By Carolyn M. & Rachael D

Alumni, Jill M., Emily M., Michelle J., Ana R. and Ileana  are working at The Family School this summer. They wanted the opportunity to give back and the self-reminder that not too long ago their lives were spiraling out of control. They know that by helping others their own lives will be enriched as well.

Jill M.
Class of June 2011
During her three years at FFS Jill transformed from an angry, self-centered kid into a young adult striving to be a positive role model for others. After graduating she said, “It wasn’t always easy. Adapting to college life was tough.” But, she kept close ties with people from the school, especially her sponsor, Dawn F. This helped her to stay grounded and led to her desire to return for the summer to help others. She knew helping others would give her the separation she needed from her own difficulties and enable her to continue to make smart, sane decisions in her own life.
Jill has reentered room 107 to work with the Journalism class as well as supervise afternoon activities that take place during the summer session. “The school presents a lot of opportunity you don’t get out in the world, so it’s good to get a break and work on yourself,” she said.

Emily M.
Class of June 2011
Emily came to the Family Sschool in August of 2008 with her sister, Jill. Among her difficulties prior to enrolling at the school was poor school performance. She rarely attended. “All around I just didn’t know how to live life,” she said.
It took her almost a year before she realized she could not continue living her way. Once she finally made the decision to change she began to see positive changes in herself. Since graduating FFS she attends Marywood University in Scranton, Pa.  She decided to come back and work at FFS to refresh her memory. She doesn’t ever want to forget that it wasn’t very long ago that she was in the same position as the students here and she wants to help them the way others helped her.

Michelle J.

Class of June 2011
Before arriving at The Family School the only fun Michelle knew how to have involved some sort of substance abuse. Now she is here for the summer and shares with everyone who will listen just how much fun there really is living sober. Michelle said, “I came back because I missed this place and because it helps me to help myself. I knew it was going to be difficult, but life is always difficult. You have to take what you learn from the program and spread the message.”
She talks with students and stresses the fact that it is possible to live sober and have a lot of fun. In September she will be working at LaGuardia High School as an art teacher and plans to continue her education by studying art and advertising at City Tech University.

Ana R.
Class of January 2012
Ana enrolled at the Family School in September 2009. She describes her life before she came to the school as “insane.” After a tough adjustment period she finally made a decision to try something new. She began following the 12-step program. “The 12-steps help me deal with everything from study skills to everyday situations,” says Reznikovskaya.
She decided to come back to work for the summer session because she missed it here, especially the people. “After being here so long, it was weird to not be here anymore,” she said. She hopes by sharing her experience she is able to help anyone who is struggling.

Illeana A.
Class of January 2012
Illeana arrived at The Family School in July 2010 because her life was out of control. Anxiety and depression were prevalent in all aspects of her life and she had a difficult time socializing with people.
Illeana came back because she wants to remember how things were. “It’s nice to be able to keep it green and to recognize how far I’ve come and all the progress I’ve made,” she said.
She attends college at Norwalt Community College and is studying art which she loves. One of the greatest benefits FFS gave her is her ability to handle her independence and work through conflict at college. When asked why she returned for the summer session she didn’t even have to stop to think. “It feels more like home here. This is my family.”

Amy D.
Class of June 1993

Amy graduated from FFS in 1993 after a two-year stay that she says saved her life.
Amy entered the school as a defiant, angry young woman with violence and behavioral issues. Amy said, “[My experience at FFS] was not easy. I was definitely not one who gave in easily, so my stay was longer. Eventually, though, the values were absorbed, and from that point on I was able to function.”
Amy has been incredibly successful in the years since she was a student here. She is currently married, has three children, and is working as a public health RN in pediatrics.
She showed her deep emotion and gratitude for the school saying, “I know it’s difficult. I know it’s been tough, but the goal of the staff and your parents is that you’re successful and you have a good life.” Her advice to the newcomer is, “Stick with it. You need to learn and absorb as much as you can. You’re not going to be here forever, and there is going to be a time and a place when you’ll be able to put these skills to the test. Believe it or not, this is your life, and you are the one who chooses how you live it.”

