At the Crossroads

Jared's New Job

2012-01-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

Jared accomplished one of his goals by getting a job. He will be working at Red Robin as a bus boy. He is excited for the new job and can't wait to start. Congratulations Jared!

Meet Marcus Shaw

2012-01-11T13:23:00.000-08:00

Marcus is a proud father a 4 year old daughter, Ava and serves as a mentor for the young men participating in the program. He's an mountain biker who enjoys sharing his passion for biking and the outdoors with the young men of ATC.

Marcus' positive attitude and humble approach to life make him an influential colleague who enjoys serving young people in achieving their goals.

Meet Hilary Evans

2012-01-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hilary Evans has been with At The Crossroads for a little under a year and loves working with young adults. She serves as a staff colleague and facilitates the life skills groups. She has enjoyed getting to know the young men/women she serves as well as being part of their process of becoming independent.

Hilary has always known what she wanted to do with her life, which is going into social work. While she is not set on exactly where her niche within social work is, she believes working with young people on some level long term is where she would like to be.

Hilary is currently attending Dixie State College and plans to attend the University of Utah's Bachelor of Social Work program next spring here in Southern Utah.

Hilary is currently the volunteer coordinator for a local non-profit organization called the DOVE center. Service, volunteer work, and giving back to the community is a passion and a hobby of hers.

When Hilary is not working or studying, she spends all her free time with her wild and crazy three year old, named Kass. He thinks he is superman and she loves every minute she gets with him. She also loves reading, learning, socializing, nature and yoga.

Meet Travis Visser

2012-01-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

Travis Visser is another new addition to the team.
He likes working with ATC because it allows him to share with the guys.
He also enjoys mentoring them through the challenges life offers and on to their own successful independent lives.
Travis has served young people in multiple professional capacities,
he says working with the young men of ATC has been the most rewarding.

Travis enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, wake boarding and anything outdoors.
He has been married for over 3 years to an amazing wife. He has a little boy who just turned one, Travis loves being a dad.

Travis is currently studying to become a licensed substance abuse counselor.

Meet Magnum Morgan

2012-01-11T12:26:00.000-08:00

Magnum has worked at ATC for 6 months now and has enjoyedit. While finishing up his associate’s at Snow Collegehe worked as a residence assistant where he got to help manage and maintaincollege standards and help students with college life. While working as aresident assistant and helping the young adults he got a spark of interest topursue a future career with young adults. While working at ATC it has becomemore than a spark but a passion to help young adults achieve their goals. He iscurrently enrolled and pursuing a Bachelors degree at Dixie State College inIntegrated studies with an emphasis in Psychology and Communications.

Magnum has been married for 4 years to his wonderfulsupporting wife Andrea and they have a 3 year old son and a daughter on theway. Andrea has received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and had the opportunity of teaching 2^nd grade for a year.

Magnum enjoys anything under the sun. He has had theopportunity of going skateboarding with the students, ultimate Frisbee, hiking,and rock climbing. Being active outside he feels is one of the best medicinesand jumps on the opportunity to go outside and have fun.

While working at ATC for the short time that Magnum has, he haslearned a lot from the other staff, students, and parents. He enjoys his joband feels it is a great career opportunity and looks forward to helping outmany young adults as they strive to better themselves through ATC.

Giving Back

2012-01-10T23:38:00.000-08:00

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Mohandas Gandhi

One of our ten program pathways is, Charity Through Service. Over the years we've been able to put time and energy into this pathway in many different capacities. Recently we've been fortunate enough to be involved with our local special olympians. Every Thursday afternoon Brian and Marcus take a small group of ATC students to hit the lanes with these incredible athletes. ATC and it's students hope to continue finding themselves through giving of their time, talents and energy to the Special Olympics and other wonderful organizations like them.
Top Photo: Eric Nick and Gabe pose at the lanes
Bottom Pic: Evan waits with his teammate for his next throw.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

At the Crossroads would like to thank all those who made 2011 a memorable year! We're looking forward to another great year as we work to better meet the needs of the young men and women we serve!

Just A Thought

2012-01-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

A recent article caught the attention of the staff here with At The Crossroads. Everyone can learn to not only recognize what influence we have on others but what influence we have on ourselves. Let each of us make sure to value ourselves and the growth we are making in our lives no matter how big or small.

Silence your biggest bully: Yourself 
By Roger Stark, ksl.com contributor 
January 3rd, 2012 @ 8:14pm 


Nobody likes a bully. 
Our collective awareness of the dangers and harm of bullying are rising. 
Teachers and administrators are searching for solutions, state lawmakers 
are crafting bills to protect victims, yet one of the worst bullies is getting 
off scot-free. 
He has his way with his victim, wreaking emotional havoc, and meets little or no 
resistance. You have may have witnessed this bullying and done nothing to stop it. 

Who is the bully? You. The victim? Yourself. 

Self-bullying is only beginning to be recognized as an emotional danger,
but a growing number of researchers are establishing the connection between 
abusive self-talk and emotional pain. 

Self-bullies engage in the same emotional attacks as normal bullies. 
Self- bullies denigrate, criticize, use name calling and threaten. 
Self-bullies are especially good at mocking and, because they know their own 
history, self- bullies have all kinds of historic references that can remind of
past failures, guilt and shame.

One of the fascinating characteristics about bullying, according to educators 
and authors Katherine Liepe-Levinson and Martin Levinson, is that “despite the 
large number of individuals that do not agree with bullying practices, there are 
very few that will intervene on behalf of the victims.” Bullying witnesses that 
do not intervene are called bystanders. The researchers continue, “If the bully 
faces no obstruction from the bystanders, it gives permission to continue behaving 
badly.” 

Consider the bully within. He or she, most often, encounters no resistance. 
The bad behavior is not challenged by restraining voices. We act as our own silent 
bystanders and, worse, our shame and self-hatred may offer confirming testimony 
and encouragement. 

Dan Olweus, a Norwegian researcher, gives this commonly accepted definition for 
bullying: "A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time,
to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has 
difficulty defending himself or herself." 

It is important to realize that the inner self cannot detect the source of the 
bullying; whether it be self-inflicted or not, it only suffers. 

Self-bullies engage in the same emotional attacks as normal bullies. 
Self- bullies denigrate ("You idiot!"), criticize ("You never do anything right!"),
use name calling ("You stupid…") and threaten ("The world would be better off 
without you!"). Self-bullies are especially good at mocking ("Oh, that was nice!")
and, because they know their own history, self- bullies have all kinds of historic
references that can remind of past failures, guilt and shame. 

What is self-bullying? 

Negative, bullying, abusive self-talk can corrode your spirit, sap your strength,
ruin your focus and destroy your courage. Looking at yourself with hostile eyes
and talking to yourself with that old critical, perfectionistic, never-pleased
voice can be demoralizing and debilitating. Constant repetition of all your 
imperfections, mistakes, faults, failures and character flaws can lead you down 
the path toward isolation, depression and suicide. Here are some examples of 
self-bullying behaviors: 

    • The abused wife who accepts her husband's excuses and justifications that 
       his verbal or physical beatings are her fault.     
    • The kids bullied at school who tell themselves that they'll never be good 
       enough, smart enough, pretty enough, successful enough or loved. 
    • The people harassed at work who're told they're dumb, ugly, the wrong color,
       religion, nationality, gender or sexual orientation. 
    • The kids who think the deck is stacked against them, whose parents have 
       treated them badly or one or both have blamed or abandoned them. 

