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Testimonials

Student Testimonials

"I've never been so dirty on the outside and so clean on the inside."
-Justin, California, Age 15

"The first day I came, I was miserable. I took everything as a punishment. All I thought about was my friends at home and the day I'd get out of here. Slowly, I forgot about them and started thinking about myself. I learned things about myself that I never knew. Now I love it here. I have an incredible sense of openness and joy. I can't stop smiling."
-Sarah, Virginia, Age 16

"My instructors were relatable, kind, great, intelligent leaders and really helped me grown and learn. I feel that I have grown more mature, stronger and more responsible. I stopped taking things for granted and that really can achieve greatness."
-Robin, Age 15

"The instructors knew what we were capable of and let us settle. They cared and gave great advice. My therapist was extremely relatable, sweet and goofy. She was really able to see through my "BS". She was real and definitely cares about her students. I have more respect for myself and more confidence. I have a new mindset and a new appreciation for the simple things in my life. I'm hopeful about tomorrow and my success."
-Kay Leigh, Age 17

"I really appreciated the staffs compassion and passion for what they do. They were open and easy to talk to. I've grown to be more confident. I have a new set of beliefs that involve being more safe as well productive."
-Brittney, Age 16

"I found happiness without drugs. I have a new sense of motivation."
-Caroline, Age 14

"I don't know how to explain it, but I did a complete 180!"
-Jared, Age 14

Professional Testimonials

"What is noteworthy about SUWS is that they are in the business strictly to help the student and parents for a short-term stay. SUWS is excellent at breaking the present patterns, removing the child from his or her unhealthy environment, and breaking down the barriers of denial, resistance, and destructive behavior. SUWS does not pretend to be the only cure, but rather an important step in helping the child to receive help. The SUWS Program gives everyone time to plan the next step."
-Educational Consultant

"As a medical professional, I've seen lots of programs for teens, and I've heard lots of promises. SUWS is the only one I know of that truly makes a positive difference. I use SUWS not only as an intervention step, but I rely upon their staff for the insight to help me understand how best to help families make the healthiest choices for the long run."
-Adolescent Psychologist

Parent Testimonials

"I must admit I was skeptical whether the SUWS experience would achieve all that was claimed, so it was with some trepidation that we traveled to meet our daughter. What an incredible surprise! Her personality had turned from a rebellious, uncaring, self-destructive and noncompliant problem into a warm, caring, decent 14 year old child. For the first time in more than two years she hugged us with tears in her eyes and told us she loved us and really meant it. The work you do with children is incredible. You have my utmost respect and undying gratitude."

"We include a list of Parent References with our admissions materials. You may contact as many parents as you like. They are all eager to share their SUWS experience with you."

"The therapists were excellent! They really helped us as much as they helped our son."

"Unbeliavable change for the better."

"Our son's ablity to communicate with us through the letters improved and became less emotional & blaming."

"The Trails End Program was excellent. It pushed my husband and I out of our comfort zones and we learned alot about ourselves. It was amazing to watch my son show us the skills, talk to us calmly and thoughtfully. I really enjoyed the initiatives...even though some of them were really hard."

"At every step of the way in the journey of our son, the SUWS staff was wonderful. All of our questions and concerns were answered in a clear and thoughtful manner. Bottom line...SUWS is absolutly amazing! To be honest, I was skepitical that my son could be influenced in such a positive way. While my son has gone off to boarding school, he was an absolute pleasure during Trails end & the transition to his new school. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The parent workshop was wonderful! Everything was great!!! The fields instructors, the therapists, everyone! Though the wilderness is a difficult place, the changes in our son are absolutely amazing. You all did a wonderful job!"

"I believe the program as a whole, although experience was and is designed to place the child's growth and development first. Initial connection to the program through the internet and contact with the Admissions team was the key to our decisions to sending our son to SUWS."

"Thank you for putting your heart and soul into helping these kids. Our son has a second chance because of you. Thank You!"

"We only have the highest praise for our son's therapist. She was very approachable, sensitive, kind and completely professional. She was extraordinary at focusing and consolidating all of the information we needed to discuss in a 1 hour block of time each week. The calls were always very satisfying. Our son was able to communicate so well!"

"Our son learned to be in the moment and learned to truly express himself."

"We were impressed by the fact that so many professionals were involved to maximize the likelihood for success. - i.e. the field supervisor, Family Program director, Family Resource Specialist, field instructors and the field medics. All very impressive. The transformation was amazing."

"In our opinion, our sons therapist will turn out to be one of the most influential individuals to into his life. We can not express in words how truly grateful we are."

"I could not have have asked for a more outstanding therapist. She immediatly understood my daughters needs, and was always forthright about what needed to be done. She was fabulous!"

"We loved spending time with our daughter at the Trails End program and realizing how much more she valued our relationship, plus how much she had accomplished as far as acuiring both physical and emotional skills. We are eternally grateful for everyones professionalism and dedication to the children. I wish everyone who has a teenager going through difficulties could experience even half the transformation that we have."

"Everyone was wonderful. Our daughter is back to be being the same daughter we used to know. I beautiful, intelligent, drugfree young woman."

"We got are son back! You guys should be proud of all the great work you are doing to help troubled teens. Thank God for your program!"

"The communication skills that my son learned from SUWS and the way he was able to express and handle his emotions was very impressive."

"The field instructors were the silent heroes in the process. How they related to Corey on a personal note, but were still so professional was amazing. Thank You!"

"We never felt alone during the process. From the application to Trails End; someone was always there for us. From the phone calls every Friday to all of the online resources. For 68 days...SUWS was there for my family."