Paul P. and Rosie E.
Class of December 2009

Paul arrived at The Family Foundation School on January 25, 2007, and Rosie Enyart arrived on January 16, 2008. They graduated high school together in December of 2009.
Before arriving at FFS, Paul didn’t go to school, got high daily, and didn’t care about his family or future. Rosie had similar issues: she was very unhappy and angry, but she numbed her emotions with drug use and self mutilation.They both had struggles during the beginning of their stays, but they expressed them in different ways.
Paul tried to fly under the radar and didn’t cause a lot of trouble. He “half-measured everything” and did everything he could to get by doing the smallest amount of work. After a while, though, his “flawless” efforts to remain unseen failed. At this point, Paul decided to start to change.
Rosie, on the other hand, acted as if everything was okay and did everything in her power to hide her true emotions. “The reality of the school didn’t hit me until after I was here for a couple of months. At that point, I really expressed my dislike for all of the small rules,” she added.
Paul and Rosie started to turn it around, and eventually, both earned internships and Family School diplomas. Paul even earned the title of Residential Assistant (RA) and received the Student of the Month award.
The key to Rosie’s turnaround was discovering her spirituality. During her stay, she was able to figure out who she really was and what she believed in. However, Enyart says the real work began after she left The Family School.
Paul was tired of the way he was living his life and needed to change. He knew he had to make the decision to turn over his will to his Higher Power.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family at home and Family 6,” said Paul.
After leaving The Family Foundation School, Passaretti remained sober and was involved in Alcoholics Anonymous for a short time. He got emotionally lost, however, and didn’t know where to turn. “I had people around me saying, ‘What are you doing?’ and again, I felt like everyone hated me until I eventually realized that they were right.”
For Rosie, she still had problems that she needed to solve, but once she solved them, it all came together and now she knows what makes her happy and she sticks to it.
Paul and Rosie were welcomed warmly by many staff members and some students who knew them during their stays. “It’s really good to have people excited about how good I am doing and that people have an interest in me and how I feel. It’s even better to hear it from people here because they are my family,” said Rosie.
Currently, Paul lives in New York City. He majors in Liberal Arts at Kingsborough Community College and walks dogs part-time. Rosie also lives in New York attends UConn and is majoring in English with a minor in women’s history. Both of them leave their futures in the hands of God and take life one day at a time.

Dean B.
Class of June 2007

In May of 2004, Dean arrived at FFS, straight from the heart of New York City, in a fit of anger and confusion. He was placed in Family Four but his heart set on leaving as soon as possible and he had no intention of changing his way of thinking.
Dean described his stay as “as hard as I could make it for myself. The first year or so, I was uncooperative and got myself into a lot of trouble.” When asked about what prompted him to change, he said that it was one student who made all the difference. “There was a senior kid in my family who helped me change my mind. He sat in the corner with me all the time and did everything he could to help me. Once I finally found someone I could relate to, I found that I wanted what he had.”
After his graduation in 2007, he continued onto school and started working and continues to work in union construction. His biggest struggle since leaving was “finding where I fit into things. My biggest support is still my dad and my faith, and they keep me going whenever I feel things aren’t going right for me.” Dean’s advice to the newcomer is, “Do what you need to do and everything will fall into place. I’ve been doing that since I left and I have developed a very clean sober life thanks to this principle.”

Ian F.
Class of June 2008

When Ian arrived at The Family School, his energy was invested in drug use. His constant family struggles and desire to get high led him to do things that he would later regret.
During his stay at The Family School, Ian had struggles, but in the end wound up receiving a tremendous amount of support from his peers and staff. “Bill, Rita, and Jan were definitely contributing factors towards my success at the school,” stated Ian.
After graduating in June of 2008 he attended Marywood College in Scranton, Pa. During his stay at college, he felt he was missing something. He was drawn back to The Family School to give back to the community that helped him achieve a life of sobriety and happiness. Ian worked with the students and helped give them advice using his experience. “When I came back to work for the first time, my main purpose was to reconnect with the people that helped me the most but I got a lot out of coming back,” said Ian.
During the interview with Ian, he also said that he would be coming back to work again. He plans to continue his life in sobriety here and aspires to one day have a profession writing screenplays. To the newcomer, he advises, “Keep talking to people about what’s going on inside yourself.”

