why not? Ongoing practice and reinforcement of these tools will allow them to access these coping skills when needed. Sometimes a skill works for a specific fear, but not for something else, so adjusting and problem solving is the best way to create lasting change. As with any skill, managing anxiety takes practice.

Finally, do your best to manage your own anxiety around your children. You may be dealing with your own job changes, financial issues, childcare concerns, etc., but ideally it is best to keep those concerns among the adults.

Mobile apps can also be a way to help quell anxiety, especially for preteens and teens who are rarely without their phones.

For young children: Breathe, Think Do, by Sesame Street; Stop Breathe and Think; Breathing Bubbles; Positive Penguins.

For older youth: Calm; Dreamy Kid; Smiling Mind; Take a Chill.

If you need immediate help – If you or your child need to see a counselor, contact the Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest at 844-528-6800. Telehealth services can be set up until in-person services resume.

Lauren Barry, Ph.D., is a counseling psychologist who has provided treatment to children and adolescents at Wayside for over 20 years.

The post Column: Explaining What “Normal” Looks Like appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

It’s been a rough couple of months living through a pandemic, with little indication regarding if and when life will ever go back to “normal.” Explaining what “normal” looks like to children is difficult when there are no real answers. Anxiety in children is fueled by fear of the unknown which causes worry, stress and irritability.  

Even as the state continues to reopen and loosen restrictions, there are still so many questions about what’s next that we don’t have the answers to. 

Unfortunately, anxious children live in the world of “what–ifs.” What if school is different? What if I must wear a mask? What if I forget my mask? What if I won’t know anyone? What if I can’t go to Girl Scouts, or basketball or to summer camp? What if my parents get sick? What if I don’t want to go outside, to the beach or swimming? What will I do this summer if we can’t go anywhere? 

As parents, what can you do? 

Do Your Best to Answer Questions 

Answer the “what if” questions as best you can, using simple language and being honest about what you don’t know. Anxiety is typically about anticipating that something bad will happen. Children with anxiety need reassurance more than most other children. They are looking for an answer to quell the fear that keeps them up at night. If you don’t know the answer, it is OK to say that you don’t know, but that you and the important people in the child’s life are doing everything you can to make sure that they are safe wherever they are.  

Prepare Ahead of Time 

Children with anxiety like to be prepared. They want to anticipate every scenario. It may feel frustrating to you that they want to know for the sixth time if the school is safe, if desks are spaced apart, if teachers will wear masks, etc. Taking the time to have these conversations will go a long way toward reducing the fears that could potentially result in school refusal, tantrums, anxiety attacks or physical symptoms later.  

Brainstorm Answers to “What if” Questions 

Give them concrete examples of how they can respond to their “what if’s” on their own. For example, “what could you do if you have to wear a mask and you forget it at home?” Have them brainstorm ahead of time about what they would do in this situation; keep an extra mask in their backpack, tell their teacher, go to the nurse, etc. This is a way to turn a “worry thought” into a “positive thought” by creating a plan of action. 

Avoid Avoidance

Children who are anxious want to avoid situations that are scary or triggering for them. Allowing them to avoid these situations reinforces that the way to deal with their anxiety is to hide from it. You can help soothe their fears by taking small steps toward the feared situation, instead of running from it. 

Build a Coping Kit 

Help your child build a “coping kit” of tools that will work for them when they feel anxious. Some children like having a stress ball or fidget toy handy. Others like to practice deep breathing and yoga or put on headphones and listen to distracting music under a weighted blanket. Still others prefer to work with their hands – to draw, make a bracelet, knit, or build something. You and your child know best the tools that will help to calm them, and it is important that your child have access to those tools before their anxiety takes over. 

Debrief 

After your child has tried different coping tools, ask them what worked, and why, or alternatively, what didn’t work, and why not? Ongoing practice and reinforcement of these tools will allow them to access these coping skills when needed. Sometimes a skill works for a specific fear, but not for something else, so adjusting and problem solving is the best way to create lasting change. As with any skill, managing anxiety takes practice. 

