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Ivy Ridge protest in Ogdensburg

Posted 4/29/24

Dozens of Ivy Ridge survivors gathered before city hall in Ogdensburg to peacefully protest in an effort to raise awareness about the institution and similar schools still operating throughout the …

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Ivy Ridge protest in Ogdensburg

Terry Marino’s son Anthony attended Ivy Ridge 2003 - 2004. He committed suicide 18 years later. “I firmly believe had he not attended Ivy Ridge, he would still be with me today,” said Marino.

Terry Marino’s son Anthony attended Ivy Ridge 2003 - 2004. He committed suicide 18 years later. “I firmly believe had he not attended Ivy Ridge, he would still be with me today,” said Marino.

NorthCountryNow photos: Debbie Morgan

At right, Sue tearfully spoke about how she never realized what her daughter, Alisha who attended Academy at Ivy Ridge from 2003-2004, experienced during her time there.

At right, Sue tearfully spoke about how she never realized what her daughter, Alisha who attended Academy at Ivy Ridge from 2003-2004, experienced during her time there.

Scott Gray, NYS Assemblyman, was in the crowd during the rally and spoke to survivors after.

Scott Gray, NYS Assemblyman, was in the crowd during the rally and spoke to survivors after.

NorthCountryNow photos: Debbie Morgan

Many survivors displayed signs that shared their story of their time at Academy at Ivy Ridge

Many survivors displayed signs that shared their story of their time at Academy at Ivy Ridge

NorthCountryNow photos: Debbie Morgan

Over 50 survivors gathered on Ogdensburg City Hall steps at the conclusion of the rally.

Over 50 survivors gathered on Ogdensburg City Hall steps at the conclusion of the rally.

NorthCountryNow photos: Debbie Morgan

Many survivors consoled each other while listening to classmates share their stories.

Many survivors consoled each other while listening to classmates share their stories.

NorthCountryNow photos: Debbie Morgan

Danielle Zambrano, from New Jersey, said while she attended Ivy Ridge from 2004 - 2005, she never left the facility. It was surreal to see an actual community nearby.

Danielle Zambrano, from New Jersey, said while she attended Ivy Ridge from 2004 - 2005, she never left the facility. It was surreal to see an actual community nearby.

NorthCountryNow photos: Debbie Morgan

Posted Monday, April 29, 2024 5:02 pm

Dozens of Ivy Ridge survivors gathered before city hall in Ogdensburg to peacefully protest in an effort to raise awareness about the institution and similar schools still operating throughout the U.S. today.

The event was planned following the nationwide response to the successful Netflix documentary series "The Program: Cults, Cons and Kidnappings," which detailed child abuse perpetrated at the facility between 2001 and 2009.

Terry Marino’s son Anthony attended Ivy Ridge 2003 - 2004. He committed suicide 18 years later. “I firmly believe had he not attended Ivy Ridge, he would still be with me today,” said Marino.

In response to the series, the St. Lawrence County District Attorney's Office, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and State Police held a press conference to acknowledge an investigation is underway. Survivors were also encouraged to come forward and speak directly to the agencies if they were able to.

For more information about the series and abuse allegations, read a previous story here.