Chris N.
Class of 1996

Former student and staff, Chris, visited The Family School to catch up with his old friends. Before arriving at FFS, “Nico” described himself as a lost young man who could not cope with his daily issues.
Chris had a knack for acting out on his anger, which led him to get into trouble with the law. When his misbehavior and violence caught up to him, he was sent to FFS in 1993.
After spending three years at FFS, Chris learned about himself and what he needed to change in order to be successful. He credits Terry, Father Stephen, Jan, and Chris S. for helping him work through his dilemmas and showing him how to achieve true happiness.
“A lot of the staff and students from FFS all had morals that I admired. I attribute my success today to people like them,” Chris said.
Thanks to hard internal work, Nico graduated high school in 1996. He returned a year after his departure to give back and work as a staff, but he still struggled adjusting to daily life. “The roots of the real world are different. I had to find the foundation that I wanted to live,” he said.“Life is a long journey, and I acknowledged I had to make the decision which foundations I valued.”

Brandon F.
Class of June 2007

Brandon arrived at FFS in 2003 as an angry and defiant teenager with substance abuse problems and a bad relationship with his family. His stay was long and laborious, like a three-year-long roller coaster ride.
“I finally started to turn around once I got involved. I played sports and did the drama and choir stuff too. I struggled as I went through several different stages, but I was eventually able to find my footing.”
Brandon remained in Family Two for the majority of his stay. He credited Sid and Rita, his family leaders, as his biggest help during his stay at The Family School.
Brandon is currently sober after a recent stay in rehab and is working full-time while living in Long Island. He said that his biggest struggle is staying sober. His advice the newcomer is, “Keep your head up and express your feelings. Always seek good role models and stick with the winners.”

Emily M.

Class of June 2011

FFS alumni Emily M. returned to the school on September 23, 2011 to attend the memorial service of fellow Betton House member Karl (Buddy) R., with whom she graduated just a few months ago.

Emily arrived at FFS in August 2008 with a serious eating disorder, depression, truancy charges, and difficult family relationships.

She said that her stay at FFS was an important and necessary chapter in her life. “It taught me how to live, which I never learned at home.”

Emily is enrolled at Marywood College in Scranton, Pa. maintaining a fit spiritual condition has been very important to her since leaving the school.  “Without a Higher Power in my life, I wouldn’t have made it to where I am today. I am completely grateful for the life I am leading through the help of God and his will for me,” she said.

Emily continued, “Another big help to me has been my sister. She helps me through anything. I have also been depending on other alumni a lot as well. Being able to keep in contact with some people that I graduated from high school with is a great feeling.”

“I know how I was when I started working on my recovery, and the biggest advice I can give is just try to open you to a higher power. You’ll be surprised.”

Nash B

Class of June 2011

 Nash B., June 2011 graduate, came to FFS for a visit on his way back to Ohio after attending a memorial service for Karl (Buddy) R., fellow member of Betton House and a close friend. Nash arrived at FFS on October 24, 2008 after attending a wilderness program.

He was sent to The Family School for drug use, defiance, poor school attendance, and his difficult relationship with his family. He started out in Family One with Mike and Robin D. His biggest help during his stay was friend and junior sponsor Matt W., family leaders Mike and Robin D., sponsor Bill C., and Dog Corps leader and former boss Rita A.

Nash was content with mediocrity during the first part of his stay at The Family School. “After my first year here, I told myself that since I was a year sober, I was cured. I got into a negative relationship with a girl at school and it really opened my eyes to the unmanageability of my life,” he said.

Once Nash started to understand the true meaning of the term “alcoholism,” he realized that drugs and alcohol were only a symptom of his problem. He began to work on his defects of character and grew internally as a result.

After doing well for a significant amount of time, he earned the position of Dog Training intern. “Working with Rita A. really helped me. Being able to experience what a little bit of trust and freedom felt like helped me realize how great life is,” he said.

A few of the goals Nash strived to accomplish while he was attending FFS was to be able to maintain the relationship with his parents. He has currently been balancing his time between his family, his job, and school. “The time-managing skills I was able to learn while I was there (at FFS) have helped me so much today. I find it a lot easier to do school work also because of the study skills and managing I do,” Nash added.

Nash currently attends Columbus State Community College and has a job in his town. He stays active in the program and attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings frequently.

Mary C.

Class of June 2008

 

Mary C. graduated from The Family School in June 2008. She came back to visit on September 27, 2011 with her daughter, Navia.

Mary arrived at The Foundation Family School with a bratty attitude and problems with drugs and violence.  “I didn’t like what that lifestyle did to me,” she said.

When asked about her stay and what the school had given her, she responded, “This place got me back on the right track. I had a bad childhood, so my focus was definitely not on my education or bettering myself. After my stay here, I was able to focus on myself and maintain the right attitude to live a happy life.”

