As a clinician at The Home’s Safe at Home Somerville program, Layne Patry sees the impact of the organization’s services firsthand.
Her role takes her into the homes and schools of youth with behavioral health needs to help stabilize families and offer intensive outpatient care as an alternative to placing children in hospitals, foster care or residential programs in times of crisis. She and her team collaborate with families on a daily basis to work toward their goals and in the process, create connections that don’t often have the chance to blossom in more traditional therapeutic settings.
“A lot of the time, people welcome us into their families when we are working with them, it’s a beautiful thing,” says Layne. “It is so much more than therapy. It isn’t the stereotypical work you picture, it is deeper than that.”
Like many programs of The Home, Safe at Home uses a wrap-around system of care, a team-based planning process which puts the vision and goals of each child at its center and “wraps” services around their unique needs. Layne and her fellow clinicians involve youth’s families, schools and other community agencies to ensure kids receive the most comprehensive support possible.
“I love working with kids, but when I started at The Home, I realized you can’t work with the kids without working closely with the families,” says Layne. “You could do outpatient work with kids all day, but the second you put them back in the home, all of that either sticks or it doesn’t. Having a supportive family and network that is on the same page with what the kiddos are learning helps everything stick.”
Growing up in Maine, Layne experienced a positive and healthy upbringing, one which now inspires her in her work to help families build strong foundations so that they can thrive together.
“Family is everything to me and running this marathon is my way of honoring that,” says Layne. “It’s a way to give back to the families we serve, ensuring that every child, no matter their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving environment.”
As for her love for running? Layne has her mom to thank for introducing her to the sport at a young age and sustaining her passion for it all these years. When she and her siblings were little, Layne’s mom signed them up for
countless 5Ks and turkey trots, memories that she now looks back on fondly as an adult.
“This is actually the very first race that I’ve ever done without my mom, we have always done them together!” says Layne. “With the race being in Boston though, I know there will be so many people there to cheer me on, including my mom, and she is so excited for me.”
In addition to her running hobby, Layne likes to stay active as a part-time staff member at a local cycling studio. She is also an avid reader – on any given run, you can catch her listening to her latest audiobook download.
Help support Layne as she sets her sights on the finish line by donating to her marathon fundraiser her marathon fundraiser here.