Source: Ben Leichtling of Bullies Be Gone 

Few would allow others to speak to a friend the way so many speak to themselves. 
It is easily recognized as hurtful, demeaning and just plain wrong. Fewer would 
use their inner-talk catch phrases in dialogue with a friend or loved one. People
just don’t go around telling those they love, “You are an idiot!” — but they 
might repeat that to themselves 20 times a day. We give ourselves a pass, and 
are blind to our own self-abuse. 

Bullying victims often feel isolated and unsafe. When the social system, persons
of responsibility and bystanders do not come to their aid, they can feel 
abandoned. By withholding self-affection and love, self-bullies can put themselves
into a social isolation similar to what other bullying victims experience. 
Statements like, “I am not worthy” and “I don’t deserve anything good” prepare 
one for social self- exclusion. 

Mona Moore of the Anti-Bullying Centre has written, “There is a growing body 
of research which indicates that individuals, whether child or adult, who are 
persistently subjected to abusive behavior are at risk of stress related illnesses
which can sometimes lead to suicide.” This remains true even when that abusive 
behavior is self-inflicted. 

Psychology researchers and authors Kipling D. Williams, Joseph P. Forgas and 
William von Hippel found, “Those who have been the targets of bullying can 
suffer from long-term emotional and behavioral problems. Bullying can cause 
loneliness depression, anxiety, lead to low self-esteem and increased 
susceptibility to illness.” 

Ben Leichtling on his “Bullies be Gone” blog discusses the part that perfectionism 
plays for some: “Self-bullying perfectionism can suck the joy out of success and 
ruin our lives. It’s one of the worst forms of negative self-talk.” 

“We know that harassing, abusive, inner voice that focuses only on what we 
didn’t do perfectly, ... has the most horrible, bullying tone when it picks on 
our emotions, spirit and flesh," continued Leichtling. "It guarantees inner 
emptiness, pain and self-loathing.” 

Some foolishly believe they are helping motivate themselves to higher action by 
their attacks. Unfortunately, the harvest is more guilt and shame, not excellence 
of performance. 

Related Speak kind words to yourself 
Our inner dialogue or self-talk has tremendous impact on our mental and emotional 
health. Being realistic in our thinking and inner chatter will help produce 
feelings of self-worth and happiness. 

Leichtling suggests we learn to create an inner coach that can stand up to and 
dispute our bully: “Choose the future we want to create and to pursue it with 
determination, courage, perseverance and grit. When we accomplish this, our paths 
open up. Our internal self-talk stops being negative and becomes encouraging and 
strengthening. We develop realistic goals and expectations. We motivate ourselves 
by desire for the future we want instead of by avoiding the pain of old wounds 
lacerated.” 

When we stop being a bystander and stand up to our bully, good things happen. 
Like all bullies the self-bully is not very brave and backs down when faced with 
courage. When our bully leaves us alone, we find a new emotional strength. Peace 
and confidence can return to our lives and we can begin to express our gifts. 

In the process of recovering from addiction Roger became a licensed addiction 
counselor and wrote the recovery guide, “The Waterfall Concept, A blueprint 
for addiction recovery.” He blogs at his recovery website www.waterfallconcept.org .

Animal Shelter

2011-12-22T23:23:00.000-08:00

One of the fun activities the students have participated in recently was visiting one of the largest animal shelters in the state. This activity was rewarding for the students because they have recently been volunteering at another local animal shelter a little closer to their house. The students had a really good experience and after the time with the animals they enjoyed some caving and hiking in the area.

State Champions

2011-11-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

Chet, Dan, and the rest of the Hurricane football team fought through the snow and cold temperatures to become State Champions! The Hurricane football program ended their season 13-0 and brought a trophy back to the Hurricane community. The last time Hurricane won a football state championship was back in the 1947, and 1948 season when it was 6 man football. There was a huge celebration in the community for anyone who wanted to be a part of this win. Chet and Dan were able to have a successful season and have an experience that does not happen every year. Great Job Hurricane!

Snow Canyon Park

2011-11-25T08:19:00.000-08:00

While at At The Crossroads the staff and students like to enjoy what Southern Utah has to offer. One of the most recent activities they participated in was hiking and caving in the Snow Canyon Park.

Hard Work Pays Off

2011-11-13T11:12:00.000-08:00

Dan has been able to see his hard work pay off this football season. While assisting with the Hurricane football program, Dan has seen them achieve an undefeated season and now prepare for the 3A state football championship game.In the semi final match-up Hurricane played a tough team but proved that working hard and being prepared really pays off. Dan and Chet only get to watch from the sidelines but they can impact the game by motivating the boys and reminding them what they have taught them all season long. Chet has been glad to help Dan be apart of this football program and they are both excited for the final game and hope Hurricane comes out on top as State Champions. Good Luck next weekend!

Parent Weekend October 2011

2011-10-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

Parent Weekend was another success. We had a great time getting to know the families better. One of the main activities during parent weekend is repelling. Staff, students, and parents get to challenge themselves and take on the big rocks of Southern Utah. Here are just a few of the pictures from the repelling activity.

We would like to thank those families that were able to make it and hope it was an enjoyable time for you and your student.

ATC's Basketball Team

2011-10-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

At The Crossroads has entered a recreational basketball league. They have only had a couple of games so far but look forward to a fun season.

Not everyone wanted to play but they showed up and supported their friends in the program

Healthy Living

2011-10-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

At The Crossroads is designed to guide the students down the pathways to success. There are steps that help the students reach their full potential while in the program. One of the area's of focus is healthy living. Todd has challenged himself to really change his lifestyle and make better, healthier decisions.

Todd was active in sports in high school and was able to keep in shape during that time of his life. Now that he is here he has had the opportunity to get back to being a healthier person. He gets up early to go to the gym and tries to get in at least a 1 to 2 hour workout depending on his work schedule for the day. He makes sure to fill his diet with protein to help him retain muscle and build muscle while working out. He also eats healthier meals throughout the day such as, chicken, eggs, tuna, fruits, and vegetables. He has a list of foods that he should or shouldn't use and which foods are better for the different areas of fitness. An example of that is apples are better to help burn fat versus a banana. This lifestyle change has set an example to all the guys in the program and it has really helped to show what a healthier life can do for a person. Todd is feeling great about his lifestyle decisions and is glad he started making these healthier choices now.

Eric's Home Improvement Project

2011-10-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Eric enjoys art and was able to use his talents to refurbish a table for At The Crossroads. His table is very unique and has images that are created using one continuous line. He said he had seen these type of pictures before and decided to create his own image using the same design style. Eric is interested in art and is glad he has got to express that while at ATC.

Good job Eric. This table adds to the apartment and helps highlight the unique experience students can have while at At The Crossroads.

Time Management

2011-09-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

While at At The Crossroads, many of the young men in the program get to further their education at Dixie State College. School for the current fall semester started August 22, 2011. Midterms are coming up on October 12, 2011. For some students this may mean a midterm test. Finals will follow that on December 12-16, 2011. Again, most students will be taking a final exam. With the students managing jobs, work, and/or other responsibilities that come with being a part of At The Crossroads, it is important for them to master time management skills.
Isaac M. said the best method that he has learned is to do things right away. He mentioned, "If I don't do it [homework] right away then it won't get done." He also said he has a schedule he writes out for himself everyday with a list of things he needs to get done. He goes down the list and makes sure everything gets done and that helps him avoid procrastinating homework, or studying.
Mike M. said,"I first go off of what I have scheduled and that takes precedent. Like work, or class." He said he then does things that are due like homework and he makes sure he has time to work on his homework before it is due. He prioritizes things by importance and that is what helps him stay on top of work and school.

Good luck to all those in school this semester!

