CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 6, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The Guidance Center, a local nonprofit child and family service agency, and Riverside Community Care (Riverside), a nonprofit health and human services agency headquartered in Dedham, MA, today announced a merger of the two organizations that will strengthen child and family services in Massachusetts. The agreement, which closed on Sept. 1, is the result of more than a year-long review of strategic options and partnership discussions. The two organizations are currently in the process of integrating operations for maximum efficiency and will continue to operate existing programs in their respective geographic areas.

The Cambridge-based Guidance Center will retain its name, identity and services in Cambridge and Somerville. Its senior management has assumed leadership of Riverside's newly-created Child and Family Division, which includes all Guidance Center programs. Susan C. Ayers, former Executive Director, will continue in a leadership role as the Director of Development of Child and Family Services for Riverside. Riverside will continue to offer mental health, trauma, substance abuse, developmental and traumatic brain injury services to people of all ages in eastern and central Massachusetts.

"We are excited about the powerful synergies between our agencies and the major impact we will have on the well being of children and families in more than 60 communities," said Ms. Ayers. "The Guidance Center's vibrant commitment to family-centered and community-based work is complimented by Riverside, ensuring that Massachusetts' children and families will continue to receive the most effective and efficient care."

The merger is a proactive step taken to sustain and support tremendous growth The Guidance Center has experienced through new contract awards and research resulting in the production of replicable program models. The partnership with Riverside will increase the capacity and diversify the services provided by The Guidance Center.

"This strategic partnership, which combines the two organizations' expertise, resources and long-standing traditions of providing high-quality care to children and families is mutually beneficial for our organizations," said Riverside President and CEO Scott M. Bock. "Not only do we have similar missions, business models and work cultures, but this new relationship will allow us to expand the reach and influence of our programs in the Commonwealth."

About The Guidance Center

The Guidance Center is the leading provider of innovative, family-centered programs for children and families in Cambridge and Somerville, MA. Founded in 1954, The Guidance Center entered into a strategic merger with Riverside Community Care in 2009, strengthening and expanding its high-quality care. The Guidance Center provides an array of integrated services to help children and families cope with developmental, mental health, social and behavioral difficulties, as well as a range of disabilities. The Agency's integrated continuum of family services supports the goals of all parents: to see their children imagine hopeful futures and grow into healthy, productive members of the community. For additional information, please visit www.gcinc.org.

About Riverside Community Care

Riverside Community Care has been a vital resource in eastern and central Massachusetts for more than four decades. Riverside offers a broad range of health and human services, including mental healthcare, developmental disability and brain injury programs, substance abuse treatment, and early childhood services. Each year, more than 15,000 adults, children and adolescents seek Riverside's help. The Agency's reach also extends to municipalities, other care providers and corporations. Whatever the need, wherever it may be, Riverside strives to deliver responsive, innovative care that helps to build healthy communities. For more information, please visit www.riversidecc.org.

SOURCE The Guidance Center

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.gcinc.org
http://www.riversidecc.org