After leaving FFS, Cato continued her education at ASA Institute of Business and Computer Technology in Brooklyn, NY. She received an associate’s degree in medical assistance (occupational studies) and has also studied EKG techniques and phlebotomy.

She currently takes online college classes to attain a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

She advises the newcomer to “…take advantage of all the resources you have here. You won’t have nearly as many of them when you leave.”

 

Brian O.

Class of June 2011

 Brian O. arrived at The Family School on June 8th, 2009 a troubled young man with an abusive relationship with his parents and a drug and alcohol addiction. He had been expelled from public school and was court mandated to attend The Family Foundation School.

At first, Brian thought he could fake his way to a shorter stay by putting on a veneer, trying to pretend that he had no problems. This was not the case, however; staff saw right through his scheme and understood that he was a very angry young man.

Although Brian had his struggles, he did have one ultimate goal in mind: to live a happy, sober life. Without the help along the way from friends Jordan N., Jameson R. and sponsor Gerald J., Brian says that this goal would have been unreachable. By working the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, he lives a peaceful life in sobriety.

“While Brian was here, I learned a lot from him. He taught me to have fun in sobriety and to take myself less seriously. He also taught me not to let my emotions control my actions. Through my experience with him, I have seen him grow a lot since he has been gone from FFS and I am using that to motivate myself to continue doing well while I am here,” said one of Brian’s close friends, Joe T.

Brian currently resides in Hillsdale, N.J., and works for a landscaping company. His job is physically draining, but he says that he loves the challenge. He plans to begin college soon.

 

 

Scott M.

Departed March 2011

 Scott M. returned to The Family School on September 23, 2011 to attend Karl R.’s memorial service. Buddy and Scott were both members of Betton House and developed a close friendship while enrolled at the school.

Prior to his arrival at FFS, Scott lived recklessly; taking drugs, skipping school, getting into legal trouble, disrespecting authority, and fighting with his family.

When he arrived at The Family School, he was full of rage. Throughout his stay, however, he learned how to control his anger and improved his family relationships.  While here he learned how to have sober fun. One hobby he enjoyed while at FFS was skateboarding. “Skateboarding was one of my favorite activities. I used to love going to the French Woods skate park,” he said.

He recently finished high school and currently keeps very busy. He works three jobs and is proud of himself for the work he has accomplished. He has called back to talk to students attending FFS and maintains relationships with alumni. Scott plans to continue living life with honesty and unselfishness and to remain sober, one day at a time.

  

Aaron Z.

Class of June 2010

 

 

Aaron Z. arrived at The Family Foundation School on October 3, 2007 because he was, in his own words, “a self-willed brat.”

“Before I got to this school my life was a mess. I got to the point where I was ready to surrender,” said Aaron.

When asked about his drug use, Aaron stated that the specifics of his use do not matter; selfishness was the root of his disease. Aaron spoke in-depth about his program, testifying that he did not join the program to simply quit drugs, but “to stop being miserable.”

Aaron created lifelong friendships while attending FFS and is extremely grateful to have made these types of connections. He explained his attitude when he got to the school as “closed-minded, to say the least.” Once he began to get to the point of surrender he was able to achieve internal growth.

He graduated in June of 2010 and stated that he is still working his program daily. The best asset he has in his life is his strong connection with Alcoholics Anonymous. Aaron’s advice to the newcomer is, “Be as open-minded as you can, and be willing to accept what is right for you. With those two things you’re almost guaranteed happiness,” he concluded.

 

 

Jack S.

Class of June 2011

On October 1, Jack S. came up from Florida to visit FFS. He was accompanied by two alumni from his graduating class, Michelle J. and Jillian M. He greeted his old friends with an exuberant smile and a hug, eager to tell everyone about all his amazing experiences in sobriety: attending AA conventions, sharing his story with his father at AA meetings, and beginning college.

Prior to arriving at The Family School, Jack was a wreck, both emotionally and physically. He used drugs, drank alcohol, and took advantage of his mother’s weaknesses. He attended a wilderness program before arriving at FFS, so he had been warmed up to a structured environment, sobriety, and a healthier lifestyle.

Upon arrival, Jack was placed in Talbot House, where he remained for the entirety of his stay. He gained a strong connection with a Higher Power and mended his relationship with his parents.

Today, Jack goes to Florida Gulf Coast University and attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings frequently. He keeps in touch with FFS alumni and speaks to his sponsor daily.