HHS Ranked #1 In The State For 3A

2011-09-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hurricane High football has seen continued success this year with a undefeated record of 5-0. They are ranked number one in the state for division 3A and continue to be a threat for winning the state championship. With the season midway, Hurricane still has a few obstacles to overcome but hope to come out on top. As an assistant coach, Dan H. has been able to do his part and share in the success the Hurricane football program has seen this year. It is a great opportunity for Dan to be a part of the community while here as a student with ATC.

So far Dan thinks the season is going really well. He feels like he knows the system better and can now focus more on helping the individual players. Good Luck with the remainder of the season Hurricane.

Brian, Dan, & Chet following the Hurricane win over Dixie.

Parent Weekend

2011-09-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Parent weekend is getting closer. It will be held the weekend of October 13-16, 2011. It is an enjoyable and educational experience for parents and students. It is not only an opportunity to get more familiar with the staff here at At The Crossroads, but is also a time to enjoy Southern Utah with your student.

Tina has sent out a schedule so all those who are attending can know how the weekend will go. If you have any questions feel free to call or email her.

We hope to have another successful weekend and a good time getting to know all the families better.

Meet Brook Price

2011-09-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

Brook grew up in Southern California. After graduating high school Brook served in the Marine Corps for five years as a Helicopter Crew chief and an accountant. During his Marine Corps tour Brook volunteered as a “Young Marines” Instructor for three years, helping get kids off the street and involved in the community. If you asked Brook, he would tell you that his most enjoyable time during his Marine Corps career was working with the youth. After serving his country, Brook moved to Cedar City to attend Southern Utah University where he is finishing up his degree in Outdoor Recreation with a minor in psychology.

Brook has ten years of experience working for a variety of different treatment programs and loves to share his passion for Mother Nature and the unique lessons only she can teach. In his free time Brook enjoys running, hiking, caving, bouldering, scuba diving, and spending time with his family. One of the highlights that Brook enjoys at ATC is getting to know the students and their families on a personal level.

Dan H. Assistant Football Coach

2011-08-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dan H. is the newest coach for the Hurricane High football team. Dan brings a lot to the Hurricane program. One of his jobs is working with the game film. He will be uploading, video editing, and coding which will allow the whole coaching staff to view game film. He is also working with the freshman offensive line. Chet has been impressed with Dan’s knowledge and love for football and is excited to be working with him outside of ATC. Dan wanted to get involved because he loves watching people he helps become better football players and people. It was an easy avenue for him to be passionate about something while helping others at the same time. Dan had this to say about coaching so far,

“It’s a little bit new, coming as an outsider to an established program. Chet has been helpful and helped me get to know other coaches and put in a good word for me. I am thankful and looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Good luck with the upcoming season Dan.

Home Improvement Project

2011-08-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

At The Crossroads is always getting home improvements because the program is set up to allow the boys to use their talents and make their living spaces better. Chip has been pretty busy re-purposing a table for the apartment. He has done a great job and this will come in handy for all the guys.

Great Job Chip! Everyone is impressed with your work. Thanks for contributing something to ATC.

Job Search Success

2011-08-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

As part of the ATC program, the guys are responsible for job search hours which include resume preparation, mock interviews, and then obtaining a job. Jay and Todd recently met their goal.

Jay is working at Red Robin. His official title is Sales Support Technician, which gives him the opportunity to be the follow through guy at the restaurant. He gets to do it all; busing tables, getting drinks, and making sure the customers are happy and being waited on. Jay said the time flies while he is at work and he is happy to be working for Red Robin.

Todd is working at Sterling Court, an assisted living community. He is currently washing dishes there with goals of obtaining his CNA and switching over within the company using his license. He knows that he is gaining valuable experience working at Sterling Court and with his education he will be able to continue to help people. Todd enjoys being in a profession where other people are affected in a positive way.

Good Job Jay and Todd.

Meet the Woodbury Family

2011-07-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

Chet has worked with At The Crossroads for four years. He has been able to learn from and help many young men during this time. Recently he was given the assignment of Operations Director; highlighting his talent of organization, rule management, follow through and leadership. He has always enjoyed working with young people and helping them reach their potential. Whether it has been his years of experience coaching with his local high school football team, or now serving the young men in the At The Crossroads program, he feels like he has found the career path he hopes to continue far into the future. Chet is currently enrolled in Dixie State College, working on achieving his own goals of continued education.

Chet enjoys being active with football, softball, golf, and anything to stay in shape. He is a big outdoorsman and avid hunter. He enjoys the opportunity to be involved with service through working with ATC, and has always had the desire to help others. He enjoys spending time with his family. He is glad for the support his family has been in his life to help get him where he is today.

Chet is married to Erin who has recently started working with the staff and students to keep the blog updated, as well as help inform family, friends, and others on the many accomplishments and projects that are happening at ATC. Erin is excited about her new opportunity.

Chet and Erin have been married for four years and have a one year old that helps keep them on their toes. Together they have enjoyed getting to know the

many families involved in ATC, and have been glad to be apart of the bigger ATC family that has developed through the years.

NACD Service Project in Full Swing

2011-07-25T21:26:00.001-07:00

At The Crossroads gets to be involved in a lot of service projects around the community. In their effort to give back they have been able to help a former ATC student, Chris C.B., raise money for evaluations with the National Association for Child Development. With help from Chip, Todd, and Eric, Chris has been making posters and signs to sell golf balls for a golf ball drop that will be happening August 6^th. All the money that Chris and his team make goes towards his evaluations and his progress with the Children of Hope Academy.

Chip had this to say about his experiences with the service project so far,

“I love working with special needs. My mother has worked with special needs so I have grown up being able to help. I think working with special needs is rewarding and we encourage anyone to come out and support this project.”

Isaac Graduated Highschool!

2011-07-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Isaac was able to accomplish one of his major goals recently by graduating high school.

“A year ago I wasn’t in school anymore because I was kicked out. I was going to have to repeat the 11^th grade again. A few months later I was accepted to a private school and was kicked out again. I thought I was two years behind and didn’t know if I was going to be able to finish high school. Things turned around for me. The fact that I was able to finish high school in two months felt amazing because it had been a goal of mine.”

Isaac is still keeping busy and motivated with work and attending college at DSC, pursuing a degree.

Congratulations Isaac on achieving your goal and following through with something that was important to you.

Brad's Graduation

2011-06-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

Brad P. graduated on Thursday June 23rd. We had a barbeque and almost all of the students and staff were able to attend to celebrate Brad's accomplishment. We were lucky to have Brad's Dad, Mom and Brother with us also. After the barbeque we sat down and each said a few words on how Brad has grown and achieved so much while here. Congratulation Brad on reaching the finish line!!!

Brad's Serivice Project

2011-06-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Brad P.: Today I did my service project for Step 3. After several attempts at

trying to set up a service project with the animal shelter, things

just didn't work out. So instead I called the Washington City

volunteer center. I then got Eric, Dan, Jon and myself to go to a

school and we helped paint some wood sheds. Even in 100+ degree

weather we did it because the feeling of helping someone less

fortunate then us was a very gratifying feeling.

MIke B and ATC Rake It In for Local Charity (See Article Below)

2011-01-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

Mike B Crosses the Finish Line!

2011-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

ATC would like to congratulate Mike on graduating from the program. Mike came to ATC from Baltimore, MD. In his time with ATC Mike attained his GED and completed two successful semesters at Dixie State College all while accomplishing the required goals and holding a job with Nutel Wireless.

Mike leaves a legacy of tenacity when it came to accomplishing his goals. That's not to say Mike didn't know how to have fun, he will be missed for his fun loving personality.

