We believe that people possess the ability to grow and change. A Teen’s Struggle With Anxiety and Depression Derek’s mom worried about her son – he was isolating himself in his bedroom, not communicating with anyone, and at times barely functioning at all.“He was almost a shell of the boy that I knew,”she said. But that all changed after Derek began attending the Riverside School, which uses group and individual therapeutic services along with strong academics to keep adolescents with significant mental health needs on track. Derek’s Graduation Derek completed his high school education and graduated from the Riverside School. He learned – in his words – that“it’s okay to feel good about yourself.” His mom“felt like she could breathe again.” Riverside provides many vital services like the Riverside School for children from birth through adulthood throughout much of Massachusetts. To watch a video about how the Riverside School helped Derek and his family visit: www.riversidecc.org and type“Derek”in the search bar. 2 3 “I came in so devastated, and I left, and all I thought was... I do have hope...” – Denise, Derek’s mom