Teens Hit the Slopes

Four teens from our Children’s Services program in Fall River, Mass., skied the slopes at Wachusett Mountain as part of a unique therapeutic outdoor recreation initiative this past winter.

Developed by Joseph Weiss, Service Coordinator of the Children’s Services program, this initiative places teens in a small group setting where they can learn how to ski and develop positive social skills, while reducing stress and negative feelings. The ultimate goal of the group is for the members to be able to ski well enough to join a school, community, or other skiing club, expanding their participation in the local community.

This initiative is made possible through funding from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. May Institute’s Children Services program provides one-on-one support to at-risk adolescents and young adults ages 16-18 through consultation with families, one-on-one skills training, and community-based opportunities for socialization.