Mike is currently attending Marshall University in West Virginia where he is working toward a degree in psychology.

Prior to graduating Mike set a goal of raising $1500 for a local non-profit group, Children of Hope. By working hard and smart he succeeded. Last week a group of ATC students delivered the check to the team of volunteers. Good work Mike!

Jumping The Gun! by Brad Parrill

2010-12-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

Over the course of a month I have learned to build a bench in the backyard and also how to tile a kitchen. In the process I learned many new skills, like how to use a circular saw, a hand drill, and many other interesting tools that I’ve never used before. I decided for my home improvement project I would help Brook retile the kitchen counters in the student council apartment. First we went to Home Depot to get the supplies and then head back home. We both thought it should only take one weekend at the most, right? WRONG! On day three we both realized how over our heads we really were. After taking off the countertops and screwing the plywood in, we screwed down the backer board. We ended up using about a thousand screws! On day four we finally started laying tile and using the tile saw which was a lot of fun to use! When we finally finished on day nine I felt the feeling of satisfaction and the reward of hard work. This was a really awesome project to work on and I learned a lot. For me, the lessons I learned here was not to jump the gun and to analyze the situation before you start.

-Brad

THE SCARY TRUTH: by Evan Galvin

2010-10-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday: Led by Brook, we did pumpkin carving for a group activity. I was not very enthusiastic about the activity at first because I was not feeling well that morning and second because I am not a big fan of Halloween, however I knew the purpose of the activity was to be active and involved with my peers. I thought "What better way to socialize on a Saturday in October?"

Brook and some of the students ventured out to pick up our victims (pumpkins) while those who stayed at the 4plex thought about design plans. My victim turned out to be this guy, unique in his own way with colors reminding me of being sick which then became my immediate inspiration for the design. I cut, sliced, chiseled and carved away all the pieces necessary, focusing mostly on the teeth which took a lot of patience and careful cuts.

By the end I realized everybody was smiling throughout, including myself. It was much more fun then I had expected and I was proud of my efforts. Right around the time I was putting on the finishing touches, I realized that my headache and stomach aches were gone. Lesson learned: laughter and childlike fun can cure your ailments if you let them. Perhaps this pumpkin will feel better soon.

Fall Semester at Dixie State College is Under Way

2010-08-29T22:09:00.000-07:00

ATC students started the fall semester at Dixie State College last week.

"Attending school will be a great opportunity for these young men to utilize the tools they're learning in the program. For several of the young men, this will be their college experience. I know Jake, Mike, Tyler and Sal have what it takes to make this semester a success!"
ATC Program Director Brian Virgin

For information about Dixie State College visit www.dixie.edu or call 435-652-7500.

Brook's Homemade Waffle Recipe!

2010-08-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

For our weekly Meal and Meeting yesterday Brook shared a personal waffle recipe with the students and staff. The waffles were a hit so we wanted to share, enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 cups skim milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup flax seed meal
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions: 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Beat in whole wheat pastry flour, flax seed meal, wheat germ, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until batter is smooth.
2. Preheat a waffle iron, and coat with cooking spray. Pour batter into waffle iron in batches, and cook until crisp and golden brown.

Fall Parent Weekend Dates!

2010-07-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

The fall parent weekend will be held October 7th-10th. Tina will be sending an agenda with additional details. If you have any questions regarding the weekend please contact Tina at 435-627-1788 or Tina@guidingyouth.com.

See you in October!

Southern Utah Leadership Expedition Pictures!

2010-07-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

"The Southern Utah Leadership Expedition was pretty fun for me considering I am not a huge fan of camping or any outdoor activites for that matter. I did have a pretty cool time along with Andrew, C.J., and Adam who came along with me. We camped at a few different spots and yes, at times there was some arguing and complaining but we worked through it and all ended up in laughs and smiles. I think the most memorable moment of that camping trip was when Brook made a rattlesnake noise in the tent. I had known about him planning on doing it earlier, but it was funny to watch the other guys jump out of their sleeping bags and start running. Camping is an activity where I can get away, relax and have fun with my fellow students and the staff. It is more then a reward, its a privilege and a great opportunity."

-Mark Dukerschein

Dr Thibault on Communication

2010-06-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

In the program, you may have heard of us referring to the students using “C-F-R’s” in our dialogue. There are a number of different ways to identify this particular tool, but we give credit to Brook for making it simple for our residents through his understanding of CFR’s as he was taught through his experience in the United States Marines. A little background on the four communication styles:
1. PASSIVE COMMUNICATION is a style in which individuals have developed a pattern of avoiding expressing their opinions or feelings, protecting their rights, and identifying and meeting their needs. Passive communication is usually born of low self-esteem. These individuals believe: “I’m not worth taking care of.”
As a result, passive individuals do not respond overtly to hurtful or anger-inducing situations. Instead, they allow grievances and annoyances to mount, usually unaware of the buildup. But once they have reached their high tolerance threshold for unacceptable behavior, they are prone to explosive outbursts, which are usually out of proportion to the triggering incident. After the outburst, however, they feel shame, guilt, and confusion, so they return to being passive.
2. AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION is a style in which individuals express their feelings and opinions and advocate for their needs in a way that violates the rights of others. Thus, aggressive communicators are verbally and/or physically abusive. Aggressive communication is born of low self-esteem (often caused by past physical and/or emotional abuse), unhealed emotional wounds, and feelings of powerlessness.
3. PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION is a style in which individuals appear passive on the surface but are really acting out anger in a subtle, indirect, or behind-the-scenes way. Prisoners of War (POWs) often act in passive-aggressive ways to deal with an overwhelming lack of power. POWs may try to secretly sabotage the prison, make fun of the enemy, or quietly disrupt the system while smiling and appearing cooperative.
People who develop a pattern of passive-aggressive communication usually feel powerless, stuck, and resentful – in other words, they feel incapable of dealing directly with the object of their resentments. Instead, they express their anger by subtly undermining the object (real or imagined) of their resentments. They smile at you while setting booby traps all around you.
4. ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION is a style in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings, and firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others. Assertive communication is born of high self-esteem. These individuals value themselves, their time, and their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs and are strong advocates for themselves while being very respectful of the rights of others.
Obviously in the program, we deal with each of the four styles and we advocate assertive communication. The purpose of CFR’s is to teach assertive communication so that issues are brought out in the open and addressed in a fair and timely manner. The initials stand for Conflict, Feelings, and Request. We want the residents to learn how to air conflicts in a healthy way, so that they can adopt this behavior throughout their life. It also teaches them that when it comes to human interaction and conflict, there is no absolute truth, but rather, very subjective realities constructed from our own experiences.
This is important for parents who will oftentimes have their students complain to them that they can’t talk to me, or to Michael, Brian, Chet, or Brook. Most often in these situations, they are triangulating parents and are demonstrating passive or passive-aggressive communication. Your task as a parent is to not become enmeshed in these struggles, but to point your son back to the staff and encourage them to be assertive in their communication.

A Message From Dr Thibault.

2010-05-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

In dealing with family relationships, parents would do well to remember the “Principle of Least Interest.” This principle simply states that the person who has the least interest in a relationship, retains the majority of the power in that relationship.

This often appears as an emotional tug of war between students in the program and their parents. Students who have become accustomed to their parents rescuing them will oftentimes seek to leverage their parents support by threatening their own progress in some way. The students send the message that they “care less” than their parents and therefore their parents allow them to have the power to manipulate them. They, in essence, put their parents over a barrel and the parents allow this to happen.
This can show up any number of ways, such as “I need you to support me leaving the program or I don’t know what I will do....I could hurt myself or you may never hear from me again…” Parents then buy into this manipulation and try to get the program to do react because they are afraid of the threats, or losing their relationship with their son.

