Having fun is therapeutic

Last month, we reported on the annual – last day of school – Field Day. What we didn’t tell you then is that while such a day appears to just be fun, it is actually much more purposeful. Last week, a similar day was planned, coordinated and executed by 70+ staff from various direct care and management sectors at LaSalle. Working together, they provided a comprehensive, quality recreational experience for our Residential youth focused on only one thing: Providing them with the fun and games that every child deserves.

The science of neurological development contributes significantly to the design of all program components at LaSalle. Activity calendars and schedules are planned by staff realize the benefit of frequent, holistic, high interest, physical activities for youth who have experienced toxic stress. While outside field days are not new to LaSalle, they are more frequent especially with the warmer weather and viewed as essential to a youth’s healthy development.

The creativity and energy needed to pull off such an event was praised by fellow staff and administrators. Recognizing that not all kids may have enjoyed the entire day, Executive Director Bill Wolff congratulated staff saying, “I assure you that an event like yesterday is not a common occurrence in agencies like LaSalle, and that speaks to how much you care about kids, and also the pride you have in the place where you work.”

LaSalle School is a leader in programs and services for youth and families in crisis offering a variety of programs designed to meet their needs including specialized residential placement, day service education, and alternative to detention services. The Counseling Center at LaSalle is an OMH licensed outpatient mental health clinic located at LaSalle School, and currently implementing ACE treatment practices with youth and families.