Testimonials About At Risk Youth Helped By Mount Carmel Youth Ranch

Mount Carmel Youth Ranch is proud to have helped so many troubled teens and to have touched so many families. You’ll find that the at risk youth who come to our camp for troubled teen boys leave us as matured and sensible, fine young men.

To protect the names of the boys, fictitious names will be used. The events in their lives and outcomes from being at Mt. Carmel are true.

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Letter Sent To Current MTC Students From Former Student Mike in December 2008

My name is Mike, I am 24 years old and a husband and father to a wonderful family. I am the oldest of 7 in a Roman Catholic family. As a young teen I got into trouble much the same as all of you. My parents had a difficult time doing so but they knew that I needed help and so I was sent to Mt. Carmel at the age of 15, in May of 1999. My first few months there were very difficult and I learned quickly how things worked and my place there. Some of my best years were spent in Clark, WY. I do not resent anyone or anything I came across there. It was at Mt. Carmel that I learned who I was and what I was capable of doing. I learned to drive there, not only regular cars and trucks but heavy machinery as well. Having those skills have come in handy more than once. I learned about farming and agriculture, nature and hunting, machinery repair and upkeep. All of these things are invaluable. You may ask yourself when you would need any of those skills in the city, my answer is, you may never know. There is growing lack of people who have these skills and they are highly sought after in city areas because of that. As well it’s not just the skill that is values. Just put that on a  resume and people see someone that is not afraid of hard work, someone who can learn just about anything, these skills are the root of what we are. Understanding the relationship between man and beast is incredible; too many people these days are caught up in strange beliefs and twisted values. Jerry and Mickey will steer you correctly, trust me in that. While I was at Mt. Carmel I also learned how to fight. I know, I know, everyone who has been hit or has hit someone thinks they know how to fight, it is not so. Boxing is a lost art, but is necessary. I’m not sure if it is still that way at the ranch as times change and society’s values change, but when I was a boy we resolves our issues through a form of good old fashioned dueling. We didn’t use pistols but our fists. As crazy as it sounds I miss it, but lucky for me that’s the way we do it here in the Marine Corps, so it’s probably no surprise that it is a secondary job or mine. At my last duty station in Quantico, Virginia I was in charge of the Company’s (about 400 Marines) Martial Arts. I have taken a liking to fighting and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. I am a 1st degree Black Belt, as well as an Instructor Trainer, which means that I train Marines to be Martial Arts Instructors. I don’t currently have any professional fights but that is something that I am training for. This is one of those things that I was talking about in regards to people telling you that you can’t so something. I of course didn’t listen. Many of the skills that I learned at the ranch have helped me in combat. Learning to adapt to a different culture just like you are now is one thing that allowed me to be successful in 3 combat tours to Iraq. As well shooting and hunting skills definitely gave me a one up. You sure can’t beat the physical conditioning that working on a ranch gives you either.  All of these things have helped me become successful but it doesn’t mean anything unless you can teach it to others. One thing I have learned in life is “it’s not about you.” In order for you to teach others, and this goes for anything, you have to fully understand and embrace it yourself. Once you accept your surroundings and embrace your situation you can exploit the opportunities that is presents. Bloom where you are planted, make the best of any situation and you will soon become unstoppable. Remember it is not abut you, you must do these things for the greater good, whatever that may be, you just have to be patient. Patience, I cannot under emphasize that virtue by any means. In an age of instant gratification this is lost. Patience will give you the skills necessary to deal accordingly with anything. Why am I telling you all of this, well it’s not about me, it’s for you. I remember being in your shoes and someone telling me things like this that has been in my situation would have put me at ease. This won’t solve all your problems, and take away the difficult times but I hope it helps give you some direction. I am by no means perfect and I didn’t just become successful once I left Mt. Carmel. I’ve had my share of hard times. Not to glorify it by any means but I still got into some trouble once I left Mt. Carmel,  and I can tell you the root cause. It was the company I kept. The people that you surround yourself with determine how you will act and what you become.