Finally, do your best to manage your own anxiety around your children. You may be dealing with your own job changes, financial issues, childcare concerns, etc., but ideally it is best to keep those concerns among the adults. 

Mobile apps can also be a way to help quell anxiety, especially for preteens and teens who are rarely without their phones. 

For young children: 

• Breathe, Think Do, by Sesame Street 
• Stop Breathe and Think 
• Breathing Bubbles 
• Positive Penguins
  

For older youth: 

• Calm 
• Dreamy Kid 
• Smiling Mind 
• Take a Chill 

If you need immediate help – If you or your child need to see a counselor, contact the Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest at (844) 528-6800. Telehealth services can be set up until in-person services resume. 

Lauren Barry, Ph.D., is a counseling psychologist who has provided treatment to children and adolescents at Wayside for over 20 years.

The post Parenting Children With Anxiety During COVID-19 appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

The state is reopening, and while some people are venturing out of their homes, those living with their abusers may not be able to leave. Virtual counseling is available across the state and rape crisis hotlines are up and running. Call our FREE, confidential hotline 24/7 – 1-800-511-5070.

Below are some tips for survivors to stay safe while at home during COVID-19. 

What are the top 3 things people can do to keep themselves safe if they are living with an abuser during COVID-19?

1. Programs across the state are running virtually. Survivors can find a program in their region by visiting Jane Doe Inc’s website for resources and to find help in your area. Reach out to a local Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program to connect with an advocate. Our FREE hotline is running without interruption 24/7, and our advocates can be reached at 1-800-511-5070. Services are available in Spanish, Portuguese and English, and further translations are available upon request.
2. Create a step by step safety plan. An advocate can help survivors devise a plan that is specific to your situation. Survivors should not be afraid to use an advocate’s time – the health and safety of survivors is the top priority of our advocates. (See Question 2 for more details on safety planning).
3. Practice self-care. Taking care of basic needs is the foundation of self-care. When people are struggling, especially survivors, they tend to forget about self-care. It is also common for people who have experienced past trauma to feel a resurgence of fears. To stay grounded, survivors can remind themselves of what they have overcome in the past and know that they can get through this as well. They can practice mindfulness strategies such as mediation and yoga to help them stay focused. They can pay attention to what they can control when they feel like they are losing control. Survivors may want to make a list of things to remind you of how strong they are.

What are key safety planning measures that those living with an abuser can do during COVID-19?

Safety planning is crucial so when it’s time to leave a survivor knows who to contact or where to go. Shelters may be a difficult option right now – investigate alternative safe places, such as religious centers or staying with a friend. Connect with family, friends and/or an advocate to make them aware of the plan. This can be when the abuser is in the shower or sleeping. If survivors have children, consider their needs and how to keep them safe. Locating important documents like divorce papers, custody documents, birth certificates, immigration documents and put them in a place that is easy to access during an emergency. Store contact information for health care providers and prescriptions in your phone if possible, or try to  memorize it.

What are things people can do if they experience Domestic Violence or Sexual Abuse for the first time during COVID-19?

COVID-19 is making it even harder for survivors to get help because they are with their abuser every day, under constant scrutiny and have less contact with community members. Many abusers are using the virus as a weapon and ignoring precautions or exaggerating risks to control survivors. Survivors should stay informed about the number of positive cases in their area and public places that have reopened. Trust information only from reputable sources such as Mass.gov and the World Health Organization to limit an abuser’s ability to twist the facts and/or manipulate survivors into staying home.

What can you tell survivors who are blaming themselves or feeling alone?

Domestic abuse and sexual assault this can happen to anyone, and the victim is never to blame. Services are available during the pandemic, and survivors should reach out to an advocate, safety plan or call the police if/when it is safe. Sexual Assault Nurse’s Exam (SANE) kits are available if survivors of rape or sexual abuse want to collect forensic evidence. SANE is still running across the state and they are working to open new centers outside hospitals to make access to SANE kits easier.