He works hard to be able to fully understand that the root of his addiction is his thinking. “I learned to stop listening to my thinking,” he said.

“Jack is one of my best friends, and has helped me so much in my recovery. As my junior sponsor, he literally changed my life. Our bond has been a highlight of my life which I will cherish forever,” said Ron R.

Jack’s advice to the newcomer is, “Always stay aware of everything around you. Don’t be asleep to life, and keep an open mind throughout everything in your life.”

 

Michelle J.

Class of June 2011 

On December 17, 2009, almost two years ago, Michelle J. arrived at The Family Foundation School. She was facing what seemed to be an impossible task: to transition from a chaotic lifestyle that she described as “horrendous” to a life of sobriety, humility, and unselfishness.

“My life just consisted of drugs and alcohol, which lead me away from my academic life and, eventually, my passion of art,” said Michelle.

With a one-way ticket to a therapeutic boarding school and a realization that self-will was not the right way to govern her life, she immersed herself in the principles of The Family School and of Alcoholics Anonymous.

“All the people here stuck with me and never gave up on me,” said Michelle. “That was the most encouraging, and that was a vital part of my success.”

Michelle mentioned Christine S., Dawn P., Joe T., and Talbot House as some of her biggest helps throughout her 19-month-long stay.

“During her last six months, I saw Michelle change so much. She was a true role model for all of us,” said Ashley S., one of Jorgenson’s Talbot House surrogate sisters.

With an RA anchor pin, work study, and just three months left in her stay, and acceptance ticket into college, Michelle could have easily started counting down the days until she reached “freedom.”  Instead, she put her fears aside and left her beloved family, Talbot House, to offer Betton House more support. “I was scared of change, but I knew I had to defeat this fear for myself,” she said.

Michelle currently lives in New York City, New York where she is enrolled in college and is majoring in Visual Art. She consistently works her third step and attends AA often. Her message to the newcomer is, “Say a quick prayer when you’re stressed to stay sane and continue to be open minded.”

 

Jill M.

Class of June 2011

 On August 27, 2008 Jill M. showed up at the doorstep of The Family Foundation School with her twin sister, Emily. She was confused, immature, and scared, addicted to drugs and alcohol and facing truancy charges.

Jill was placed in Family Eight, where she was very quiet and passive. She was a long way from her North Carolina residence, and the FFS lifestyle was a huge shock to her. She didn’t really start working on herself until she moved to Wilson House, where she was enveloped in a sense of warmth, comfort and camaraderie, and began to feel safe enough to really open up.  “One of my biggest helps was my family leader, Woody,” said Jill.

However, in December of 2010 Jill had a figurative rug pulled out from under her feet. After Wilson House closed its doors, she was placed in Talbot House, where she stayed for the remainder of her FFS career.

“I became pretty good friends with Jill close to the end of her stay,” said Ron R. “When she moved to Talbot House, she was a huge support and a positive asset to the family. I truly believe that she will have the spirit of Talbot engraved in her soul forever. It was also good to see her come back to spread some hope for the newer students or students going through a hard time; I could tell it had an impact on them.”

Jill graduated from The Family School on June 25, 2011 and is currently living in New York City, attending City College with a major in photography. She stays in constant contact with fellow alumni Jack S. and Michelle J. She frequently calls Talbot House to catch up with her old friends and to share her hope and experience.

Chris B.

Class of June 2010

 Chris B. arrived at The Family Foundation School on October 31, 2008. Before he came to FFS, he was committing crimes and using drugs, living a lifestyle which he describes as “madness.” After being convicted of several felonies, including grand larceny, theft, and drug-related charges, Chris was court mandated to attend The Family School.

“The thing that I had the most trouble with was taking my Third Step. It was very difficult for me to turn something as important to me as my life over to a power greater than myself. Before coming to the school, I did everything on my own; and when I was asked to give up control, it seemed impossible. But I did it regardless, because I knew that if I really wanted to be and stay sober, it was something I needed to do.”

After a few months at FFS, Chris began to enjoy sobriety. He was able to get back in touch with the things that he really enjoyed doing most, like skateboarding and playing guitar. After doing a lot of hard internal work, Chris received an RA anchor pin as well as an internship as the kitchen work study, where he discovered his love of cooking.

Chris touched many lives while enrolled as a student at The Family School and continues to help others when he comes back to visit. Though most of the current students arrived at FFS after his graduation, he continues to spread his experience, strength and hope through the population.

