Here is what others have said about CBR YouthConnect from the perspective of referral sources, families and the boys themselves:
“You have a very good facility. I like the fact that your therapists visit the family homes. I think that is very important to understand where the kids are from, where they are returning to and what they will need when they go home.”
-Referral Source
“Your therapists are top-notch. They are very friendly and very accommodating.”
-Referral Source
“I feel you do a great job at making sure the youth have their basic needs met, such as receiving clothing, coats and other items like that.”
-Referral Source
“I just thought you would like to know [Aaron] has really done well since he returned home. In fact, he still stops by the office to see me and everyone here is so impressed with him. He is your little celebrity around here and we all like him so much. Thank you for giving him a second chance at life.”
-Referral Source
“I am certain you saved my son’s life.”
-Parent of a CBRYC youth
“The respect and care you have shown my wife and I has truly touched our hearts. You remember we went to so many other people to try and get help, and just when we were about to give up, [Phillip] was admitted to you guys. We had lost all hope and you gave us back something to believe in and hope for. We know today that [Phillip] will be a success.”
-Parent of a CBRYC youth
“[John] is doing excellent since he returned home. Your staff made such a positive impact in our lives. [John] is attending school regularly and is making good grades. Thank you for bringing us back together.”
-Parent of a former CBRYC youth
“Since [Michael’s] return home he has been doing well. I know we still have a long way to go. I am so thankful that you helped us become a family once again. We feel you treated [Michael], and for that matter us, as something more than a client – you made us feel like people you really cared about.”
-Parent of a former CBRYC youth
“It is kind of funny when you think about it, when I first came here all I wanted to do was leave, and now that I am being discharged, I think I’m gonna miss this place.”
-CBRYC Youth
“I really like my teachers; they teach me something more about life and school. I know they care about me. I think they are trying to help me see the world differently, like when we did the Ghandi thing – they just want us to look at life.”
-CBRYC Youth
“I just wanted you to know I’m doing really well, graduating from high school and going to college next summer. I’m doing okay and my parents think I’m doing good.”
-Former CBRYC Youth
The following is a conversation between a CBRYC therapist and Ryan, a former CBR YouthConnect youth:
Therapist: How long has it been since you left us?
Ryan: Twelve years ago.
Therapist: I am glad you stopped by. What brings you back to visit us?
Ryan: Here in this place you gave me back my life. I learned so much, but sometimes it takes time to realize everything you have learned.
Therapist: Twelve years, what are your memories of us, good or bad?
Ryan: Great memories! I learned so much. Even when I acted out – you know I was the best at that (laughing) – you never, ever gave up. I had given up on myself. I just figured everyone was bad and I was bad and the world was a horrible place. But you helped me see the good in myself and then the good in others. Coming back here is like coming home.
Therapist: What do you think has been your greatest accomplishment since you left us?
Ryan: That’s easy. It took twelve years—marrying my beautiful wife and having our baby, before I was able to apologize to my mom for all the trouble I put her through. Mom and I have a great relationship now. I hope she knows how sorry I am for putting her through all that trouble. I said some pretty bad things to her back then.
Therapist: Your mom knows. She wrote me a letter several months ago telling me all about you. She wrote that she was very proud of you, even sent me your wedding picture, and closed her letter with: “My beautiful son has finally returned home – we are a family once again.”