LETTER FROM PARENT

We would like to thank all of the staff at Oak Grove for all their care, devotion, attention and commitment. Due to their hard work and Tyler’s, we have the son that we always wanted and hoped for. We have tried for years, and through many different avenues, to meet his needs and help him with his struggles and issues but realized that we needed expert help. The staff at Oak Grove provided just that. Tyler is just completing his first month at our local public high school as a sophomore and has risen to the challenge and is succeeding!! His grades have never been better, he is self motivated to complete not only his school work but his home work. We are building a trust with him and are watching him develop friendships with a great group of peers. Both sides realize that this is just the beginning and that Tyler and us have a lot of work to do to keep him going in the right direction but Oak Grove has given him the coping skills, the confidence and the drive to stay focused, make good choices and to be proud of what he has accomplished and overcome. We will continue to take it one day at a time but we are off to a great start. Ultimately the future is up to Tyler but the wonderful program and staff at Oak Grove has given Tyler a strong foundation to continue to grow into a responsible caring young man.

Thank you Oak Grove.

Ben & Julia

Parent

“I just want you to know that Oak Grove has done more from my son in 3 months than other placements have over the past three years…we are so grateful!!!!” (Parents of a 14 year old Dorm B resident)

Letter to Dr. Mike Brown: April 2, 2009
From Parent

“ I just want you to know that I am so very grateful for Oak Grove Center and all the Staff that work there. My granddaughter Wendy has been attending Oak Grove now for two years. Two years ago when she was able to come and live with me she was a huge mess. Wendy had so many problems. She was a very angry young girl. She did not know how to deal with her anger, or how to even really cope in an educational environment with other kids. But I really need you, and the other Staff at Oak Grove Center to know that if it wasn't for all the loving and caring Staff and Teachers at Oak Grove I don't know how Wendy would learn to handle even being a teenager. Growing up is hard enough, but when you are a teenager with Special needs like Wendy is, growing up is even more difficult. Everyday that Wendy comes home from her School day I now can see that she loves her School. Oak Grove Center is really helping her learn the things that she needs to know for her future. But more important; Oak Grove Center is treating the whole problem, that kids like Wendy experience, not just putting a band-aid on the wounds of these kids but treating and caring for all the special needs, the emotional and physical needs
too. Even though Wendy has special needs she is getting a great education in a wonderful school like Oak Grove Center that also is teaching her how to grow and obtain a good education. Yes, Wendy is learning so much more than how to read and write, math, or any of the other educational need. Wendy is learning how to be a beautiful girl, and that she is important, and that she can succeed in life. Oak Grove Center is teaching her that her life is important and she is important and giving her the direction she needs to become a woman of good character.
I am so amazed at how much Wendy has changed since she has been attending
Oak Grove Center. Though she still needs Oak Grove Center I know the day will come when she will Graduate, and with a good sense of accomplishment with what the Teachers and Staff have taught her. I just wanted to thank you and everyone who works there, Teachers and Staff... Thank You So Much! “
Brenda W

Father of L.H. female 14 years old

"Even tho L.H. is a handful. Lauren has made so many positive changes here in her short time (4 months) than she made in years, anywhere else. She appears happy, goes to school does her school work, hygiene has improved. I very happy with Oak Grove. "

Father A.S. 14 year old male

last pass was the best time we had with A.S. in 5 years. Usually within 3 hours he argues, but not this time.
It was a pleasure to have A.S. with us and we have noticed many positive changes in him in his almost 3 months here.
I wished I knew about Oak Grove a year or more ago.

STUDENT 14 years old student dorm B

“YOU WERE WITH ME THROUGH THE BAD TIMES
YOU WERE WITH ME THORUGH THE GOOD TIMES
THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME
YOU’RE THE BEST”

STUDENT J.S. 16 years old

“I came to Oak Grove very hard and closed minded about my views. The reason I was so callused was from the out of state placement. Oak Grove helped soften me up and helped me get my normal life back on track”.

STUDENT J.R. 17 years old

"Before I came to Oak Grove, I didn’t care about my education, and I caused a lot of
problems. I used to walk off the campus, and I didn’t care about the consequences.
When I first came to Oak Grove, I was an angry person, but when I talked with the
counselors and teachers, they showed me how important my education is. I realized that
I needed to change my attitude. The teachers took the time to teach me coping skills, and
they told me that these skills will help me later on in life. The teachers prepared me for
the CAHSEE exam, because before, I just bubbled in whatever, since I didn’t care about
the results…I passed the English part with a high score. Now I am getting a lot of help
with my math, and I am getting better at it. I am also the Secretary in our Student
Government. In my Individualized Education Plan meeting, they told me that if I continue
to do well, I’ll go back to my regular high school, and this time I will make the most of it.
When I succeed, I will become a counselor and help kids with issues like mine…Oak
Grove has helped me change my ways, and I am very thankful.”