WFH Helps Students Make a Fresh Start
Racine, Wisconsin
Eight years ago, the Racine Unified School District realized it had a debilitating problem in its elementary schools. Highly aggressive and disruptive students were dominating their teachers’ time and attention—severely impacting the teachers’ abilities to instruct the remaining students. Not knowing where else to turn to, the school district looked to community leaders for help.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare (WFH) heard the district’s plea and agreed to lend a helping hand. Within six months, the Fresh Start program for children with emotional, psychological and/or behavioral difficulties was up and running at WFH-All Saints.
“The program makes a difference in the lives of children and families with very little financial, emotional or medical resources,” said Paul Mason, All Saints’ director of mental health and addiction services. “It makes a difference by allowing children to reach their full potential and become productive members of our community.”
Students referred to the alternative education site benefit from the highly structured environment, which includes age-appropriate classes, medication management and therapy. The curriculum, developed by a team of All Saints’ mental health professionals and school district personnel, emphasizes self-control and communication skills. It also offers the personal attention that students need to successfully re-enter traditional classrooms.
“Our success rate has been very high,” added Mason. “Approximately 75 percent of the students in our program are returned to their classrooms and are diverted from being placed in exceptional education programs.” Mason estimates that since its inception, the Fresh Start program has touched the lives of at least 400 students.
