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Former Clients Praise CONCERN

Former client says CTUB experience his first step to successful adulthood

Former CTUB client, Russell S., now a resident of Maryland, recently contacted staff at CONCERN Treatment Unit for Boys – Lehighton Campus to let them know the positive impact the program had on his life.

Affect of program

In a recent interview, Russell said the CTUB program had a great effect on his life. “The program helped so much,” he said. “The individuals leading the program made a huge difference. Each person brought something different and brought so much to the table.

 “I learned I had to change everything or I was going to go back and be the person I was before. Being a young kid, I didn’t want to listen, but the people at CTUB taught me about being able to excel. To have someone encouraging you to go as far as you can go is a great impact.”

Russell recognized CTUB teacher John Carter, still with the program, as being the first person to help him recognize his academic abilities, and he remembered the intensity Cam Yanero, now senior counselor, brought to the program. He noted former staff member Alan Angstadt instilled in him a love of outdoor adventure including the hiking, biking and rafting he still does today.

Dedication of staff

 “I just remember how dedicated the staff was to the program,” he said. “They instilled in me a work ethic; don’t do anything unless you want to put your name to it.”

Today, Russell uses that ethic in his work as a self-employed carpenter. “If I don’t do it right the first time, I won’t get a second chance,” he said.

Former clients praise Life Skills Institute

Twice over the last several months, former clients with the Life Skills Institute, a program out of the Susquehanna Valley Regional Office, contacted facility staff in support of the program.

Working hard

Steve Loveland, LSI assistant administrator, received the following e-mail from a recent client:

Hi Steve, it’s Doug. I am doing well, I work two jobs now, one is mainly for spending money because it’s part time but the other is full time and pays fairly well. I work at Jostens full-time as a temp and if I get hired I’ll be making close to $12.00 an hour. I also work at Unimart to have some money that I’m not saving for a new place and a car and college. Again I’d like to thank you and all of the staff there for the help to get me home and back on my feet. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for all of the help I got at CONCERN. Send my regards to those I know. Thank you again for all of your help.

Learned life lessons

In another contact, former LSI client Kevin S. spoke with clients currently in the program. When they asked for his advice, he said, “Take advantage of this place. These are for-real good people who genuinely want to help. You won’t find that after you leave.”

When the academic teacher asked him what one thing he had taken from the program that he found most valuable, he responded, “I would have to say the idea that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Before I came to the program, I thought the street was all there was.”

Later in speaking with Assistant CLS Program Director Bob Cohick and Program Director Mort Neely, Kevin said, “I want you all to know that the program changed my life. I’m for real about that. Any program could have seen that we were taken care of. You guys always went the extra step.”

It was a great visit, and the staff were all moved by Kevin’s comments.

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