Crisis Residential/Respite Program

A mom was suffering from bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and ADHD. Her medications were being adjusted and she needed a safe place for her preschool child to stay during this process. Merrymount provided short-term overnight care for the child.

The Crisis Residential/Respite Program provides care to children in situations where the family is experiencing stress, crisis or transition problems which make them unable to provide appropriate child care on a 24 hour/day basis. The program provides services to meet children’s needs over a temporary period of family instability and to work with the family to cope with the present crisis and to plan for adequate care for the children upon their return home.

Children’s groups offered to the school age children in the Crisis Residential/Respite Program

Skyscrapers

This group provides school age children them opportunity to build and enhance their self awareness and self esteem.  Activities used include art, group cooperative games, drama, stories, discussions, and individual journal writing.  Topics covered include: all about me, labeling and expressing emotions, keep on building and more.  Contact Lisa at ext. 279

Sit Back and Relax

This group provides school age children the opportunity to identify positive and negative stress and the effects of both.  Coping strategies to handle stress are provided as the children develop their own stress kit to address their individual needs and interests.  Activities used include baking, art, music, yoga, meditation, handouts, group games, and discussions.  Topics covered include: what is stress, coping strategies, identifying the physical and emotional signs of stress and more.  Contact Lisa at ext. 279

Circle of Friends

This group provides school age children the opportunity to learn strategies and develop coping skills regarding bullying.  Activities used include role plays, group cooperative games, arts and crafts, individual journal writing, drama and music.  Topics covered include definitions of a bully, bystander, and victim, how to handle teasing, how to be a friend, how to deal with bullying situations and more.  Contact Lisa at ext. 279