“I love when Chris comes back to visit. Most of the time, we play guitar together; and even though I wasn’t here during his stay, he is very open to helping me. He is a very positive influence and role model for students,” said Ron R.

“When I first got to FFS, Chris was one of my biggest supports in the school. I was able to come to him with any trouble and he always had the right thing to say,” said Adam B.

Chris’ message to the newcomer is to keep praying. He says that everything happens for a reason, and it is our job to find out these reasons and thus to carry out God’s will.

Currently, Chris lives at East Ridge, a small community that focuses on self-improvement and internal growth based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. He expressed a hope to work as staff at The Family School temporarily as an act of giving back to the school that gave him a second chance at life. He enjoys his periodic visits to FFS. 

 

Nadine N.

December 2010 Program Graduate

 Nadine N. came back to The Family School on October 8 and 9 to pay her respects to friend and mentor Terry M. at his memorial service. It was the first time she was able to make the long trip up to Hancock since her graduation, and she was excited to catch up with staff and students she’d grown close to over her two-year-long stay at FFS, as well as to see all the new changes that had been made since she left last December.

Nadine was close to Terry M. before his passing and the poignant service moved her greatly. “It was pretty emotional for me,” Nadine blushed. “I love Terry so much. I cried a little bit when I heard Lindy speak. The service was beautiful.”

After graduating the program and getting her GED, Nadine moved in with her father in New Jersey and got a job at a gym. “I love my job,” she said. “I teach a spin class, aerobics, and weight lifting… stuff like that. It keeps me in shape, and I have a lot of fun.”

Vibrant as ever, Nadine bubbled over with stories of post-FFS sober fun. “I visited seven countries this summer,” Nadine said. “Sweden and Switzerland were my favorites. The people were so gorgeous; I kept doing double takes on the street!”

Nadine stressed the idea that life in sobriety isn’t perfect, and expectations breed failure and resentment. She is passionate in her belief and lives her life accordingly. “I’ve fallen on my face a couple of times with my living situation and family. I still have to manage anger and stress, but it’s a process: I’m just living my life.”

 

Owen D.

June 2011 Program Graduate

 Prior to arriving at The Family School, Owen D.’s life was in shambles. His life was filled with drugs, and the relationship he had with his parents was horrendous.

By the time he got sent to a wilderness program, his life was completely chaotic. At that point, Owen had moved out of his house and was living in his car.

Owen arrived at FFS on April 21, 2010 straight from the wilderness program. He was placed in Mann House and his goal while he was here was to learn how to love life without abusing any substances.

Owen bonded with staff members Jan C. and Marcia E. They both helped him gain a strong connection to a Higher Power and implement time management and coping skills. He also connected with students Dave M. and Hunter L., who helped him with his struggles among the student body.

To the newcomer, he says, “It’s so important to find someone you trust and to be completely honest with them. You’ve got to be able to tell them anything to keep your problems from building up and slipping back to your old way of thinking.”

Owen is currently enrolled in Columbus State Community College in Ohio. His spirituality is still a very important part of his day-to-day life. He frequently calls to talk to students and attends AA meetings to maintain his sobriety and receive experience from other members of AA. He also has two jobs in which he works 30 hours a week for a landscaping company and a Panera Bread Cafe.

Josh R.

Program Graduate June 2010

Family Foundation School alumnus Josh R. stopped by to see his old friends and attend the June graduation ceremony.

Josh is a full time construction worker in Manhattan, New York. He says that he is really enjoying the way life has shaped up for him; however, before attending The Family School, his life was anything but enjoyable.

Due to a serious drug addiction and a poor relationship with his family, Josh’s life was heading down a very negative path. It was at that point that his parents sent him to a wilderness program.

Following his experience in the woods, Josh realized he still needed more help. He then willingly came to The Family Foundation School on July 12, 2008.

“Right from the start I struggled adapting to the people around me,” Josh said. “I could not find myself being able to open up to anyone or become honest.”

Josh made friends here at the school through chorus and soccer and with their help overcame his difficulties. Josh kept striving to improve himself and show that he wanted the change that was being offered at the school. “I now really do realize this place saved my life. I owe a lot of my progress to the school,” said Josh.

He departed from FFS on June 26, 2010 as a program graduate.

