At Turning Winds, we are forging lifelong relationships with our teenage clients. Our model of care, renowned for its effective therapeutic support, mirrors a functional family system. This system is integral to our residential treatment concept. From the beginning, embodying the essence of family has been a cornerstone of the Turning Winds approach to healing.
Many alumni, having transformed their lives at Turning Winds are so positively affected and had such a life-transforming experience that they wish to stay in touch and give back in return.
NEW ALUMNI GROUP
“We reached out to the alumni with whom we had the most recent contact,” says program director Enoch Stump. “They are already communicating with us as a general rule. We hope to get all the shared experiences of all the kids who were with us over the years to support other alumni.”
Since its inception, the group has been supervised by chief operations officer Carl Baisden and Stump but soon alumni are expected to lead this group. “They could talk about struggles they are having, talk about issues that are coming up, talk about solutions others have used, and just have a forum to share and support each other in a safe space,” explains Stump.
It’s also an opportunity to give former clients some productive feedback. “Last week we set individual goals, so there is goal setting and accountability to each other,” says Stump. “It’s been encouraging early on, we have kids in the group who left three or four years ago but when they have a conversation it feels like they just left a few weeks ago. It’s great to realize how easy it is to connect and how eager clients are to talk about what’s going on with them.”
“We have some kids who are now going to college or have great jobs and still—like the rest of us—they have some serious topics they are dealing with and it’s wonderful to have a forum to talk those things through,” says Stump. “We’re also excited to get our latest graduates involved in the new alumni group, eventually, every kid will have an opportunity to join this group as part of their transition plan.”
In many ways, the new group mirrors the successful parent group. “It’s the model we’re now using for the alumni, too. So far, it’s been very encouraging and the kids seem to be engaged in the process,” says Stump.
A LIFELONG EXTENDED FAMILY
Our alumni are always part of the Turning Winds family. We celebrate their successes, provide support during challenges, and offer opportunities for them to stay connected with the community they’ve helped to build. This enduring bond is a testament to the lasting impact of the Turning Winds experience.
Over the past two decades, Turning Winds has been able to help many families overcome what seemed impossible odds. Our mission is to rescue teens from crises, renew their belief in their potential, reunite them with their families, and put them on a sustainable path to success.
Contact us online for more information, or call us at 800-845-1380. Someone will get back to you immediately if your call isn’t answered in person.
