Keira, 15, struggled in school and frequently skipped class. She was diagnosed with anxiety when she was 12, and when she was referred to a problem-solving mental health court for her delinquency in school. Rather than take punitive measures, the court focuses on therapeutic and meaningful interventions, and referred Keira to the Dandelion Project Garden. There, she worked with other youth and a clinical consultant and was able to manage her anxiety in appropriate ways through mindfulness, being in a supportive community, and a new connection with nature. Now, Keira visits the garden on occasion just to say hi and have a minute to unwind.
*Name and story has been modified to protect the identity of the child