He continued his schooling at home and now has a full time job that he loves. When asked if he had any advice for the newcomer Josh said, “Just remember life gets better. I would recommend you find someone who you trust, and start by opening up to them.”

Cresse M.
Class of December 2010

On June 9 Cresse M. returned with fellow alumnus, Lana G., to share her experience, strength, and hope with friends at The Family Foundation School.

Cresse arrived at FFS on June 15, 2009 for drug abuse and horrendous relationships at home. “I was truly the definition of self will run riot. I did whatever, whenever,” Cresse said, describing her lifestyle before FFS.

With the help of the girls in her family, Talbot House, Cresse was able to make the changes she needed so she would be eligible to graduate from the school in December 2010.

Her last six months were the most exciting of her stay as she was awarded the kitchen internship. “That work study was one of the most beneficial jobs I have ever had. I learned how to work as hard as I can, which will be useful,” said Cresse.

With a diploma in her hand and a novelty experience ahead, Cresse left her home in South Carolina and moved to Brooklyn, NY.

She found sobriety hard at first, but after finding an inspirational sponsor she kept the knowledge she had learned over the past years and applied it to her life. “My sponsor is so awesome. She keeps me going, and now my life is manageable thanks to her help,” Cresse said

Now Cresse attends school and is an active meeting maker. She keeps striving to help others, and work on herself to become an even better young woman.

Adam S.

Class of June 2008

Family Foundation School alumnus Adam Strauss returned to FFS on June 18 to give back to his old staff and friends by working for a week.

Strauss was sent to FFS on July 7, 2006 after a previous chaotic lifestyle that consisted of drugs, alcohol, anger, and numerous bad relationships.

After being placed in Family Four (now Mann House), Strauss continued his dishonest attitude and worked on close to nothing for 18 months.

Finally he surrendered and with the help of his sponsor, Joe Petriella, he graduated high school on June 26, 2008.

Life started to spiral downhill again after Strauss’ departure from FFS. “I messed up with the pressure. I rolled with the wrong crowd and that landed me a place in jail,” said Strauss. “This was definitely my bottom.” He overcame the difficulties and regained a relationship with his family.

Now Strauss appreciates life and what he has gained rather than focusing on what he lost. “Life is going good for me. I am happy and proud of myself,” Strauss said. To the newcomer Strauss says, “Be honest because your stay will go a lot easier and quicker.”

 Dave M. – Class of December 2010

On April 8, 2008 Dave M’s life changed dramatically in numerous ways.

He was escorted to his third program, The Family Foundation School. His old behaviors such as drug use, mischief, and disregarding the law came to a halt. He was given a chance to put his chaotic lifestyle behind him as he matured.

Upon arrival, Dave was placed in Talbot House, and later switched to Mann House for participating in negative contracts. He experienced his first taste of honesty after coming up for his negative behaviors after switching families. He spent the last two years of his three-year stay in Mann House learning to become an honest man and finding the importance of the Four Absolutes and sobriety.

Through photography class, boys’ groups, and becoming a peer mentor, Dave learned how to be grateful. “Just savor the moment you have. This place (FFS) has a lot to offer if you just try to accept it,” said Dave.

On December 18, 2010 Dave graduated high school, and officially started his journey outside of the school as a FFS alumnus.

Now, Dave finds all aspects of his life incredible. He enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and camping. When he is not living life to the fullest, Dave is a full time student at college.

Dear Family Times

We just received the June edi­tion of the Family Times, and I thought I’d write a quick note. Our son Daniel Christmas gradu­ated in summer 2007. He went to Washington DC for a while then moved down to Houston studying Network Engineering. He is now married and his wife is expecting a baby in September— very ex­citing. He is doing well, and has become a thoughtful, mature, and solid guy. The Family Times has continued to be sent as we move with my work from Houston to Dubai to Moscow and now to Canada. Today when I read it I feel gratitude for the job done and efforts put into it by the students, but feel more and more distant. Please save the money and stop sending the paper to me, it is a cost that you do not need for the print and the postage. We will not forget.

Thanks, Dave C.

Editor’s Note: Thanks, Dave, for the update on Dan. We are grate­ful for your good thoughts for us. Please note that news of the school, including many Family Times articles, are available on­line at www.thefamilyschootimes.com

Alumni writes from Africa 

Lisa G. was a December 2003 FFS graduate. After gradu­ation she completed her bachelor of psychology at the Dominican University of California. After graduating from the Master of Science Public Helath Program at UCLA this past June, she is volunteering in Tanzania to get experience working with people who have the HIV virus to further her studies.

