“D. got in trouble a couple times for not doing homework. We did some handlings and this seemed to handle the situation. Then it came up again, but worse. He failed a class, when he is normally an A and B grade student.

“I realized I needed help. He was prioritizing computer over homework and life in general. He’s a good kid but that wasn’t good. It was suggested we send him to Mojave Academy.

“So we sent him. Before, we had to nag and remind him a lot to do things. Once he returned, he did things to help more willingly. It was really nice to have him help with the dishes after dinner or take out the trash without a long repetitive dragged out upsetting nagfest.

“I just enjoy D. more now than I did before he went to Mojave. He’s doing well on his homework and his grades now and that sure is nice. He communicates easily with us. He’s 15 and many people I know have a difficult relationship with their boys at this age. I’m not one of them and I’m very pleased about that.

“We’re hoping to send D. again next summer. I feel it was good for him to be away from us and see a different way of doing things. It was good for him to choose friends newly and perhaps think about how to be a good friend and get along with others.”

- C.G. (Parent)

(Letter to our Director, after only one month)

“Dear Cheri,

“When I picked my son up at the airport, I was blown away at how good he looked. He had lost so much weight and just looked bright and was happy and talking and just so different than when he had left.

“We did sit down that night and agreed to some rules, his friends and the house, and so far he is on board. He has also expressed interested in joining a gym so that he can continue to work out, so I will be getting that in place as well. He said that he really appreciated you and everything you did for him, and so do I.

“Ultimately, he has to walk his path in this world, but it is also my job to continue to guide him towards a path that will promote his well being and health. I don’t always know how to do this and second guess myself quite often, but I think I’ve gained enough that I at least have a base from which to build off of.

“Thank you so much, Cheri!”

– L.F. (Parent)

“I came here as a brat, ungrateful and disrespectful person. I would always make fun of everyone, put everyone down, and start fights all the time. I was very confused with a lot of things, like mostly with myself. I was also lazy and wouldn’t want to help anyone. And I was very, very irresponsible.

“Now I’m very grateful, I would never think of being a brat, I’m also very respectful towards my family, especially towards my mom because I love her a lot. I have no urge to make fun of people or put anyone down. I feel like I could treat everyone well and have love for them almost as much as my real family. I’m more a friendly person now and don’t like to fight anymore, unless there’s a very good reason. I’m not feeling confused with myself anymore. I’m feeling very concentrated and direct. I have matured a lot and I don’t feel like a little kid anymore.

“I’m comfortable with how I look which I like a lot. I’m very confident now. I feel like I could go to any school and get to know everybody. I found out the true meaning of work and responsibility. If I had a job that could pay off my whole families living I would be able to do it because I’m not lazy anymore. I also like to talk to people more and just be friendly to people. That’s a better way of living.

“Only Mojave Academy could have fixed me to be a happy person. I’m grateful for your help to make me better and I couldn’t have done it without you!”

- J.H. 16 years old (Student)

“I realized that the reason I have so many ups and downs is not because I want to be out-ethics or because my intentions are bad but because I never realized that personal integrity REALLY is a self disciplined thing and that is something I need to decide I want for myself, and not to make anyone happy or for the benefit of anything else besides my well being and myself succeeding in life. I realized that I really needed to have that decision and, when I did, I noticed immediate changes in myself. I notice myself reporting things more often and telling people to knock things off, even if I am scared of the consequences. I notice myself not lying and saying more exact truths and not false reporting. This is so huge for me. I really truly get it. I don’t think I ever really got it this much or saw this immediate change in myself. I am so glad I had this realization. Plus, Mojave is so good at checking to see if students understand what they study that I am really getting the full meaning and understanding of everything as a whole and clearing all my words.”

- D.F., Age 14 (Student)

“Both kids are doing great. Each day I notice wonderful changes in both. My girl has put in the system of rewards and penalties as used at Mojave and the consistency really helps. My boy has been so helpful and really has been a team player (group member) here at the house. He’s usually the first one up and now instead of just leaving his room a mess in the morning he cleans his room immaculately, makes his bed, gets dressed, brushes his teeth and combs his hair - most all without being reminded.

“His responsibility level has come way up. He’s even reading on his own – which has been a hard thing for him to confront. Each evening after shower time all of the kids sit around and read a chapter or two in their books. It’s great to see this all come together as previously he was more of a loner and not a group member. When he is asked to help out with a something, say taking out the trash, or washing the dishes, he just jumps right in to help out with out a second thought.

“I recall not too long ago I took the kids out to dinner and had a little powwow with them. We were talking about being a team and working together. We talked about jobs around the house and who wanted to be responsible for which job - you know, family group stuff. Anyway, I asked each one of my 4 children what job they’d like to do and each one raised their hand enthusiastically to tell me. When I got to my boy he replied, “I don’t want to be on this team”. Now I’ve got to say I did have a good chuckle at the time - but he was serious about this - he didn’t want to be a group member.

“Well, things have changed since his 3-week stay at Mojave.

“A big thank you to all that contributed to help these two.

“My girl’s responsibility level has come up too. I am so happy that she overcame the “homesick” barrier. This is a major win.”

Love,
A.B. (Mother)