Riverside Community Care

07/25/2025

Isabelle and Katherine are mental health specialists serving older adults in the community. Through Riverside’s partnership with Mystic Valley Elder Services and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Outreach for Aging Populations program, they provide therapy in clients' homes and senior facilities, addressing the unique mental health challenges that come with aging. Currently serving approximately 100 older adult clients, the pair helps with issues like social isolation, health changes, and various forms of grief and loss. As one client noted: "I've never been able to talk to someone about my life like this. For this hour, I'm not in so much pain." Learn more here: https://ow.ly/EOQU50Wvw2O

07/23/2025

Riverside is proud to recognize our three amazing staff members who presented at yesterday’s 13th Annual Stephanie Moulton Symposium, held at the JFK Library. This dynamic event, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, explored co-morbidity in mental illness and provided actionable strategies to increase safety within the recovery community.

Dan Foley, Assistant Program Director, Connect2Recovery, and Johnny Franchio, Recovery Coach, delivered their presentation, "From Risk to Respect: Redefining Safety Through Harm Reduction." Amie Sica, Vice President for Recovery & Peer Services, joined the panel discussion to share her expertise alongside Karran Larson (MCDHH/MA), Jennifer Knight-Levine (SAFE Coalition), and Zachary Visinho (Community Counseling Of Bristol County). Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joe Shrand, was also in attendance.

07/23/2025

🎉Congratulations to Amie Sica, Vice President, Recovery & Peer Services, for being awarded the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Trainer of the Year! This well-deserved honor celebrates Amie’s unwavering dedication to championing the power of lived experience and her commitment to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys.

Amie has distinguished herself through her exceptional ability to build, promote, and train the lived experience workforce at scale. Through her extensive knowledge, creative vision, and determination, Amie consistently elevates both the people she serves and her fellow team members. We’re incredibly fortunate to have Amie as part of the Riverside community.

Special thanks to the wonderful team at Kiva Centers for presenting Amie with this honor and for their tireless work advancing peer support services throughout Massachusetts.

07/22/2025

Riverside’s Early Head Start community had a blast at their recent Summer Family Event at Grimmons Park in ! Kids enjoyed a lively day filled with pizza, face painting, and playground shenanigans, as parents developed valuable community connections while soaking in the sun.

Early Head Start is a comprehensive early childhood program that partners with parents to promote children’s healthy development. We have immediate openings for prenatal women and families with children under three- visit our website to learn more and be sure to enroll before our next exciting community event! https://ow.ly/aq4e50WtEWq

07/21/2025

Thank you to The Patriot Ledger for highlighting Riverside’s new NC-8 Recovery Coach program! The program, which is free for participants, eliminates barriers to recovery for residents of Canton, Dedham, Norwood, Milton, Walpole, Wellesley, and Westwood who are managing addiction.

Our Recovery Coaches provide the personalized, compassionate guidance needed to successfully navigate a recovery journey. Learn more about our peer support services today: https://ow.ly/FzhB50WsTce

07/11/2025

Is your child experiencing developmental delays? We’re here to support your family’s journey. Riverside’s Early Intervention program partners with parents to help children from birth to age three reach key developmental milestones. Our evidence-based services include:

• Home visits with certified specialists
• Parent-child support groups
• Consultation and collaboration with other community and medical service providers
• Speech, occupational, & physical therapy

Visit our website to learn more about how we can help your little one thrive: https://ow.ly/TgJP50WoA0w

06/30/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Patrick McEnaney for conquering the Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run in California and raising over $34,000 for Riverside’s su***de prevention services!

From People.com, read the inspiring story of his lifelong commitment to su***de prevention: https://ow.ly/n8iT50WiFlb

Dr. McEnaney runs to honor his two older brothers who died by su***de, and to ensure people have access to life-saving resources that can prevent them from experiencing the heartbreak endured by his family. Racing reminds him of running track with his brother Dan in high school and makes him feel closer to both his brothers.

“I know that every step of the way that my brothers are with me,” says Patrick.

06/27/2025

Riverside's Early Head Start program in wants to thank everyone who attended our recent community baby shower! Expectant mothers and new parents bonded while decorating onesies for their babies, learning about prenatal nutrition, and forming connections with community service agencies. Attendees enjoyed celebrating this transformative time in their lives.

Early Head Start partners with parents to help young children thrive and reach critical developmental milestones. Explore our early childhood services today: https://ow.ly/O78s50WhzTW

06/26/2025

🏃‍♂️Great coverage from the Boston Herald on Dr. Patrick McEnaney's inspiring journey! This Saturday, he'll take on the legendary Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run — not just for personal achievement, but to honor his late brothers and raise funds for su***de prevention.

Dr. McEnaney is running to support our SOS Signs of Su***de program, which has been proven to reduce su***de attempts by 64% and help schools address mental health stigma. His dedication reminds us that talking openly about mental health saves lives.

Through his past efforts, Patrick has already raised over $100,000 for Riverside, and he's working toward another $50,000 goal. As he says, "This is about helping people who are at risk of su***de and making sure people have resources to combat this."

💙 Thank you, Dr. McEnaney, for turning your miles into hope. We're cheering you on every step of the way! ***deprevention ***de

Every mile tells a story — and Patrick McEnaney is chasing one worth remembering. As he lines up for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run (WSER), he carries not just his own hope of finishing,…

06/25/2025

🎉 We're incredibly proud to announce that Karen Bethune, Assistant Program Director of Shared Living, received this year's DDS Provider Recognition Award!

Karen's exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and tireless advocacy for the individuals in Riverside’s Shared Living program have earned her this well-deserved honor. Her commitment to going the extra mile doesn't go unnoticed – both by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and by all the lives she touches every day.

Karen was recognized at an award ceremony on June 5th at the Danversport Yacht Club. She is pictured (center) with Kelly Lawless, Regional Director for DDS, and Cindy O’Donnell, Acting Northeast Region ABI/MFP Waiver Director.

Congratulations, Karen! Your passion and excellence make our community stronger. 👏

06/23/2025

🏳️‍🌈 Riverside's annual Pride event starts tomorrow, June 24, at 11:30 AM! 🏳️‍🌈

You won’t want to miss this inspiring celebration of LGBTQ+ courage and authenticity, featuring keynote speaker Joan Ilacqua, Executive Director of The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston. Register now for a powerful virtual experience honoring the past and charting a bold course toward a more inclusive future. https://ow.ly/kCla50Waop0

Special thanks to Ana Standish, Culture and Belonging Specialist and Trainer, and the rest of the incredible team that helped bring this event to life.

06/23/2025

🏫Fall enrollment is now open at Riverside School! 🏫

Riverside School empowers teenagers to build the skills and confidence needed to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Our small, welcoming setting prioritizes fit to ensure all students can flourish in an environment conducive to learning and growth.

Riverside School serves as the ideal out-of-district placement for teens:

· Living near Milford or Needham
· Navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, or similar mental health diagnoses resulting in internalized behavioral struggles
· Needing a personalized approach to learning and therapy
· Seeking a safe space to develop their self-esteem, identity, and coping skills

Please share this post with parents/caregivers of students who would benefit from our specialized support, and explore our website to learn more. https://ow.ly/EohK50We5I1