Gerard Academy received a total of 82 new “No Worries!” and “Hello, Happy” books from Babs Freeman, an Usborne Books dealer.

Freeman recently organized a fundraiser under Usborne Books’ “Literacy for a Lifetime” program, which donates half the cost of each book after meeting a fundraising goal of $250. The fundraiser was developed by Usborne Books as a way to raise mental health awareness and earn books for those in need.

The books purchased and donated by Freeman will be used during Gerard Academy Life Skills activities and group therapy as a curriculum to touch on emotions. Freeman presented the books to Clinical Supervisor Lindsay Kachmarzinski.

“These books are a thoughtful and wonderful addition to our campus. They will be loved by the children at Gerard Academy,” Kachmarzinski said.

Gerard Academy provides Bridging, Short-Term, and Residential Treatment Programs for Boys and Girls, ages 6-18, who are struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. The site also operates Gerard Community Mental Health Services, an outpatient clinic that helps children, young adults, adults, families, and couples in Austin and the surrounding communities maintain good mental health at every stage of life. For more information, visit www.nexus-yfs.org.