Other resources in Mass. from Jane Doe’s website:

• View a list of rape crisis center hotlines and direct links to their websites.
• Domestic Violence Safelink (a 24-hour multilingual statewide hotline) – 1-877-785-2020 TTY: 1-877-521-2601
• Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program – click here
• Children Exposed to Domestic Violence – click here
• Supervised Visitation – click here
• Civil legal needs for survivors of sexual assault and rape – Victim Rights Law Center

Resources outside Mass. or the U.S.:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) or visit https://www.thehotline.org/help/ (chat or call).
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides referral for people experiencing abuse as well as for those who may be causing harm to others. If you are concerned about your safety or how you are treating people in your life, please call or chat today.
• Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC) International toll free crisis line, 866-USWOMEN (866-979-6636) or visit www.866uswomen.org

The post How to Stay Safe if You Are Living in an Abusive Home appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

When most people think of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) they likely picture an adult who has been in combat, a serious accident or experienced violence. Children can also have PTSD either from experiencing trauma directly or witnessing it. Childhood trauma can be from a specific event like a car accident or dog bite, but it can also include witnessing domestic violence or enduring neglect or abuse.

Children diagnosed with PTSD are more likely to react strongly to change in their life, to have more trouble managing their emotions and to have less ability to tolerate the disruption and unpredictability. On top of that, these children are significantly affected by the loss of their routine and social connections.

As you might imagine, COVID-19 is not helping.

Research has shown that traumatic experiences impact the developing brain. New fears can develop and old triggers for children can reappear or be exacerbated by the current pandemic.

Children who have been diagnosed with PTSD typically exhibit symptoms that fall into four main categories:

• Body – headaches, stomach aches, sleep problems
• Brain – thinking, concentrating, memory problems
• Emotions – feeling unsafe, having trust and attachment issues, always on edge, having trouble expressing feelings, low self esteem
• Behavior – overly reactive, irritable, aggression, difficulty with impulse control

What can you do as a parent to lessen trauma when it feels as though it’s all around us?

Five Things You Can Do:

1. Respond calmly. Parents who are calm reduce the tendency for children with PTSD to overreact with emotions or behavior. It is important to remember that your child is not a “bad kid,” but that bad things happened to them.
2. Help your child stay in the present which will make it easier for them to concentrate and manage their everyday life. There’s a popular and effective method we use at Wayside, where PTSD is the third most common reason families seek mental health treatment for their children, called the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Five Senses Grounding Technique. The technique is designed to help children calm themselves when their fears start to take over. It begins by your child taking a deep breath and looking for five things around them (saying them out loud), four things they can touch or feel, three things they can hear, two things they can smell and one thing they can taste. They then take another deep breath to finish the exercise. This can calm their body’s physiological fear responses as well as distract them from their anxious thoughts.
3. Talk to your child about what triggers their PTSD and plan ways they can calm themselves when they become anxious. Children with PTSD react with a “fight or flight” response, even when that is no longer helpful or necessary. Being aware of the specific triggers – sounds, smells and emotions can help minimize PTSD symptoms. Write down your child’s triggers on one side of a paper and specific solutions or distractions on the other side. For a child who was bitten by a dog for example, the trigger might be the sound of a dog barking or seeing a dog outside. They might need to know that you are close by, need to see the size of the dog or to be distracted by music or a movie. Reading stories about dogs or looking at puppy videos might help them feel less fearful of dogs.
4. Keep your child occupied with hobbies or things that will keep their mind busy. Try having them write in a journal or use breathing techniques until the feelings of panic pass. Some children want to talk things through, while others just need a quiet place to read a book or watch a movie. When they find a coping strategy that works for them, encourage them to use it again. If it didn’t work, come up with a different strategy so they feel more in control over their fears.
5. Try using mobile apps. There are family-friendly apps designed specifically for managing symptoms of PTSD including:

If your child is not currently in treatment but is exhibiting symptoms of PTSD and needs professional help, you can contact the Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest at (844) 528-6800.

