Parents
Overwhelmed. Anxious. Sad. Isolated. Conflicted. Depressed. Lonely. Guilt-ridden. As a parent of an at-risk teen, this emotional roller-coaster is one you know well. Making responsible decisions for the well-being of your child is a demanding task. Change does not happen swiftly, nor does it travel in a straight line. The journey has its ups and downs. Your Community will offer you the support you need, as well as a place ‘to give back’ along that journey. Relief. Joy. Gratitude. Appreciation. Reassurance. Comfort. Hope. A more desirable position on the emotional spectrum.
Here are what some parents and teens have shared with their Community concerning their experiences, as well as their appreciations to their Schools and Programs.
Assurance
"We are ‘new’ parents with a son in the program for only
about four weeks now. I was glad to read the humor piece someone posted on
what some of the kids say to scare the heck out of us so we will bring them
home. As I read them I was feeling pretty good because all we had received
were two letters filled with apologies and contrition. Then it came! The
letter that sends the shivers up your spine. Thankfully I got to ‘talk’ to
some ‘older’ parents from our Community who assured me not to
worry about a thing. What a help it is to connect with others who are like
me."
~ Esther T. / parent
Life Transitions
"I recently graduated the Program and am going
through the process of transition and realizing how important my life is
and how much I was really missing out on before. Thanks."
~ Cammie L. / student grad
Opportunity to Share
"Thank you for the most wonderful opportunity to share my experience
with others."
~ Tammy C., parent
Gratitude
"I just wanted to take this time to thank the
program staff for all the wonderful work you are doing. Our son is currently
serving in the US Navy and has graduated from language school and awaiting
permanent deployment. There will always be a warm spot in my heart for
all the kids, parents and staff that make this program work."
~ Greg E. / parent grad
Uplifting
"There have been times that I have felt discouraged or troubled.
Reviewing comments from others has been uplifting and reaffirming for me."
~ Pam H.
/ parent
We’re Not Alone
"While it is sad there are so many families in our situation,
it is good to see that we are not alone, and that we can hope and work
for a better future."
~ Charles and Georgia N. / new parents
Being of Service
"We love feeling part of our Community and feel that in some small
way we are giving back to a program that helped us find our family."
~ Chris H. /
parent grad
Pay It Forward
"Just wanted to let you know about a note I received
from my aunt, thanking me for recommending the program to them for their
granddaughter. They’d
called me last year, desperate for help, knowing that we’d found a
program for our son several years ago. My aunt now writes that her granddaughter
has graduated and is a different person, so happy with herself now and about
to go on a mission trip with her church. Just wanted to pass on this bit
of happy news ... once again we have another changed life and once again,
I am very thankful for this program."
~ June R. / parent grad
Hearing from Others
"Reading other parent’s input really helps, not to mention
the kid’s
stories too."
~ Phoebe S. / parent
Aftercare
"I have benefited a tremendous amount and love the opportunity
to share with others about my experience."
~ Dustin A. / student grad
Revealing
"Reading the postings on Community has opened a flood of emotions,
but was very helpful to me."
~ Nell O. / new parent
Family Unity
"It has been very healing for me to write. I
remain very hopeful, yet nervous, as we progress to this next ‘phase’ of
family unity."
~ Pat S.
/ parent
Hopeful
"I cannot tell you how wonderful I feel to see
my daughter write and post such heart-felt words. So for all you parents
out there who are just starting your journey. . . there is hope . . . lots
of hope. Stay focused and keep on posting. Community is the link to your
child’s life."
~ Lisa S. /
parent grad
Appreciation
"Thanks for providing such a great resource."
~ Dona M. / parent
Inspiring
"Our Community has been a powerful influence for me. When I was
tempted to give up, I would read the inspiring stories there and I could
go on."
~
Kristie K. / parent grad