This sounds crazy but read “oh, the places you’ll go!” by Dr. Seuss, it is all right there. Anyhow, from experience let me tell you, your old friends are not worth it. People come and go quicker than you think. In the end, most everyone will look out for number one and leave you in the midst of the struggle. That means that you’ll be a loner more often that not, but hey, as it turns out that’s how leader are born. When you’re alone in a cause and you’re the one who is different, people start to realize that and they are drawn to you. You’ll see when you go home, your friends will act like they miss you and they still care about you but only if you do what they do, they’ll want you to do the same old thing and they won’t respect you if you don’t. trust me they are not worth it, friends come and go. You want proof of that, really good friends that I have bled in combat with won’t even return my phone calls and have just dropped off the map. You can’t get a stronger bond than in combat and where are they now? It’s a harsh reality that we as leaders must face. I challenge you to embrace your situation, don’t take steps backwards, stand tall and strong and move forward, people will begin following you and at that point they look up to you. Make yourself accountable to someone, it will help. I have my family, and the thought of letting them down pushes me forward.
Love Mike

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October 2209

How MTC Has Impacted My Life

2007

Mount Carmel has impacted my life in many different ways. Like the things I was doing before I got here were not very good decisions. I was a heavy marijuana user and I didn’t care about anything or anyone. I was constantly disrespecting my parents because I was always high. I didn’t get in much trouble with the law but was always on my parent’s bad side because of the marijuana. Now that I have come to Mount Carmel it has lead me to realize a lot of things such as I realized I was getting nowhere with my smoking and constant disrespect towards my parents. Also, I realized that I was not going to graduate high school if I kept going the way that I was going. Being at MTC has lead me to find myself and what I really want to do in life. I have set goals for myself so I would not fall back into my old ways such as, being less angry when I disagree with something that someone says. Having a mind set of graduating high school so that I can have a better future. Reminding myself of what marijuana does to my mind and body and that I am on probation. I don’t want to go to jail. Another goal would be to keep working out and get a real big cut body. Those are the goals that I am going to complete. 

J. H.

 2007

Mount Carmel,

Before I came to Mount Carmel I was out of control. I was drinking and smoking weed and having sex regularly. I was also starting up with cocaine. I was extremely disrespectful and dishonest with my parents and didn’t listen to a thing they told me and only cared about myself.

Mount Carmel has saved my life. I was on a bad path and it was getting worse by the day. If my parents didn’t take me out of that environment and send me here I would probably be in jail right now, or at least doing things that would put me in jail.

Mount Carmel has given me a new life and something good to live for. It has taught me to appreciate things more and made me aware of what my actions do to other people. I was headed nowhere fast and now I have a second chance.

Before I came here I thought most rules were stupid and that they didn’t apply to me. That kind of attitude just got me in trouble and it screwed up my vacation with my mom. I have learned that just because I don’t agree with a rule doesn’t mean I can just ignore it. I still have to follow the rule.

My relationship with my family has improved a lot too. I can talk to my parents respectfully and not argue. I can also respect authority and my peers. I have become much less succeptable to peer pressure. Before I was here I did stupid things for my friends approval. Now I can care less if people think I am cool or not. I am not going to do something bad to fit in. Overall, Mount Carmel has been a great learning experience for me and it has changed my life.

Garrett F.

 

December 2007

Before I was sent to Mount Carmel, I was doing drugs and not caring about school. I was always in a bad mood unless I was high or drunk. I was always disrespecting my parents and authority. It took being sent to Mount Carmel to learn what I was doing wrong at home and that it got me sent here. Now, I have changed my drug problems from wanting to do drugs all the time to not wanting anything to do with drugs. Also, I have made my relationship with my parents and family a lot better. My life goals are to stay away from bad influences and doing well in school so I can have a successful rest of my life. Also, I am working on my relationship with God and that my prayers will help me with my problems and difficulties. MTC has changed me into my old self that was never into drugs or bad activities. When I leave Mount Carmel I will be ready for the real world and staying sober and successful!

Luke A.

December 2007

This is what I was doing before I came to Mount Carmel. When I was at home I was a spoiled rotten brat. Yes, I was spoiled but that was my fault not my parents. My parents tried their best to make me happy. When I was first adopted my mom always said, “If you respect us and our rules, we will give you anything 99.9% of the time. After awhile I started taking advantage of my parents. Little by little I started breaking the rules; Arguing, yelling, talking back etc. When my mom and I went to therapy I would just smile and the person would say it was my parents fault. I did this to five therapists.

Eventually my mom started looking for boys home and ranches. This started when I was in 6^th grade. For three years my behavior was getting worse and worse and all through those years my mom told me I was going to MTC; I just laughed. Then one day at 4:00 a.m. my mom turned on my bedroom lights and said “you are going to Mount Carmel”.

Now I know that MTC has changed my life totally around; I love my mom almost as much as I love God. I have a very deep respect for women and adults in general. God has blessed me with the gift of a 3^rd chance. I am not saying that being at Mount Carmel is easy but I will say that it is a lot better than disrespecting my mom, being in prison or even six feet under the ground.

