Cutting the red ribbon at the opening of the Youth Trauma Program’s new SMART Room were (left-right) Hallie Riggs, MSW, LICSW, and Megan Tavares, MSW, LICSW, of the Youth Trauma Program; Deidre Donaldson, PhD, former director of FCCF and now chief clinical officer, The May Institute; Jennifer Salem-Russo, MSW, LICSW, clinical coordinator of Youth Trauma Program; Julie Gagliardi, vice president of corporate giving and community relations, BayCoast Bank; and Stephanie Sayles, MSW, LICSW, of the Youth Trauma Program.
BayCoast Bank is a proud contributor to the new SMART Therapy Room at the Fernandes Center for Children & Families in Fall River.
SMART, which stands for Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment, is an evidence-based model of therapy for children who have experienced trauma. The therapy makes use of sensory-based experiences to enhance a child’s ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors.
The new SMART Therapy Room, which was unveiled during the recent 20th anniversary of celebration of the Fernandes Center, is equipped with mats, a trampoline, weighted blanket, wobble board and crash cushions. The variety of equipment, which was funded through BayCoast Bank’s donation, allows children to experiment and find their own comfort zone; these tools complement a child’s therapy and allow for fuller engagement in their treatment and recovery.
“It is a privilege to contribute to a project that can provide such positive reinforcement to children who have experienced trauma,” said Nicholas Christ, President and CEO of BayCoast Bank. “We applaud the Fernandes Center for Children & Families for implementing this treatment.”
About BayCoast Bank
BayCoast Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1851 and headquartered in Swansea, MA. The Bank serves southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with locations in Fall River, New Bedford, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, North Dighton, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Westport, and Tiverton, RI. BayCoast Bank and its affiliates offer a wide range of financial services for consumers, businesses, non-profits and municipalities. Its affiliates include BayCoast Financial Services, offering stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities and college savings plans; Plimoth Investment Advisors, offering investment management, trust services, and financial planning; Partners Insurance Group, LLC, an independent agency providing automobile, home, life and business coverage through a wide range of insurance companies; and BayCoast Mortgage Company, LLC (formerly known as NFC Mortgage Company, LLC), which offers a wide variety of products including FHA, VA, Conforming Loans and Jumbo Loans in 11 states. Nicholas Christ is the Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. For additional information on the Bank or its services, please visit www.BayCoastBank.com or call 508-678-7641.
