Parent Testimonials

Student Testimonials |  Parent Testimonials


"Belated Happy Thanksgiving! As I sit here thumbing through the mountain on shopping ads, I've finally taken a moment to think of the many things that I am thankful for. I'd like to especially like to thank you for the constant communication, weekly videos, and all the hard work you put into helping Jordan.She has told me that school is getting harder but that's a good thing (more stuff in the brain). In the past, Jordan has really worn some of her teachers out. At the end of the year they would express relief that she was moving on. With these new changes I hope it's going well for you. Thank you again for your hard work and constant dedication."
      - Laura


"Making the decision to send Mitchell to Turning Winds Academic Institute has been the hardest thing I have ever done. It has been stressful, frustrating, and every other emotion you can think of. But in my heart I loved my son so much I knew that I needed to do something more then I was capable of doing on my own...The healing that has taking place in his heart is so amazing to see. Just to see where he is right now and to see the steps that he has taken and the things that he has accomplished has made this sacrifice worth while."
      - Crissy


"Jonathan is doing great. He's still getting A's and B's in his second semester of college; he has his own apartment, a very good job at the country club, and he's had a steady girlfriend for almost a year. Thanks again for all your help, and our best wishes for the holidays."
      - Kevin


"Thank you again for all your help. Your kindness and support have been invaluable to me through a difficult time. Surely the Lord brought you to us."
      - Debbie


"Mark and I would like to thank you for what you have done for James in the past 7 weeks. Just in his letters and the phone calls we have gotten from him he has become a person that is now thinking of himself, family and life. As some of you know James was not very respectful to adults when we brought him there and from what I am now hearing he is the total opposite of that now. I know that James has a lot more to do to succeed but would like to thank you for helping him to get to where he is at right now. This has been very hard for us! It took all we had to not come and get him after the first couple of weeks. Getting the letters and talking to the staff has changed our minds and made us realize what spectacular people you are. I look up to people that make their career helping out troubled kids. There are not many people around that have the capability or the patience to do what you do. Thanks again!"
      - Mark and Sue


"We are so grateful for the insight you had years ago to begin this program and continue to be so involved with the fortunate children in your school. Thank you warmly."
      - John and Gayle


"With fingers crossed, I can say that Ari seems to be doing okay. I guess I realize that he's vulnerable to bad influences, but as he matures, he'll develop more understanding and strength - and I'll develop a more confident and relaxed attitude! Thanks for everything."
      - Adell


"I am daily grateful that we found your facility. I know Kaitlyn and David are well taken care of and will come away as stronger and more mature teens. May God generously bless you and the entire staff at Turning Winds Academic Institute. Your program was and answer to our prayers!"
      - Gayle


"A very Merry Christmas to all of you! Daniel is doing well. He just finished up another semester at UVSC. He is also assistant to the Bishop, so he's been somewhat busy with that. The big news is that Daniel and I are going to Uganda for four months. Daniel still has his struggles, so I feel going to Africa was set up for Dan. I don't think you can go and not be affected by the devastation of AIDS. May God bless you and the work that you do."
      - Terry


"Jonathan is doing wonderfully. He's 18 now, going to college at the University of Colorado and staying in a dorm. He also has a full-time job as a sous chef at a four-star restaurant in Colorado Springs, and he very much enjoys his work. His personality has vastly improved, and I can honestly say that in more than a year since he's been home we haven't had a single argument with him. That's never happened before! Rebecca and I do not begrudge a moment Jonathan spent with you. He is miraculously improved now and we really enjoy having him around; we're proud of what he's accomplished. Thanks for your help."
      - Kevin


"It has been 2 months since I have last seen my son since he entered the program. The positive changes that I saw in him last week during our visit are dramatic. He is a happy more confident person who has learned how to communicate his feelings in a thoughtful and respectful way. He has learned to manage his anger and be a positive member of our family. Your program has done a wonderful job of helping my son to realize how to change himself into a positive person and his life into a positive direction. I feel he has learned to develop the skills to realize his potential and not self-destruct, as was his pattern prior to entering the program. I would recommend your program to anyone wanting to find the help for their child that has lost their way and is on a negative path to self-destruction. Thank you for your help and I am especially glad that his mother and I were able to discover your program."
      - Bill


"I had to make the most difficult decision of my life a number of months ago. My daughter was spiraling downward and could not cope with life. She was getting into drugs and alcohol abuse, was a truant from school, and I feared for her life. Her academic achievements have always been superior, but her judgment poor. After consulting with family members, I began researching schools and talking to parents with similar problems. One such parent told me of the school in Northern Montana her daughter was attending, and very successfully. After numerous phone calls to program directors and staff members, I finally made the decision I would never have dreamed making and sent her there. Daily phone conversations with the program director kept me informed of her initial progress. After several weeks, letters started arriving and later when she had graduated to a certain level of trust; she was allowed to make phone calls to her family. The first time I visited her in Montana, after about 3 months, I could already tell she had changed drastically. The first thing I noticed was her change in attitude and her appreciation for everything in general. She loves the mountain hiking and the beautiful scenery in Northern Montana. She has been hiking and camping on the Snake River several times already. She loves being in the tranquil environment and close to nature. She tells me she is on a journey to self-discovery and is in the best possible place to do so. She is continuing to develop new skills to deal with whatever life happens to throw her down the road. I am very thankful to the dedicated and loving staff in Northern Montana."
      - Jill


"If you're reading this then you are either considering sending or have made the decision to send your child to Turning Winds Academic Institute. In our case, this "mandatory" attendance method was our only option. It was one of the reasons we chose Turning Winds Academic Institute over other "non-forced-participation" programs. As I write this, our son is in his third month at Turning Winds Academic Institute. The absolute worst part is the initial pickup -it will also be your first feeling of relief after it occurs. The most painful time is the 24 hour period beforehand. You are not a traitor, a betrayer, or a monster, but you'll feel like one. My feeling was similar to waiting for a terminally ill relative to die, and although the pain of the departure is always present, there's the same wave of relief once it's done. We were amazed at how accurately the "pick-up" was described to us by the staff beforehand. It was explained what they wanted us to do, told us what to say, and what their methods were for control. We were prepared for our son's comments, colorful even for a sailor! They told us of other escort missions and different complications (with remedies) that might occur. We had absolutely no surprises that night. I thought our son had memorized the script himself -so accurately did he play his part as described by the staff, and he was extra colorful that night. I was called everything mentioned above and more, but there was no physical problem (fighting, etc.). The entire event took 12 minutes from the time the staff arrived until they left for the airport. My part took 1 minute. I woke him, introduced him to the staff and told him they ran a program in Montana, which I was sending him to. The staff took over from there. I'll part with a little advice. Follow the staff's recommendations concerning your particular circumstances. Don't tell the other children in the family if possible -they might not be able to handle their feelings of split loyalty. They'll understand afterwards. When your child says, "I hate you," then you say "I love you," but don't apologize or discuss it any further. Let the staff do the talking. Your child has no mental feeling of control over them, and can't hurt their feelings or make them feel guilty. The "steeliest" parent should do the introduction. The crier and the children, if possible, should be elsewhere. The tears will come for the steely one after. Don't misunderstand, those tears have a lot of relief in them, and you'll know your child is safe and has another chance at life. The staff knows its business. Trust them and let them handle it. This will be the worst part -it only gets better after that. Good luck and God bless."
      - Raymond