people's health issues are identified and treated early.
Marco, a 6th grader, was having a hard time adjusting to his parents' separation and pending divorce. Living in two homes, dealing with both his family's emotional turmoil and financial issues, Marco's school performance suffered. He was tardy nearly every day, quite often missing the entire first hour. Marco was referred to a 10-week Family Change mental health group at school. When he entered the group, Marco had very low self-esteem, shyness issues and academic problems.
Since beginning his participation in the group, Marco's whole demeanor changed, affecting his interactions at home and in school. He is much more confident, now setting and achieving goals. Marco is eager to be on time for school and participates more in his classes. Having learned to be more assertive in asking others for help he is now trying to help others, including his mother. With Marco's encouragement, they attend community family counseling together. Marco is now a positive force in his family and in his school.