Andy and Lisa's Story

We are parents of a son who we adopted at birth. His bio mom used drugs and smoked and
was violently treated during his gestation. He has had many different learning disabilities and
ADHD that cause him to have a lot of anxiety and depression. He has tested with a very low IQ.
We have had him in various therapies here at home but nothing really helped him. He’s been
bullied at school. He spoke to us often about hating school, not getting it, and more. Mind you,
he is a very fun and energetic young guy and very kind and respectful to most others besides
us. He never worked with us at home doing schoolwork so we knew we couldn’t homeschool
him. We had to call the police one horrible night when he was 13 y/o when he pulled a kitchen
knife on himself then turned it to his dad. He was screaming and acting out of control. Our
beautiful son was spiraling down and we felt totally helpless. There is so much more that time
doesn’t allow us to share with you. We had prayed and prayed for answers. We applied to a
therapeutic boarding school in Texas. It sounded like the answer! Our son didn’t qualify after a
long application process because they currently had mostly older high school age guys with
drug addiction issues and our son didn’t. The next place we applied couldn’t handle his learning
disabilities. Finally the last place was for middle schoolers and worked with his challenges! But
after a year he was kicked out for something they couldn’t deal with. That’s when we found Star
Guides desert wilderness therapy program followed by their sister program, White River
Academy. All we can say is “Thank You God, You have saved our family by sending us all to
these programs!” Our son spent two years at WRA, his 10th and 11th grade years. Of course he
was more like a 5th or 6th grader academically and socially. They accommodated him in classes
with a wonderful aide. We can’t possibly provide 24 hr care to our son to keep him safe and
others like these programs. There are many worthwhile experiences the kids have and they
mature like we could never believe. His therapy sessions were very effective and he really
clicked with his therapist. Their quarterly Parent Weekend programs allowed us to come there
and be with him and get to know the staff and other parents. Oh the support we had! And we still
keep in touch! These weekends were priceless! Our son never would have wanted to go to
these places, but he does admit they were really helpful to him! We know for sure they have
been! He came home at Christmas 2023 and graduated from an online high school program this
past December. Miracle! He held a part time job that he still has. These programs typically
continue for a while after the kid has left via virtual visits, phone calls and texts. This is hugely
great! He just started at our community college in January. Another miracle. He still very much
struggles with anxiety, negative self talk, disorganization, and more, but he learned tools at
these programs to use to help himself. And he uses them most of the time!! We are beyond
thankful for these programs! We pray boldly they continue and that other kids who do
desperately need them find them and get to attend. Life changer. For kid and family!! We
anticipate our son will one day look back and say to himself “What was I doing back then? What
was I thinking? Man, if it weren’t for my parents sending me away to my programs when they
did, I don’t know where I’d be. Probably in an alley drunk or high and dying.”
Thank you