“I remember coming to the family school and the immature, prideful and angry kid I was. I put my family through hell through getting arrested, getting kicked out of schools and the everyday argument that I couldn’t help but provoke. My life was out of control and I was constantly blaming my problems on others.

For a while into my stay I was still behaving the same as when I got here and to no surprise I still felt the same way I was when I arrived. I remember one day sitting in Chris Stein’s room after going on a long binge of my usual sulking and self-pity. I was miserable, and I remember thinking I can’t stand to live like this any longer. I asked Chris for help and at that moment I was open, willing to do anything so I wouldn’t have to feel the way I did any longer. He sat down and read me the promises out of the “Big Book”, then gave me some very useful and simple instructions consisting of prayer and helping others.

For the most part I would still be that angry prideful immature kid had it not been for the people and experiences I’ve encountered here during my stay. Through experimenting with the idea of a higher power and learning that when I screw up it’s never too late to go back and make it right, I have made a new life for myself. One where I’m not always daydreaming about what life could be but rather putting action into to getting goals accomplished.

Although I don’t always follow through with this great advice, I have gained a real love for helping and caring for other people. This school has taught me that when all else fails practice the 12th step, and carry the message. No longer do I cringe at the thought of giving up time or effort for myself in order to help somebody else.”

B.K., Alumni, December 2009