Testimonials
Grandparent Testimonial
January 31, 2011 - To The Admissions Department
Dear Selina,
It was great to finally meet you in person. It is difficult to realize that four months have passed since that desperate day last September when you answered the phone and introduced me to Elk River. My family, at that time, had hit a wall on how to deal with the continuing, downward spiral in the behavior of our then seventeen year old grandson, Zachary.
Success Stories from Residents
"Missing Camp Paradise"
September 6th was exactly a year since my parents sent me to Elk River. I have met a lot of goals since I have been back and kept in touch with a lot of friends I made there. Believe it or not, I miss "Camp Paradise" every day and would love to come back. Is that weird? My first week was hard, but I learned to love it. Since I have left Elk River, I have graduated from high school thanks to Master S. If it weren't for him, I probably would not have went back to school.
I have held a job and right now I'm working at girls clothing store. I went back to school and got my CNA license. I realize that I really enjoy that field, so I'm going to further my education and become an RN. I moved out of my mom's house three moths ago. I now live in a house with three other girls. I love it! I'm very proud of myself for paying my own bills. I have stayed sober since I went to Elk River, which is a little over a year for me. My mom and I's relationship has grown a ton and she is pretty much my best friend. I am doing great and I love and miss all of y'all. Every time I think about Elk River I get sad. I miss it so much. I thank my mom everyday for giving me such a wonderful experience. Your program really helped me and I am scared to think of where I would be today if my mom didn't care enough to send me there. I think I should get back in the swing of things...waking up for pt every morning did my body some good. And those 4 minute showers I'm sure I saved some water (my water bill last month was way too much!!). I also miss the cooking, man that stuff was amazing! Taco Bell and McDonald's sure does get old! I love y'all and thank you for everything you've done for me.
Hartley
"A Special Place in My Heart"
Today I officially graduated high school!!! My grade point average is a 3.87 - which I am very proud of! I want you all to know that I couldn't have made it this far without all of you who helped me. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of all of you. There were so many great, yet not so great memories that will touch my heart everyday.
I have moved into my apartment that I love! I have three other roommates who I get along with very well! I was accepted for a job with City Year and I am very excited about that! So many wonderful things have happened since I left wonderful Elk River. I miss all of you so much! You will always have a special place in my heart. I will make sure to keep you updated and send a picture of my new smile without braces!
Alina
"People Who Really Seem to Care"
Before I went to Elk River, my life revolved around drugs. All my time and effort went towards my habit. I never had time for what was really important, my family. I was so caught up in what I wanted to do that I couldn't see what mattered to me. I couldn't stop on my own, so in order for me to kick my habit, I needed help. Elk River taught me important skills in order to improve my life. I learned morals, work ethic and much more. Now I have been clean for around 5 months and it's all because of Elk River and my cooperation with the program. In review, most places aren't worth anything, but the people at Elk River really seemed to care.
Jay
"I Came Out a Better Person"
I am where I want to be in life now. In the past, I was unhappy and living a life that was not positive. The decisions I made influenced those around me. I tried to make myself happy by skipping school, sneaking out, and partying too much. But deep down I just felt like a messed up kid. When I went to Elk River, my eyes finally opened. I actually saw what I was doing; it was enough to cry over. That program can help anyone, but you have to want to change. But wanting it was not enough, I had to find out who I was. The program at Elk River challenged me in so many ways, it could be so hard sometimes, but I came out a better person. I am happy now; I am doing things that are good for me. I have the people at the program to thank.
Tarah C.