Mambo Vipi!

Hi everyone! I’m here in Tanza­nia, in the town of Arusha. The trip was very long but totally worth it. I arrived really late last night, at 11pm, and was sort of amazed at how dark it was when I looked out the window of the plane because there are few houses with electricity here.

Two project managers picked me up from the airport, and they were super nice. The thing I really like so far about the people in my program is that they are so warm. So anyway, they picked me up, and we went out to the car and of course the first thing that hap­pened… the car wouldn’t to start. So I jumped out and helped push. Strangely enough, starting my trip that way made me really happy.

I think it was exactly the way I pictured how this trip would be, and I was smiling already.

The drive from the airport to the town of Arusha is long, like 40 minutes, but it gave me time to get to know my coordinators. Mean­while the moon was totally orange and hovered over the landscape exactly the way I’ve seen it in so many pictures. I have yet to see the Tanzanian countryside in the daylight, which I’m excited to do.

The hotel we’re staying in is clean and mostly comfortable although the beds are a little hard, but I can live with that. And they have showers! So I’m not totally gross yet.

Anyway, I didn’t sleep well. Last night, after the coordinators left me, and I was in a room by myself, I started to feel a little lonely and was wondering what inspired me to travel halfway across the world by myself. I hadn’t met the other volunteers yet, and I was worried about that as well. I tried to get some sleep, but the noise from the street was incredibly loud, and the action never stops.

I guess I should mention that Arusha is more like a city than a town, and is one of the main tour­ist hubs since it is a great starting place to go on safari. I’ll only be here tonight and Sunday night as a group of us will be heading out on a short two-day safari start­ing tomorrow. We come back Sunday night, but we’re leaving Monday for the village we’ll be working in.

My Swahili is horrible, and I can’t seem to get the hang of it, but luckily the other volun­teers I met this morning are in the same boat. Today we’ve been walking around Arusha. I had a simple (and local) lunch which consisted of chicken in a tomato sort of broth, with rice. On the side they included a salad of tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers in a sort of vinaigrette which was super yummy, spinach, bananas, and beans on the side. I also had a glass of warm chai which they gave me for free, and it was delicious. It was a veritable feast, and you’ll never believe it, but it cost me about $2.50. Anyway, I’m off to the market to buy material to make skirts. I just wanted to let you know I’m doing great, having a wonder­ful time so far, and loving the company. My next email may not come for about 2 weeks, so sorry! Love you all!

Class of June 2004

On June 14, 2001, Laura S. was sent to The Family School for alcohol and drug abuse, theft, truancy, and running away.

At The Family School, Laura tried to “fly under the radar” in order to stay out of trouble. Because of her fears, she tried to seem perfect on the outside rather than making lasting internal changes. Laura had a difficult time being honest because she was fearful of the consequences she felt she might experience if she was herself rather than what she thought others wanted her to be. She recalls that people saw right through it.

If she could change anything about her stay, Laura said that really on her mind and faced the effects afterward. She stated that she stayed here much longer than others because she was not real.

During her stay, Laura appreciated the support she received from her friends and sponsor. She also received help from attending A.A. meetings, working the Steps, and holding others and herself accountable. After graduating, she was supported by her family and new friends. “It’s important to have people around supporting and validating me.”

The day of graduation, Laura drove away with her mom and attended a meeting. She got a sponsor right away and threw herself into the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Laura admitted that she had struggles that tempted her to throw it all away, “but I’ve never gotten to the point where taking a drink has been necessary.” Laura has  been heavily involved in A.A., especially young people’s A.A., and general service. “Service is what keeps me spiritually fit, on track, and grateful.” She currently has 10 years of sobriety.

Laura attended New York University and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in music for violin performance. She had a baby in June of 2009 with her husband, Daniel, who has been in the program of A.A. for 15 years. They are both dedicated to sobriety and help each other as both spouses and alcoholics. Laura said that A.A. is the reason why their relationship has been so successful. Together, they hosted ICYPAA (International Convention of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous) in New York City, with 5,000 attendees.

Laura and her family currently live in Brooklyn, but they plan to move to Houston, Texas in July to be closer to her family. “We can go anywhere on the planet and feel at home as long as we hit A.A. meetings during the week.”

To the newcomer, Laura said, “Be honest with yourself. Find the fellowship that works for you.”