The Family Foundation School is a therapeutic boarding school for at-risk teens formerly involved in behavior ranging from disrespecting their parents to drug and alcohol abuse. Students are exposed to a new way of living based on the 12-Step program and the principles of honesty, purity, unselfishness and love. The students who produce The Family Times strive to live the message of the 12-Steps… More
The Family Foundation School
FFS Participates in Red Cross Blood Drive
By Jajce W
The annual blood drive at The Family Foundation School took place on August 23. The Red Cross came to the school in the afternoon to collect a pint of blood from volunteer students and staff members.
The students understand that giving blood is a generous thing; taking blood from one person can be the lifeline for three others. Cancer patients, burn victims, and people in various accidents are among those who receive donated blood.
This clearly shows that this organization cares about the health of people. Tina Snyder, head of the group of Red Cross workers, said that her crew is made up of nine nurses. For each student, it took about 10 to 20 minutes to fill up one pint of blood. “Although it costs us a lot of money to put this operation together, it’s worth it because it saves lives,” said Snyder. The Red Cross set up tables, booths, and snack stations around the FFS gymnasium.
Kids came and went, giving of themselves what they had. The students who had parent Kids came and went, giving of themselves what they had. The students who had parent consent or were over the age of 18, were called, one by one, to get tested and certified to make sure that they were eligible to give blood. Then they were prepped and made ready by the Red Cross nurses. Afterwards many students reported a degree of lightheadedness or weakness from the donation process (very common side effects), but that’s what the snack table was for! The students, as well as staff, replenished themselves with pretzels, cookies, fruit, and juice.
Many students felt generous and big-hearted donating blood. “I’m facing my fear, but also providing help for people as well,” said Emily M. Other individuals felt the need to take advantage of the opportunity. “If I have it, why not give it?,” said Jill M.
It was a long day of giving back for both the Red Cross crew and the staff and students. Students who were not able to give their blood this time were eager to donate the next time the Red Cross returns.
Luke V.
Class of June ‘10
Graduation couldn’t pull alumnus Luke V away from the school. He visited FFS recently to catch up with staff and students.
Luke graduated in June of 2010 and went home for the summer, working as bank teller, attending Mass six days a week, and traveling to places like Philadelphia, Long Island, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. Before he attended FFS, half of these things probably wouldn’t have been possible, “If I could sum up my life before coming to the school I would use three words: chaos, hectic, and unmanageable,” he said.
The Family School helped him connect with God, which has been his biggest help inside and outside of the FFS walls. He also formed a strong bond with Father Stephen, who he emails every other day. Now that he is back in school, he does not get to attend mass as often as he would like, but makes time for prayer. Luke’s relationship with his parents has grown as well, “When I was home it sucked,” he said. The grace of God has helped his relationships grow.
Now, he attends Scranton University and has a very heavy course load. Though it is tougher than he is used to, things are going very well. Luke does have his struggles with his brother, but believes things can improve. “Looking back, I appreciate all I got from being here,” he said about his stay at FFS, “I learned a lot.”
