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Testimonials

In July of 2005 my then 16 year old daughter, who was once an honor student was in dire need of intervention.  However, our state laws give her the right to receive or decline mental and drug abuse services at 13 years of age not giving parents a lot of choices.  I tried over and over to get her counseling services even to get her committed for mental and drug abuse but was told over and over that she had to sign herself into these services.  We went to the emergency room at least 4 times within a 6 month period for drug overdose and for cutting her arms.  The hospital would not commit her unless she was a danger to herself which apparently “cutting” and using drugs to the point you are overdosing is not “endangering” yourself.

In order to get her the help that she desperately needed I had to go outside of our state because of our laws. In April 2006 my daughter graduated from a wilderness program and was moved to a therapeutic boarding school in Arizona, Copper Canyon Academy (CCA).  This program was not solely for my daughter but involved our family as a whole. Not only had her world turned upside down but our whole family’s world turned upside down too. CCA’s program gave my daughter the opportunity to stop life as she knew it and really start over fresh.  They provided a safe place where she was able to learn how to take care of herself and figure out who she was. This program motivated their students by giving them opportunities to succeed and to mentor new students.  They were taught the tough lessons of logical consequences of their actions in a respectful manner and how to live and actively participate in a community.  

CCA taught parents how their lives play a factor in the lives of their family’s.  My husband and I attended three, three-day long seminars that focused on us and finally how our family can function more successfully.  This experience was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had in my life. 

Before my daughter graduated from CCA, the last few months she soared in her achievements. Her academic performance was stellar; she was student of the month one month and student of the week one week. 

Without this program, I do not believe my daughter would be alive today; certainly she would not be a productive member of society like she is now.  Because of this program our family has learned how to understand one another, communicate and be completely open and honest no matter what.  Our lives have gone from complete chaos, worry, and fear to happy, peaceful and an unbelievable calmness. 

These types of programs not only benefit the attendee, but their brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents.  It is not just saving one life but saving many future lives to come. 
Sincerely,

Jennifer (Washington)