Another common way we see it is in parents who are constantly contacting the program trying to get the staff to do something to get their student motivated (“take him on activities…have another medication evaluation… help him get a job...”). Again, the student“cares less” about their progress than the parents, so the parents end up working harder on the son’s issues than does the student! This is dysfunctional and a strong sign of a codependent relationship.

What to do? Parents need to disengage and allow the process, consequences, and program to run its course. Do not buy into the emotional tug of war; rather, put the rope down and tell your son “Well, it’s your choice and I’m sorry you are making it, but no we won’t support you in it.” If you find yourself in this situation, get the book “Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie and try to understand your role in the problem. You don’t want to raise a child who can hold you emotional hostage, and further, you don’t want to send them the message that they can’t succeed without your intervention. So parents, please, back up and let the process happen.

Good Work Mike!

2010-05-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

ATC would like to congratulate Mike on passing the GED exam. Mike was responsible for making sure all of the necessary leg work was taken care of to be eligible to take the test. Once that was taken care of, he passed it on his first attempt. Mike plans to continue his education this summer by enrolling in College.

Way to go Mike, may this be the first of many great accomplishments!

Update on Mike M

2010-04-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Mike was recently hired as a CNA at a local care center. This particular center does not usually hire CNA's without experience, however Mike was persistent and determined in his follow up resulting in his being hired! Another factor that played an important part of Mike's being hired was the endorsement of a fellow CNA who Mike had shadowed during his clinicals.

WAY TO GO MIKE!

Mike M gets his CNA!

2010-04-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am from North Carolina and started college out there working on obtaining my Assiociates of Arts and struggled. With my anxiety and ADD, it was hard for me to focus and complete assignments. After enrolling in the Crossroads program (ATC) I decided that it was best for me to take a break from my general classes and try to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. We decided that it would be a great way to get some experience in the medical field and that it would be a better fit for my learning style. It would also be a good job to have to help me pay for more schooling in whatever field of study I should choose to go into. I am thankful that ATC helped me with this idea and that I ran with it, because I am now a Certified Nursing Assistant. I plan on working as a CNA and going to school to become an RN. Don’t get me wrong, obtaining my CNA certificate was not easy; however it is something that is possible if you put work into it. All I had to do was go to class everyday, and study the online power points before each test. Most importantly, I paid attention in class and participated in groups, classroom discussions, and more. With ATC working on my time management and daily planning, it made it easier for me to focus and stay on top of everything.
It is a good feeling to have earned my certification. Having this makes it easier for me to get a higher paying job. I now have the confidence to work as a CNA and go back to school to become an

ATC Students Hit the Slopes!

2010-03-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Some of my fellow ATC students and I recently took a trip to Park City Mountain Resort for a ski/snowboard trip. The drive was long but on the way up we stopped at a pizza restaurant in Fillmore for pizza and wings. After stuffing ourselves we jumped into the van and completed the final leg of the trip.
Michael Alger’s dad was kind enough to allow us to stay at their home for the weekend. We had a short devotional the night we arrived then rested up for the long day of skiing ahead of us.
The next morning we woke up early to get the most of our time on the slopes. Because of adverse weather conditions the drive took longer than expected, needless to say we were eager to pick up our equipment and get on the hill. Once snowboards and skies were fitted and rented we were off. Some students had experience while some of us were trying out our respective sport for the first time. We enjoyed sunny skies in the morning hours while the afternoon conditions provided fresh snow. Despite a few good wrecks we all made it off of the mountain in one piece.
One of the traditions of the ski trip is dinner at a steakhouse called Tocanos. It was by far the best part of the trip, not to mention the best food I’ve ever had in my life. Due to weather conditions we decided to make the trip back to St George that evening.
The trip was a relaxing break from the everyday routine of ATC life. Those of us who participated in the trip were able to do so because of our efforts in the program. It was a great experience and I know we were all thankful for the opportunity.

Kyle S Step 2 ATC student.

We are the Champs!

2010-03-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of months we have been playing in a flag football league in St. George. It was a very good learning experience for many of the boys and they enjoyed the competition. At first we didn't compete very well however. In the first few weeks of the season we would lose by quite a few points but the boys were still learning how to work as a team both offensively and defensively. For many of them this was the first time they had played organized football, so receiver routes, defensive schemes were all new concepts. As the season progressed so did our team. They all learned the basic routes for offense and different zone and man defensive packages. Towards the end of the regular season we were able to compete with some good teams and had managed a couple of victories. We were put in the B league playoff tournament with five other teams; all but one had beaten us in the regular season. We won our first quarterfinal game by multiple touchdowns, the semifinals the other team didn't show so we were in the championship game! We were to play a team that had beaten us by three touchdowns just two weeks prior. The guys were just happy to make it to the finals and kept saying, "hey, at least were going to get a trophy". All the boys and staff played a great championship game and we won 38-31! Everyone was jumping around cheering and the other team wasn't happy while the other team was trying to figure what hit them. It was a great experience for both staff and students. We will be holding an ATC football awards night this coming week to celebrate the championship! We hope this trophy will be the first of many!

A Fundraiser to Support Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Utah

2010-01-30T18:17:00.000-08:00

On January 18th, 2010, students from ATC were out in the community holding up fliers and standing on their heads. The students were helping at a charity fund raiser, put on by Disney and the Youth Volunteer corporation, to aid the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of Utah. Earlier, students had gone door to door handing out fliers for the event and collecting canned food. The deal was for every pound of cans donated, we would stand on our "head" for 1 minute. Apparently, those crazy Navy guys refer to their toilets as the "head".
During the event we practiced our public speaking and working on sales with people of the community. We collected and weighed cans and ended up standing on the "head" for over 51 minutes. We had a lot of fun and provided a lot of help to a great organization! One of our staff members, Brook Price is a Big Brother to a young man and it was great to help benefit this great cause.
- Vincent B

Aaron B Recognized as Employee of the Month.

2009-12-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

ATC would like to recognize Aaron B for being named Employee of the Month at Kohl’s Department store. Aaron is a step 2 student from NC who has been working AT Kohl’s for nearly 2 months as a sales associate. When asked how it made him feel, he modestly responded, “It feels good, I’ve only been working there a short time, but it feels good to be recognized for my efforts.”
Aaron is currently working towards a degree in business and hopes that his time at Kohl’s will produce some valuable experience in the field.
Brian Virgin, ATC program director said “Aaron is one of many ATC students that are not only learning the value of a strong work ethic, but gaining the real world credibility that comes along with giving it your best in the work place. We’re very proud of Aaron for receiving this award. Kohl’s employs just under 100 employees that puts him in the top 1-2%, to receive this award says a lot about this young man.”

Hard Work Pays Off for ATC Student Colin P.

2009-12-10T14:35:00.001-08:00

Recently Colin P, a step 1 student from TX checked off one of the largest goals of his life. Colin recently received word that he has passed his GED! Colin expressed that there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t feel pressure to get this goal accomplished. Needless to say Colin is pleased with his recent accomplishment and is anxious update his resume.
Last week Colin along with other ATC students were involved heavily as behind the scenes volunteers for the Jubilee of Trees fundraiser. Individually Colin donated more than 20 hours of his time and energy to the fundraiser that was successful in raising a considerable amount of money that will be used to bring a helicopter to the Dixie Regional Medical Center. AS a result of his efforts Colin was given the go-ahead to use the name of a key leader of the Jubilee of Trees as a personal reference. “It feels good; it makes me feel important when I’m able to help others.” For more information about the Jubilee of Trees visit their website @ Jubileeoftrees.com.
In addition to adding his GED and a valuable reference to his resume Colin also completed the food handler’s permit course, making him now eligible to work in the food industry. In just a short time Colin’s efforts have translated into him becoming significantly more marketable as a future employee.
Great work Colin!

