Testimonials

Fantastic program. Open arms and ears with solutions. Would highly recommend

Seacoast Youth Services is a fantastic program. The support that is provided for the client and family is very helpful. Every staff member that we worked with was caring and compassionate.I would highly recommend SYS to anyone in need.

SYS helped to strengthen our family relationships through learning better communication. They also provided support and education regarding adolescent development, substance misuse, and mental health, all of which our family was affected by.

Thank you all for making a positive difference in children and their parent's lives."

To Whom it may Concern,

I am writing in support of Seacoast Youth Services OIOP. A number of years ago, my son became involved with drugs. Although he was an honors student at Winnacunnet High School and had received numerous college scholarships, he began using opioids during his junior/senior year and went down a very dark road. My husband and I had no idea where to turn. Fortunately, we learned that Seacoast Youth Services offers programs for both adolescents and families who are struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. While our son was in various rehab facilities in California and Texas, my husband and I began going to the SYS “Parents Group.” Not only did we receive support, but a great deal of education as well. I truly believe that SYS saved my life and led us to make the appropriate decisions about our son’s treatment.

What we had not recognized at the time was that our son had also been struggling with anxiety and depression. If the OIOP had started one year earlier, perhaps our son’s story would have been different. Unfortunately, during his second stay in re-hab, my husband was killed in a freak accident, but I personally think he died of a broken heart. I continue to support my son as he goes through this journey and have made multiple referrals to SYS’s OIOP to friends or just people who know my story. The OIOP has literally saved lives and families. I cannot think of a more important program to fund than this one.

The Co-occurring Substance Abuse/Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program at Seacoast Youth Services is a jewel that needs to be recognized. The substance abuse that the youth of today are exposed to is overwhelming, never mind adding the challenges of mental health issues. The day that we were directed to Seacoast Youth Services we felt that a window was open, that someone understood what issues we were facing. The process to acquire help was quick and not intimidating. The first day I met Vic the founder of the program. He offered me a cup of coffee while I was waiting to speak with Barry the Coordinator of the IOP program. He stated to me that he was blessed to be able to provide this support for the youth and families of our community. His desire to be successful in helping our kids was seen through every person associated with this program. The program runs four days a week after school; the duration of the program is evaluated individually.

It is a group setting with peers of the same age with similar issues. The availability for the program to provide transportation from school to the program is a key. It gets them there ready to participate. It is a setting that allows them to feel safe without judgment, to talk about what they have been involved in. With that out in the open, the program can help them see what they can and need to do to get back on track. The program provides them with diverse tools; from yoga, art, mindfulness and even a social adventure day with activities from bowling and rock-climbing. The family support is also big plus. The parent meetings were great and allowed the parents to learn from each other.

After 5 weeks in the program, it was determined our daughter had taken what was needed. With an aftercare plan in place, she was ready to be strong in her fight against substance abuse. When our daughter graduated it was not the end, it was a beginning of using the tools she acquired. It also instilled in us and our daughter that the door would always be open if help was needed again. We are forever grateful to have been availed the support of the Seacoast Youth Services IOP program.

Bob, just a note to say 'we' made it! Without your commitment to me I would not have graduated. You made me meet you half way and we did it. My anger and frustration is under control and I am off to serve our country! You are the best!! Friends Forever.

SYS showed my child the positive opportunities and potential in living a sober life. They made him feel that people outside of his home cared about his success.