Lauren Barry, Ph.D. is a Counseling Psychologist who has provided treatment to children and adolescents at Wayside for over 20 years.

The post Parenting Children With PTSD During COVID-19 appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

This article originally appeared in the Framingham Source on May 6, 2020

“We are always here to provide critical support to families in need, but we also want to give children something to smile about during an extremely stressful time,” said Paul Mina, President & CEO at the United Way of Tri-County. “In times when there is so much bad news, it feels good to do something that simply brings joy to a child.”

A tractor-trailer packed with 52 pallets, all stacked with brand new LEGOs, sports balls, stuffed animals, toy trucks, board games, activity books, and more arrived at the United Way’s Downtown Framingham warehouse early Monday afternoon.

Staff spent hours sorting items by age range and preparing for agency distribution on May 5 and again on May 7. The Framingham warehouse space on Blandin Ave. used to store and sort the toys was generously donated by the Stonegate Group of Natick.

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and adhere to the statewide ban on large gatherings, the United Way of Tri-County asked that agencies arrive at their warehouse to collect the games and toys, and urged social distancing and the use of masks.

In turn, agencies are distributing the donated items to qualifying families following the same safety guidelines.

The United Way of Tri-County is known for giving presents away during their Hope for the Holidays program each December, but recently secured the truckload of toys through their ongoing relationship with Good360 to help ease children’s anxiety during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We are tremendously grateful that the United Way of Tri-County had the foresight to pull together these donations of toys.  We appreciate the opportunity to provide moments of levity and joy to the youth and families we serve during the health crisis,” said Nick Kane, Development Manager, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

We are tremendously grateful that the United Way of Tri-County had the foresight to pull together these donations of toys.  We appreciate the opportunity to provide moments of levity and joy to the youth and families we serve during the health crisis,” – Nick Kane, Development Manager, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

Steve Zepf, Director of Operations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest said, “Any support we can provide for our members and families during this uncertain time is our goal.  It’s particularly important for our economically disadvantaged members to have access to new activities and games to keep them busy during this difficult time.”

If you would like to support the United Way of Tri-County’s COVID-19 emergency response fund, please visit their website at www.uwotc.org/covid

Good360’s mission is to help people in need by inspiring companies to support nonprofits and does so by connecting companies that have
products to donate with nonprofits who need them.

Since 1983, Good360 has distributed more than $9 billion in donated goods in the U.S. and around the world, helping its network of more than 57,000 prequalified nonprofit members strengthen communities and
improve the lives of millions of people in need, including those impacted by disasters.

The post Project Toy Box & United Way of Tri-County Helping Families Bring Home Some Fun During COVID-19 appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

“I definitely feel like I’m doing something to help,” says Suarez-Friedman, a clinical intern at the Wayside Youth and Family Support Network in Massachusetts. “I think that I would feel lucky to have any job now, but the fact that my work is supporting people affected by the coronavirus does make it more rewarding.”Applicants fill out a form to request aid, including food, clothing, and money, and get matched with someone who’s offered to fulfill that need.

I definitely feel like I’m doing something to help. I think that I would feel lucky to have any job now, but the fact that my work is supporting people affected by the coronavirus does make it more rewarding.” – Sophia Suarez-Friedman, Wayside clinician

The post Social Workers Step up to Provide Crucial Support to People Affected by the Coronavirus appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

Meet Olivia Chiacchia, coordinator of STEPS Young Adult Resource Center in Arlington, which traditionally provides free, drop-in groups that help young adults ages 18-26 with socialization and one-on-one peer support. Five weeks ago, when COVID-19 forced us inside, Olivia moved her support groups online and even added a few new options to help the young adults she works with keep their social distance. Since then, Olivia’s Instagram Live groups have gained a global following. Read more about Virtual STEPS below and on Instagram by following @stepsyoungadults.

