Matt T.
December Class of 2007
“Life is completely different than I expected,” said Matt T., who graduated from The Family Foundation School in December 2007. Matt was in Family Six. At 20 years old, Matt is living a great life. He attends classes at Lackawanna College and is living in Scranton, Pa. He is currently working at a kosher Jewish deli. Matt returned to FFS with other alumni on Saturday March 21 for Family Day and had a great time watching the school production and catching up with his old friends.
Matt still struggles with people pleasing and anger, but he tries to apply the tools that he learned at the school to these issues. “I struggle a lot with staying physically intact,” Matt jokes, “because I do a lot of stupid stuff.” He also keeps in touch with other Family School alumni.
“I gained a lot from being here,” Matt said. Like most students that come to FFS, he struggled in his first months here. Through hard work and determination he graduated and is staying sober and enjoying his new life.
“Life is what you make it,” Matt says. He is doing great and hopes to visit FFS again soon.
By Regina C.
This month in Family Seven, Austin C., Dave M., Brendan O., and Nick P. have earned shadowing after losing the privilege due to a struggle that they had in which they weren’t helping others. Nat L. has received an anchor, giving him the responsibility of a Residential Assistant.
Family Seven’s unity is beginning to grow again with the help of new students and determination. “After some struggling with many of the students, a lot of the kids are getting serious about integrity, which will help them to start caring about others,” said Family Leader Jan Cheripko.
The girls are uniting and moving forward with the help of Kendra S. who attended the school for nine months until she turned 18 and walked. This month Kendra returned to the school, and is now in Family Seven. “It has been a challenge, but a good one. The family was really welcoming and open-armed to me. I enjoy helping the girls and I’m glad to be back,” said Kendra.
Last month Laura W. joined the family, spreading as much of her experience, strength, and hope that she has acquired during her stay at FFS. Laura was switched back to Family Six, her original family, after giving all that she had to offer. Mary F. was placed into Family Seven from Family Two to give some change in her surroundings as well as a chance offer her help.
By Henry W.
This month Family Six, is continuing to grow. Family Six finally moved back into their family quarters. It had been under reconstruction since January.
Family Leader Thomas “Woody” Wood explained “The new family is beautiful.” Everything was redone. There is a new floor, fresh paint, new cushion covers, etc. Everyone seems to like it.
The new golf season also began this month after three tryouts. Alex B. and Tom S. both made the team. Woody is also the coach of the golf team and is excited for the new season.
Many students are still trying their best to take on new responsibilities to help out the family. Jill M. received buddying and shadowing inside the family. Philip D. received a buddy, Kyle S. who is younger brother of Family One student Sean S. Jessica B. was also moved this month from Family Two to Family Six to give her a better chance in a new environment.
Family Six students and staff are still united, and show no sign of changing. June is getting closer and “graduation will be a struggle,” said Woody.
Graduation is a struggle for every family. Students lose their friends who they naturally have grown very close to after living with each other for so many months.