"The therapists were excellent! They really helped us as much as they helped our son"

"Unbeliavable change for the better"

"Our son's ablity to communicate with us through the letters improved and became less emotional & blaming"

"Thank you for putting your heart and soul into helping these kids. Our son has a second chance because of you. Thank You!"

"We were impressed with every aspect of the program...the parent checkin website was excellant"

"I could not have have asked for a more outstanding therapist. She immediatly understood my daughters needs, and was always forthright about what needed to be done. She was fabulous! "

"Everyone was wonderful. Our daughter is back to be being the same daughter we used to know. I beautiful, intelligent, drugfree young woman."

"The communication skills that my son learned from SUWS and the way he was able to express and handle his emotions was very impressive"

"The field instructors were the silent heroes in the process. How they related to Corey on a personal note, but were still so professional was amazing. Thank You!"

"I felt that I should have handwritten this portion; however, knew it was lengthy and by the end, my writing could be hard to read. I wanted it to be personal because after 68 days you have become a part of our lives that we will never forget.
     When I held Corey for the first time and I heard his first cry, as a parent I never imagined that I would go through something like we have. I never thought that he would become a teenager who found himself unable to deal with things and make bad choices. Then with him 15 yrs old, I found myself in front a computer-searching for solutions to my child's depression and drug issues ... only to become more confused and frustrated. I began calling around but not giving out too much information because I didn't want many to know what I was going through ... 1 was the only one with a child that had these issues. I would leave my computer to go into to check on him and find him with a look of loss in his eyes, becoming more distant, and unable to communicate with me. Then I would cry myself to sleep after pleading with God to help my son and give me directions. He answered my prayers by putting me into contact with two families that had similar experiences and both had sent their children to your program. As I sat in front of my computer and filled out the lengthy application, tears would fall down on my face and I would ask if there was not another solution. What else could I do to help my child ... 1 was his mother! Then when Erin called and told me he was accepted, I sat again and wept and shook with fear and sadness. Erin was such a great "staff' through this early process. She guided me and helped me see that we could not wait; we needed to get the help for Corey as soon as we can. He did not deserve to have to go through any more pain than he had
    We waited until he has finished his exams; he even came to me asking toJor help. Through my tears, I calmly told him to trust me that I would get him the help that he needed. I knew that he was leaving in a few days but knew that this was the best for him. His dad and I woke him on the morning of January 22 and told him that we were taking him off. He seemed at peace and gave us no problems. We arrived at SUWS and met the wonderful office staff who we could tell had been down this road before but made us feel that we were the most important. Seeing him being taken out the door will never leave my memory, but hearing the two young men talk to him and try to comfort him gave me hope. This process was handled so well, that I did leave in peace and left my son with strangers.
     During this journey, I doubted my decision to bring him to SUWS many times. However, every time a new photo was posted, his dad and I would eagerly text each other to say it was posted. Then get on the phone and talk about how well that he looked. You could see the life coming back into his eyes, his dimples showing-a Corey that we had not seen for a long time. His letters were filled with hope, with words of encouragement, and wonderful poems. Brandon was our rock throughout this journey. Every Friday, I would wait anxiously at the kitchen table, Corey's photo in front of me, and paper and pen. I can say that many of those Friday calls were disturbing, sad and made me feel sick. Brandon would handle these issues sternly but with a comforting tone that helped us get through these days. He was always genuinely concerned about Corey but also about us as his parents. Brandon will make an excellent father; he has such a gift and a calling in life. He was so personable during this process and that is what really got us through this journey. His knowledge and able to communicate was very helpful.
     The message board was a useful tool. I was able to see how other parents dealt with and were dealing with the same issues that we as a family were also going through. You could easily identify and see that you were not alone on this ride. It was also therapeutic to be able to offer words of encouragement to new parents on the board. The parent workshops were amazing. Not only did she do a super job, but also gave us the opportunity to talk and bond with parents that were going through the same things we were. We did not feel that we were the only ones that were walking down this path. Offering parent workshops outside of SUWS would be an excellent opportunity for community outreach. So many parents need assistance but don't know where to turn. Perhaps, a young adult could be saved.
     Trails end was such an amazing finale to our journey with our son. Topping the rise in front of the church and only able to see the top of his head is a sight that I will hold close to my heart. That bandana around his head and that red fleece hoodie-a sight any mother is grateful to see. Chance did a wonderful job those 24 hours. He is young in years but had so much to offer to older parents. He is truly an asset to SUWS. It was important to see a little of what our children had endured during their stay. It really made me appreciate more what Corey did to succeed while there. During those 24 hours at trails end, I found myself thanking God for people like Chance to be in our lives but more importantly such an integral part of our son's life.
    I would lie in telling you that I am glad that we met. However, I am thankful and grateful that SUWS was here for Corey. Those 68 days were some of my best and some of my worst of my life. I feel so thankful in that Corey accomplished so much because it confirms why we sent him to SUWS. His leadership came out and he became a mentor to others. As a parent, I thought all was well with our relationship. Just until recently, I have come to realize that I made some mistakes that caused Corey to look elsewhere and turned to drugs for answers that he no longer felt safe to find at home. Whether he realizes or not, he is teaching me things. SUWS saw Corey's gift in writing and taught him how to use this talent to positively express himself and also to help deal with things.
    We dropped off a 15 year old without a lift in his walk, no spark in his eyes and no personal drive. We brought home a 15 year old with courage to face his problems in a better way, pride in himself and the belief that he can do whatever he sets his mind to do. Thank you SUWS for giving our son a chance to give his best at everything that he does. As a parent, I still face the future with some fear, but also with hope and with excitement-now thanks to you ... we have the opportunity to walk with Corey in his future-THANK YOU"

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Testimonials