Draw your Weapons

2009-12-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

On a cold Monday morning in November, nine Crossroads students along with Brian, Chet, and Norm gathered together to do battle. Contrary to current trends, it wasn’t over a negative write-up. We donned paintball gear as an activity to reward those students doing well.

After a careful review of the rules, handing out protective gear, and signing waivers (after all, these are young and sometimes impulsive men who are being handed weapons) the staff sat back to allow the students to formulate the game and their plans.

Paintball is an exhilarating activity - but it can also be a demonstration of planning, ability, and teamwork. One has to be able to think systemically when formulating a plan of attack or assuming a defensive position.

Typically, there are two games that we play: “Attack & Defend” and “Assassin.” We play on the side of a bluff on the large lot of an abandoned home, which was previously left to destruction by developers and has been used by the fire department for training. As it sits now, it is perfect for playing paintball.

The first game consists of two teams, evenly divided, with one team defending the home and the others seeking to attack it. It is quite interesting to see how creative the students get in their defense of the home – some climb in the attic, others on the roof, while yet others will go through the property and out the back in order to assault the attackers from the rear. The attackers usually spread out and try to pin down the defenders while some brave soul charges (okay, as a spectator it is absolutely hilarious to see some of the guys charging and shooting, all the while trying to dodge those painful paintballs).

The second game, Assassin, is comprised of one President and four Secret Service agents. This team begins one a far corner of the property, about a quarter mile away, and their job is to walk the President safely to the White House (the abandoned home) while the assassins formulate and execute a plan to attack the President’s “motorcade.” You can imagine the thought that has to go into these plans.

Throughout, teamwork is imperative as it is practically impossible to survive alone; the students depend on one another and on their plans. In addition, because the guns are not always in perfect condition, being resourceful is always a plus. One often has to be able to clean and repair their weapon while on the run.

This particular day found the guys upbeat, energetic, and with a great attitude. We spent about four hours playing and yes, the staff did get involved. The team led by Ben Grisham did an outstanding job in each game, however Brian, Chet, and Norm were able to upset the winning team in a game of Attack & Defend, and we then quickly denied any further invitation to play. Revenge is a dish best served on another day….Overall, there were some welts, a lot of running, and really ingenious tricks employed to keep the President safe. It was a great time.

The verdict by the students: “When can we go again?”

2009-10-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Parent Weekend Pics

2009-10-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Families survive another ATC Parent Weekend!

2009-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

At the Crossroads recently hosted a family workshop in St George. The families stayed in downtown St George at the Green Gate Village. The purpose of our workshops is to provide families an opportunity to improve their ability to assist their young men in their quest toward independence.

The weekend included a short meet and greet Thursday evening which was followed by a day of instruction and processing with Dr Thibault. He instructed us on the stages of change and what role parents can play to assist their young men throughout those stages.

Friday’s lunch was served at the Pizza Factory where we enjoyed a pizza buffet, salad and their signature bread sticks.

After lunch we heard from one of the ATC student council members, Vincent B. Vincent wowed the crowd with his speech as he spoke of the ups and downs of his own quest to become independent. More than once he credited his parents for allowing him to own his outcomes and experiences throughout his time in the program. After Vincent's speech Dr Thibault led a group discussion on how families have been affected by having their young man in placement. Friday night the families were asked to go to dinner and discuss a specific assignment given by Dr Thibault that would be addressed the following day.

After a day of world class lecturing and mediocre comedy, Saturday was spent outdoors near beautiful Snow Canyon State Park. Thane and Heidi Palmer led the group to the red cliffs where the group would be doing a rappel, many for the first time. The rappel serves as a great metaphore, ATC students are frequently being put in situations that require them to extend themselves outside of their comfort zones, much like taking the first step over the edge of a 60 foot vertical cliff! Despite some close calls we met our goal of zero casualties! Special thanks to Heidi and Thane for their encouragement and expertise. In addition to the rappel families did team building work with Dr Thibault.

Once again we would like to thank all of those families that made the weekend a success. We hope to see you again in the spring!

“It was a great weekend, it was fun to reconnect with my parents, I was very proud of my mom for doing the rappel” ATC Student, Kyle S

"Sometimes you feel so alone in situations like ours and when you find someone who can relate, it is very nice". ATC Parent

“The Parent’s weekend exceeded our expectations. What we experienced this weekend was a more mature and engaged young man…we learned a lot about ourselves and how to be better parents.” –ATC Parent

Thank You!

2009-10-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the families that attended the parent weekend in September. It was a treat being able to spend time with you and getting to know your families on a more personal level. Please feel free to send any feedback you may have regarding the weekend to Brian, at Brian@guidingyouth.com.

Wisdom from Dale Carnegie

2009-09-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~Dale Carnegie

With the fall school semester starting and many of the young men still looking for work, Crossroads students are learning how to balance schedules, work hard, and persevere through some long and difficult days. ATC students work to maximize each day by prioritizing their tasks and planning effective days. As students complete daily and weekly goals, their long term goals get closer to fulfillment. Good luck to all Crossroads students this semester!!!

Fun in the Sun

2009-08-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” Dale Carnegie

Recently a group of ATC students took a break from their "program labors" to spend the weekend camping in Southern California. The group stayed at Newport Dunes, an RV/Camping site located less than a mile from the pacific ocean. It was obvious that our resident mountain man, Chet Woodbury, struggled with the southern California camping style of having plumbing, swimming pools and neighbors on each side of you!

Thursday evening was spent setting up the campsite and scouting out the area. Friday morning we made the hour long drive to Valencia, to spend the day at Six Flags, Magic Mountain. Patience was definitely a virtue as we spent the first 4 hours waiting in line for a single roller coaster, the X2. As outrageous as it sounds it was unanimous that the wait was well worth it. We recommend you check out the video on Youtube. The remainder of that day was spent waiting in lines and riding one spectacular coaster after another. Brian's favorite coaster, Goliath can be viewed by clicking on the following link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9i9arM1e8M

The next morning we were off to Huntington Beach to play in the waves. Brennan gave us all a lesson on the art of skimboarding while Colin showed us the ins and outs of boogeyboarding.

ATC student, Mike M said "Going to the beach was my favorite part of the trip, the pacific ocean was cold, but refreshing!

"It was a good opportunity to get to know the guys on a more personal level and for them to know us. We had a lot of laughs, the guys had great attitudes throughout the trip." ATC staff, Chet Woodbury.

Parent Weekend

2009-07-23T15:24:00.001-07:00

Dates for the upcoming parent weekend are set for, September 24th-26th. Natalie will be sending you some information detailing the weekend's activities. Hope to see you there!

Great Outdoors

2009-07-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

Recently Brook, took a group of ATC students on a hike to Kannaraville falls. Brook has ten years of experience working for a variety of different treatment programs and loves to share his passion for Mother Nature and the unique lessons only she can teach. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students to flex their muscles a little, to learn how to function as a team, to support each other... a chance to realize that things we often view as incovenient can be fun if we let it... even cold water!

ATC student, Kyle S said, "we were all complaining at first, and we all ended up loving it. It was the most fun I've had since I've been here, I'm looking forward to our next activity."

Dave D Crosses the Finish Line!