C. G.

 

December 2007

Before I got to Mount Carmel I was lying, cheating, stealing, and disrespectful. I wouldn’t listen to anybody but Satin although I didn’t realize it. I didn’t really connect with God and I had the “I do what I want” attitude. I talked to nobody and as my parents said when they tried to talk to me, I “put up the wall” which meant I showed no emotion. And to top it all  off I hated school.

Now, I am here, I do better in school. There is better communication with my parents and I am closer to God than ever before. I like it here but I do miss everyone at home. When I leave Mount Carmel, I will get a job and work on school. Basically everything that keeps me busy and out of trouble.

Kelly H.

 

December 2007

Before I came to Mount Carmel I was disrespectful, disobedient, and rebellious towards my parents, teacher and God. Before I came here I was failing school. I cared about music more than school. I was listening to Black/Death Metal bands when I was at home. I also was in a metal band with my two best friends. I was also smoking pot and cigarettes, snorting Adderol and taking prescription pain killers and huffing gas. I was also worshiping Satan. Now that I have come to Mount Carmel I have attained more respect, honesty, obedience towards authority. My goals when I go home are go to church every week, get and maintain a job, stay sober and be in a band that uses more uplifting lyrics.

Kevin W.

December 2007

Before I came to Mount Carmel my life revolved around drugs and alcohol. I cared only for myself and how I was going to get my next high. Lying and stealing were of no consequence to me as long as I got what I want. My parents lost trust in me completely because every other sentence was a lie. I stole alcohol and prescription drugs from my family, friends and neighbors frequently, shaming my family. I was arrested three times for drugs and alcohol before I turned sixteen. I went to several rehabs before Mount Carmel which had no effect on me. If I continued on my path I am almost certain that I would have died.

For the first time in my life, I have some sort of connection with God. Mount Carmel gave me faith in God and myself. I do not feel so hopeless and depressed anymore. Through my spiritual life, I have found a piece of mind and a reborn conscience. I have learned that it feels good to do the right thing, and I am able to enjoy myself without the use of chemicals. I have made my father proud which puts a smile on my face. Between my brother and I, we have put my parents through hell the last eight years. Now, I can comfort them with honesty and sobriety. Also, I have newfound work ethic which will help me in the real world. When I go home my main goal is to stay sober. I am going to continue my school at a community college. My parents have found me AA meetings with a Christian foundation. I feel this is exactly what I need. I want to get more involved in my church. I want to keep a close and personal relationship with God and my family. With the support of my parents, I believe it is possible for me to live a sober and productive life.

C.P.

December 2007

I was sent to Mount Carmel because I got kicked out of school. I was disrespectful to the authority above me. Since I have been at MTC I have learned to be obedient, improved in school, have more self esteem, and I have a much better work ethic and a better relationship with my parents. My goals are to graduate high school, get a good job, and have a family. I am going to get more of a spiritual life, make better decisions and I won’t act on impulses.

John. B.

 
September 2004

This letter is for those parents who are asking themselves if Mt. Carmel Youth Ranch is the right placement for their son. I hope our story helps you with your decision, one way or the other.

This is a follow up letter to the one previously sent to Mt. Carmel after "J" had spent one year at the ranch.

Those last months at Mt. Carmel Youth Ranch helped "J" grow not only in his Christian faith but in faith of himself. He became a mentor for the other boys at the ranch. His love and respect for the staff at Mt. Carmel grew as he matured under their love and guidance.

"J" came home with not only higher self esteem, but a sound knowledge of the ranching business, and a deep insight on troubled youth. He has a sensitivity and compassion towards youth around him who are struggling. He can tell when kids are having a rough time, those who will make it or those who will not.

"J" spent almost 18 months at Mt. Carmel Youth Ranch. I was frightened for him when he came home, but so desperately wanted him back in our lives again. Jerry Schneider counseled us on what to expect, ground rules and red flags to look for. I went from door way to door way in our home, asking God to bless this house and to make it a refuge from the enemy. I prayed for strength and guidance on this next chapter in our lives.

I was lucky enough to become close to "J's" roommate’s mom. I believe she was a gift from God to help us transition back to our lives with "J".. Our frequent phone calls and emails helped her too, as her son came home 6 months after "J". When a child leaves Mt. Carmel’s program, the staff continues to give support and guidance. Jerry encourages the boys to keep in contact by phone. I have never felt abandoned or alone, ever. I was very aware that they had kept us in their prayers.