• Why did you start Virtual groups?
  • I started Virtual STEPS to continue supporting our current members while we are social distancing. My Virtual STEPS catch phrase is “If STEPS can stay home, then so can you!” Part of the reason I’m doing Virtual STEPS from home is to model social distancing to the young adults I’m supporting!
• What were your expectations?
  • I didn’t expect to have so many new members in the virtual program, especially global members! Virtual STEPS has definitely exceeded my expectations thus far and has reached young adults in Italy and Pakistan! We’ve had special themed walking groups like a “dance walk” where we all danced to music while walking and an international scavenger hunt in our respective neighborhoods and countries! It really makes you realize how small the world is, and how much we have in common despite our physical distance.
• Which groups are the most popular?
  • The Walking Group and the Cooking Group on Instagram Live are the most popular so far!
• What has surprised you most about Virtual STEPS?
  • I couldn’t believe it when people joined the group and said “salaam” and “ciao” and asked if they could join despite being located on different continents than STEPS. They have been able to share their culture and experience through the COVID-19 pandemic from another lens.
• What is your favorite part about Virtual STEPS?
  • My favorite part is watching the young adults support each other through this challenging time. The young adults are what makes Virtual STEPS successful and a powerful resource to all.

The post Wayside Warriors – Olivia Chiacchia appeared first on Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

For children who struggle with mental health issues, being at home during COVID-19 normalizes many of the behaviors that are generally warning signs for depression – staying in bed all day, not showering or getting dressed and lack of interest in activities. It’s understandable given the current circumstances that your child may want to wear pajamas and stay in their room all day, but children with depression can quickly slip into a black hole if this behavior continues for days or weeks.

Children with mood disorders like depression have a harder time being quarantined, especially teens who rely heavily on social interaction and peer support. It’s important that your child continues to take prescribed medications and schedules “visits” with their provider via Telehealth or by phone.

To help your child stay mentally healthy, you can work with them on coping strategies that will help improve their mood. One technique, called “behavioral activation,” decreases isolation by increasing positive activities. Parents can work with children by identifying small, daily goals and rewarding their child when goals are achieved.

Let your child decide what goals they want to set and activities to do at home. Depending on the level of depression, it may be as simple as taking the dog for a walk, baking cookies or playing a video game with a sibling. Ideally, you want to work with your child each day, to plan activities that will include basic hygiene, movement, using their brain (ideally by participating in remote learning) and some type of social connection.

If your child is not currently in treatment but seems to be exhibiting the symptoms of depression including sadness, irritability, lack of motivation, sleeping problems, appetite changes, concentration issues or feelings of hopelessness, check in with them about how they’re feeling. Focus on listening.  You can’t fix the situation, but you can be compassionate and listen to their perspective.  If it seems that they need professional help, you can contact the Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest at (844) 528-6800.

If you are concerned that your child is experiencing thoughts of suicide (they are exhibiting the symptoms above and are also talking about wanting to die, they are giving away possessions, they are writing or drawing images of death, they are withdrawing from you and from contact with friends, their personality changes drastically, they are agitated and feel out of control), contact the Mobile Crisis Intervention program in your area by calling 877 382-1609 or on-line at www.masspartnership.com/member/esp

At Wayside, a large percentage of the children and adolescents we work with are diagnosed with some type of mood disorder. Our counselors work with the youth and their families through outpatient and/or in-home therapy to improve their mood and return them to their typical level of functioning.

There are also some great apps that can help boost your child’s mood. Here are a few:

• Daylio – A mood tracker that involves tracking and journaling.
• Happify – games designed to improve mood.
• Pacifica – a mindfulness program for teens.
• Virtual Hope Box – ways to focus on hopefulness.
• What’s Up – A mental health app that designed to practice coping skills. Ages 4+
• Calm Harm – an app for teens to help manage thoughts of self-harm.
• A Part of Me – A game that helps children cope with the loss of a of a parent, loved one or someone close to them. Ages 11+
• My gratitude journal – A journal that encourages users to list five things they’re grateful for using text, photos and emojis. Ages 10+

Lauren Barry, Ph.D., is a counseling psychologist who has provided treatment to children and adolescents at Wayside for over 20 years.

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