Meet Dakota!

Meet Dakota!

As a child Dakota was bullied due to his small size and learning disabilities. The bullying escalated to repeated assaults that eventually resulted in a concussion. Bullying made it difficult for Dakota to focus in school. His grades slipped, he had low self-esteem, suffered from severe anxiety, and had trouble controlling his anger.

His family was referred to Easterseals MORC to begin behavioral health services. He was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. Just as he began to thrive in treatment, his father passed away unexpectedly. Dakota was severely affected by this loss and began showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the many traumas and hurdles that Dakota has experienced, he remained focused on improving his mental health.

Today, Dakota is 13 years old and lives with his grandparents in Madison Heights. Since he began services at Easterseals MORC, his self-esteem has increased, he is on the honor roll at school and was recently named Student of the Month.

His favorite class is Tech Ed and he is interested in anything related to technology. Dakota wants to be a technician when he grows up and we have no doubt he will accomplish that goal.

“I give a lot of credit to Easterseals MORC,” says Dakota. “They helped me to build my confidence and deal with my emotions. I learned that despite going through tough times, in every bad there is a little good.”

“He is a strong boy”, says Dakota’s Grandmother. “Easterseals MORC has helped him become stronger.”