Was it hard for "J" when he returned? You bet it was. Having to tell old friends he could no longer hang out with them; trying to establish new friends; sitting on the bench in high school baseball when he’d never sat out an inning, ever. Wanting things “normal” again, but knowing “normal” had a new meaning for "J". "J" was not the same kid he was a year and a half before...a small lifetime for a child.

"J" has been home now 9 months, celebrating his 17th birthday just yesterday. He played in his first football game, ever, the other night. He is giving 100 percent of himself to football and school, a first for him. He spent his birthday bow hunting for deer with his friends. Thank God he has several solid friends who love sports, going fishing, hunting, and the beauty of the nearby mountain and for the parents of these boys who know "J's" story and are supportive and watchful.

Is "J" perfect? No, nor am I. He is a normal 17 year old kid, who makes mistakes, but the anger, the deviant behavior is behind him. Am I afraid for him? Yes. I feel he is still very delicate and we must be watchful and prayerful as parents.

Did we make the right choice? Was it painful? Was the cost worth it? Absolutely. We firmly believe that the choice was no different than if "J" had a threatening disease. Do I feel like a failure as a parent? No. But did we need help and guidance as parents? Absolutely. Would it have been different if we had a different parenting style to begin with? I am not sure. The world around our youth is so destructive. It nibbles at our kid’s self esteem, low self esteem breeds depression then, self medication...alcohol, marijuana, cocaine etc. "J" simply got lost and we did not know how to help him find his way back. Jerry Schneider and the staff at Mt. Carmel do their best to help children like our son find their way back to the child God meant them to be.

I can’t close this letter without stressing enough how important it is to take action way before your child approaches the age of 18. It takes time to help these boys find their way, and if you wait, you will be powerless to help your child. My heart aches for several mothers I have met over these last few years who waited too long...

Respectfully,

Peg

thegiant@thegrid.net

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12/13/03
Dear Jerry and Mickey,

I just wanted to drop a note to ya'll to wish you a great holiday season and to once again thank you for all your devoted work with "J".  He is the latest miracle in our lives!  God is blessing us and Mt. Carmel when a young man like "J" is literally transformed in all facets of his life.  You would be so proud of him, his progress and responsibility, but most proud of his heart and kindness.   The work ya'll do at Mt. Carmel is simply ordained and anointed by God and your sacrifice and service is no doubt most pleasing to God.  I thank God for you and Mt. Carmel everyday of my life.  You all are very special people and are true reflections of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Much Love, "B", "D", "J", "C" & puppies

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(This letter was written to The Department of Family Services in San Bernardino County, the names have been changed to protect the young man that attended Mount Carmel)

September 30, 2002

Dear Karen,

I'm writing to report the outcome of the summer program our son, “John” experienced at Mount Carmel Youth Ranch in Powell Wyoming. “John” has been home now for just over a month and is doing exceptionally well. In my view he's a different young man, with an emphasis on "young man."

As you know, we decided on a residential care program not because he was out of hand, rather to keep our situation from getting to that point. Prior to leaving, “John” was experimenting with drugs and alcohol, his sophomore grades had fallen dramatically and the overheard conversations with his friends were becoming alarming. As well, his diagnosed ADD seemed to be at a peek and medication was absolutely essential to a normal household.

It was the hardest thing my wife and I have ever done. To drive away that June Sunday, not knowing exactly how long he'd be there was heart breaking.

It has proven to be the best decision we could have made. Jerry Schneider and his wife Mickey and the Mt. Carmel staff have created an incredibly effective program there. Not only is it centered on boys leading a Christian life but also developing a strong work ethic, taking responsibility for their actions and learning to depend on teamwork.

“John” describes the routine as rugged and difficult with extreme discipline and highly regimented activities. But he can't wait to call back to staff members at every opportunity to check on how everyone is doing.

Mount Carmel is a full working cattle ranch. The boys learn a great deal about the riggers of ranch life. They ride horses, work farm equipment, cook, and do their own laundry. Recreation was Saturday night Rodeos and occasional pizza nights, but all based on rewards for doing a good job.

Since returning home, “John” has entered a private Christian High School, is attending church and a youth group and has joined the volleyball team. He has signed a contract committing to developing a new peer group, absolutely no drugs or alcohol and greatly improved grades. And so far, he's shown tremendous desire to accomplish his goals. He has gone without medication for more than three months now too.

If you want to email me regarding the Mount Carmel Youth Ranch, feel free.

Peg D.
Thegiant@thegrid.net