2009-06-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dave D graduated from, At the Crossroads last week and has returned to his home state of Massachusetts. Dave will spend a short time with his family before going to Vermont to continue his education.

While enrolled in the program Dave served as the student council president for 3 months. He was involved in many advancement reviews, disciplinary councils and participated in the planning and execution of ATC activities and events. As a step 2 and 3 student he remodeled both bathrooms in the student council apartment by doing a lot of the work on his own while staying within the allotted budget. As a step 3 student he organized a car wash to raise money for a local program that assists young people in foster homes, despite rain and overcast skies he successfully raised over four-hundred dollars. He also was successful in convincing the local Home Depot and Costco to donate months worth of desperately needed disinfectant to the Dixie Care and Share. He successfully completed his coursework at Dixie State College and held the same job for 7 months. He lived independently for 2 months, while successfully managing his finances by paying rent and other expenses on time.

These accomplishments in addition to many others not mentioned are all real requirements of being independent. Like all students, Dave faced many obstacles in his quest to successfully graduate the program. Throughout the process he remained focused on his goals and allowed himself to remain open to feedback from others, especially his family. Dave has created a pattern of doing things he never thought he was capable of doing, a pattern we hope will continue to serve him for years to come.

"Our hope is that every student will arrive at a point where they are no longer a liability to themselves or others. By honorably serving in the student council and remaining focused on his values, Dave was undoubtedly an asset to the program. I'm confident in Dave's ability to continue being an asset to himself, his family and community as he remains committed to his values." ATC Program Director, Brian Virgin

Dave's Mission Statement.
To have a life filled with love, purpose and happiness. To have a fulfilling career. To give back.

Southern California Benefit Trip

2009-06-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

Dates have been set for the annual summer benefit trip to Southern California, July 29th - August 2nd. The trip includes a day of surfing at Huntington Beach, a day of roller coasters at Magic Mountain as well as a day of community service.

In order to be eligible, students must be employed, pay $50 and not be living in the orientaiton apartment.

In your correspondence with your student be sure to encourage them to work hard on their goals and meet their personal and program standards to ensure they don't miss out on this benefit.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

ATC students and staff would like to wish all you fathers a Happy Father's Day.

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. ~Mark Twain, "Old Times on the Mississippi" Atlantic Monthly, 1874

Eric R Graduates

2009-06-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Eric R graduated from ATC last week! While enrolled in ATC Eric completed his High School diploma requirements by completing a successful part time schedule at Dixie State College. Eric maintained his employment for over 6 months at Verizon and served in the ATC student council for 3 months.

Coming from New Jersey one of Eric's primary complaints about living in Utah was the lack of green. Prior to graduating the program he did something about it by contributing long days leading an extensive landscape project on the ATC property. Eric oversaw the budget, plant orders and pick ups as well as coordinating shifts so other students could contribute to the project. Dave, ATC student council president said, "This was probably the biggest project anyone has done in the program, yet, he never complained but instead dutifully completed it with a hard work ethic. I am close to graduating this program and I look to Eric as inspiration to finish strong."

Eric returned to his home state of New Jersey where he will be living in his own apartment and working full time for a landscape company.

We're all very proud of Eric. It's been a great experience watching him become more aware of his new role as an adult. We really saw a change in him as he began to understand the importance of the choices he makes now and how they will affect him in the future. As a student council member he made it easy for other students to approach him, he was willing to be accountable not only to himself, but the group as well. He understood that to be an effective leader he needed to have credibility.

A Break From the Heat

2009-05-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Brian, his daughter Payton, Chris, Vincent, Eric and Brennan enjoyed an evening at Navajo Lake near Cedar City, Utah. Navajo Lake's elevation nears the 9000 ft mark, providing us with Temperatures in the low 50's. Brennan brought his camera and took full advantage of the scenery by taking pictures. Eric "the trout slayer" caught two beautiful browns out of the lake the old fashioned way (worm and hook) while Vincent took notes as he tried his hand at fishing as well. Chris Brian and Payton worked on their rock skipping technique and were responsible for getting the fire ready for hot dogs and chili.

All in all it was a good short trip as Vince and Brennan prepare to start the summer semester next week and Eric prepares for graduation.

Camping at Toquerville Falls

2009-05-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

We had a campout this past Wednesday night at Toquerville falls. Vince B., Brennan B., Chris C.B., Ben A., and Smith H. all attended. We arrived at the falls Wednesday evening and the guys swam in the waterfall. We also played 500 with a football and Vince ended up winning. Later at night we started a camp fire and prepared tin foil dinners. They all turned out tasting really good and the guys all enjoyed it. After dinner, we had a devotional. Chet's cousin Marcus came to help with the camp out and shared his story of his struggles and bad choices, ending up in a program, and second chances. The guys participated well in the devotional and made some good comments. We slept out under the stars and came home early the next morning to get Ben and Vince back for work. It was a fun trip and the guys were very helpful and cooperative with the preperation and clean up once we got home. We will be doing more trips like these now that the weather is better.

A lesson from Dale Carnegie

2009-05-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, Ben, a step 2 student led a devotional on what he has learned from studying Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People. One of the concepts Ben touched on is applicable to students, ATC staff and families.

In the 3rd Chapter of the book, Carnegie writes about his summer fishing trips to Maine. He also brings up his fondness for Strawberries and Cream. He makes the point that to effectively catch fish he must use worms rather than strawberries and cream. "Having learned it was necessary to bait the hook to suit the fish."

So it is with people, to motivate and influence others we must properly bait our hooks. In working with the young men we often find ourselves baiting the hook with freedom. Freedom has been an eternal quest for mankind. As emerging adults our young men are transitioning from dependence to independence by gaining, and more importantly applying, the necessary life skills. By doing so more and more of life's doors become available to our young men, or in other words, they create more freedom for themselves.

Budgets, job skills, time management, healthy relationships, service in the community and in the home are a few of the skills that our students focus on that will create more options and freedom for our students now and in the future.

We are appreciative of your support in our mission to assist your students in their efforts to enjoy the benefits of creating their own freedom.

"First, arouse in the other person an eager want. He who can do this has the whole world with him. He who cannot walks a lonely way."

Jacob G Graduates from ATC

2009-05-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Jacob G has just graduated from the program and all of us here at the four-plex are proud and sad. Jacob is an amazing guy and we were lucky to have him with us here. Not only was he a great example to younger students, Jacob showed us all what it means to be accountable, trustworthy and how to finish strong. During his time in Utah Jacob worked at 30 hours a week at subway, payed for his own rent and food while taking care of his goals and education.

The last week in St. George for Jacob was spent at the four-plex. While here he helped a newly arrived student acclimate himself to his surroundings. He took him on a grand tour of St. George, worked out with him at the gym and explained the responsibilities expected of him while here at the Crossroads. Needless to say, The former newly arrived student has adjusted exceptionally well, in part thanks to Jacob.

Having Jacob live with us right before he left was bittersweet.
With Jacob around more often, life was great. He is a happy, energetic guy that loves life. we adjusted to this life filled with laughter only to have it ripped away from us a mere week later. We all wish him the best in his future endeavours.

"Jacob was a good example of how a student should be when they graduate the program. He is a hard worker and motivated, he seemed like he had his life on track."

ATC-Student

New Job!

2009-05-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mark has recently upgraded his employment to full time. He is looking forward to making the most of this new opportunity. He is also looking forward to applying his increased income to his budget!
Mark was hired at an above average hourly wage as a result of being prepared for the interview.
Good work, Mark.
"I'm excited, this will make it possible for me to become financially self sufficient. It feels good."
-Mark

Keith L Gets Some Props!

2009-04-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

Keith L, a step 2 student and enrolled in the DXATC Medical Assistant program. Recently Keith gave a presentation to his class on Diabetes. It just so happened that the Academic Vice President of the DXATC was in class that day. Keith received a personal memo of congratulations from Dr. Max Lowe, recognizing Keith for his presentation. "It was obvious that you had done your homework in preparation. I personally gained a lot of information about a disease that I knew very little about.....I appreciate your efforts."

Keith, who has Diabetes is considering a career in the Medical Field as a Diabetes Counselor.

Reminder

2009-04-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Don't forget to take advantage of the, mystudent@guidingyouth.com email addres to send quick notes of encouragement and support to your student. This email account is checked daily by ATC staff. Emails will be printed and delivered daily. It's a great resource for siblings, family friends and extended family members. Please remember to put your student's name in the subject line so our staff will know who to deliver the email to.

Under Construction

2009-04-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

The orientation apartment sustained substantial damage last week as a result of a pipe bursting under the kitchen sink. A service company had to remove a section of the kitchen cabinet as well as the kitchen sink. The wood floors in the apartment were also removed to enable the subfloor to dry before more damage was sustained. Apartment #1, (below orientation apartmnet) also had minor flood damage. Once moisture is no longer detected in the flooring the contractors will begin making repairs.
Several students were moved to apartment to the next apartment due to the construction.

Congrats Andrew J!

2009-04-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Andrew on making it to step 3! We look forward to seeing you finish strong! Keep up the good work.

"It feels really good, I look forward to moving out into my own place, and working towards graduation."

Andrew

Hitting the Books

2009-04-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Smith H completed his GED in March, passing the test on his first attempt. Smith put in long hours at the school studying and taking pretests to prepare himself for the test. Good work Smith!

This Old House

2009-04-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Dave and Jesse work on Dave's home improvement project. In step 2 and step 3 students are expected to complete a home improvement project. Once a student has identified a project they will work with Jesse (Home Improvement Manager) to plan, budget and complete the project. Projects have ranged from replacing light fixtures to remodeling a bathroom.

"It's good to learn life skills that will serve me when I own a home of my own. In general the home improvement project is a tangible goal that entails a lot of the skills we are learning while at ATC."

Dave Dunsmore

Step 3 Student

Zion National Park

2009-04-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jake for taking the guys to Zion National Park last Saturday to do the Angel's Landing hike. It's a rigerous hike that delivers some of the best views of the park. (Watch your step Ryan!)

Zion National Park is a 50 minute drive from the house. It's a great place to visit while you're in town visiting your student.

www.utahstgeorge.com/zion-national-park.html

Reminder:

2009-03-31T14:55:00.001-07:00

When sending packages to your student, please use:

Po Box 377
Washington, UT 84780

If sending an envelope, use:

663 West Evans Ridge Circle #1
Washington, UT 84780

"By the work, you know the workman."

2009-03-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Ryan E for earning the Salesperson of the Month award at Sears. Ryan's sales numbers were well above the store average adding to his already impressive professional reputation. Keep up the good work, Ryan.

Be Proactive

2009-03-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

“Be Proactive” is habit #1 from Steve Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Being proactive means taking conscious control over your life, setting goals and working to achieve them. Instead of reacting to events and waiting for opportunities, you go out and create your own events and opportunities....

Steve Covey points out that there’s a gap between stimulus and response, and within that gap lies the potential for us to choose our response. Four special human endowments give us this power:

Self-awareness - the understanding that you do have a choice between stimulus and response. If someone insults you, you can choose not to become angry. If you are offered a donut, you can choose not to eat it.
Conscience - the ability to consult your inner compass to decide what is right for you. You can make decisions based on unchanging principles, regardless of what is socially favored at the moment.
Creative Imagination - the ability to visualize alternative responses. By using your imagination, you can mentally generate and evaluate different options.
Independent Will - You have the freedom to choose your own unique response. You aren’t forced to conform to what others expect from you...

Some examples of reactive [proactive] language:

Where is the industry going? [Where shall I go next, and how will I get there?]
I don’t have time to exercise. [How shall I make time to exercise?]
How much money can I expect to make if I do X? [How much money do I want to make, and what will I do to earn it?]
I’ll try it and see what happens. [I'll do it.]
I’m too tired. [What can I do to increase my energy?]
I’ve never been very good at math. [How can I improve my math skills and enjoy the process?]
Nothing really inspires me. [What would I tackle if I knew I couldn't fail?]
What is the meaning of life? [What is the meaning I wish to give to my life?]

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2004/11/be-proactive/

March 16-22 SPRING BREAK!

2009-03-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Monday: Tinfoil dinners and smores at Baker Reservior
Devotional Topic: Credibility (Brian)

Tuesday: Home improvement project: Replacing Laundry Doors
Bowling with Jake
Devotional Topic: Spiritual Awareness. Benefits of Spirituality (Ben)

Wednesday: Spin Class
Basketball game
Devotional Topic: How to Win Friends and Influence People (Chet)

Thursday: Paintball organized by Jacob G (Step 3 goals)
Life Skills group with Thane
Ultimate Frisby (Jake)
Devotional Topic:

Friday: ATC Amazing Race

Saturday: Deep Clean
Home Run Derby (Mike C's step 3 goal)

Sunday M and M
Guest Speaker (Officer Hughes)

Moving on up!

2009-03-12T13:56:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Mike C, Dave D and Ryan E for advancing to step 3! Step 3 has been coined the "giving back" step. As these young men complete their final goals and prepare for the next chapter of their lives they will contribute a considerable amount of time and energy sharing what they've learned with others within the program and the community. Good work men!

Clean up at Pioneer Park. Work Hard, Play Hard.

2009-03-11T18:45:00.001-07:00

Lights, Camera, Action

2009-03-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

2009-03-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dave, Jacob, Mark, Robert (Dixie Care and Share), Mike and Brian the day Jacob and Mark delivered their donation.

Spring Break

2009-03-11T11:07:00.001-07:00

ATC students attending Dixie State College will enjoy a week long break next week. ATC Staff and Student Council will be meeting this week to organize some fun activities for the break.

Mark and Jacob raise big bucks for Dixie Care and Share

2009-03-11T10:57:00.001-07:00

Mark and Jacob were featured on the local news for their outstanding service project. They raised $675 for the Dixie Care and Share. Please click on the link below to how Mark and Jacob successfully applied the principle of Giving Back. Good work Men!

http://www.kcsg.com/news/40404237.html

March 9th-15th

2009-03-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Monday: Devotional Topic: Healthy Living, Risks involved with Smoking (Chet)
Grocery Shopping

Tuesday: Life Skills: Interview Training (video feedback)
Group Therapy
Devotional Topic: Healthy Living, 10 Steps to Healthy Living (Andy J)

Wednesday: Orientation Cooking Class
Devotional Topic: Healthy Living, Managing Stress Appropriately. (Mike C)

Thursday: Life Skills: How to change your own oil
Home improvement. (Replacing doors)
Devotional Topic: Guest Speaker: Small business owner.

Friday: Orientation Social Event
Student Council/Staff Meeting
Volleyball at Vernon Werthen Park

Saturday: Deep Clean
Team building hike with Thane

Sunday: M and M

Dates for Parent Weekend!

2009-01-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

The Parent Weekend will be held, April 16th -19th. This will be an opportunity for you to learn and grow with your young man. Natalie will be sending an agenda that will detail the schedule and goals of the workshop. As always thank you for all of your support, we look forward to seeing all of you in April.