Diamond Ranch Academy - What parents are saying about Diamond Ranch Academy

Almost 20 months ago we met during my first visit to DRA. One thing that stuck out in my mind was something you said to me. You said, "One day he will thank you for saving his life".

Since Aaron's graduation, every day we spend together is a celebration of his life and his determination to do the right thing. He thinks about things before he acts, and is sensitive to all issues. He understands life a little better and knows that he has a role in it and has to work hard to make a future for himself.

He started college today. Considering the direction he was going in 18 months ago, this is a major accomplishment for him. He understands that hard work has benefits, and is determined to work and finish his school. This skill was non-existent before he came to DRA. He learned a set of life skills and how to complete things from start to finish with good results.

We still have challenges ahead, as the world is awash in a sea of drugs, however, I believe that Aaron will stay the course. He is proud of the simple key fob he received at a local NA meeting for being clean and sober for 18 months. He wears it around his neck and spoke of it to the other students at his graduation address.

I am happy that for a few brief moments in Aaron's life he was able to live and work with people that had the difficult job of helping people change. I know something that many people that didn't get the message of what the program is about. For every beginning, there must be an ending. Nothing less than the full amount will do the trick. Aaron knows that as well. His greatest failure was he never finished what he started. I hope his accomplishment at DRA will serve him well in life. I know that his perspective on what took place there will change as he matures. Then, he will thank me for saving his life because his life is worth living.

Thank you and all the Staff of DRA for the fine work they have done with Aaron. I will miss the peace at DRA, and the fish in the pond.

Many thanks to the entire Dias family for their support, and creating a place called DRA.

Aaron is one of your Diamonds now.

Best Regards,

Kevin and Alice

Richard and I are thankful to you for all your help and influence with Ben. It was a little bittersweet bringing him home. We left him in the care of strangers and brought him home with a extended family of friends. Ben has been so blessed while away at DRA. We have seen the hand of God in everything that has happened while Ben has been at DRA.

Thanks hardly seems enough, but it's all we can offer.

Richard and Emily

We can not thank you enough for what you and DRA have done in the development of Lindsey. We do not know what we would have done without your program. You and the staff of DRA has been truly a blessing to Lindsey and our family.

Once again, thanks for everything that you have done and know that we will never forget you and DRA.

Sincerely,

Randy & Terri

I wanted to write to you all and tell you how grateful I am to you and the work you did with Danielle, and let you know how she is doing since graduating on August 24th.

I am so utterly proud of her, I find it hard to put into words. She received her first report card since returning home. It's her first quarter as a Senior in High School, and she earned a 3.63 GPA. A 3.63! Before she came to DRA she was failing High School. She is not taking easy courses either, she is taking a full, hard load of courses, because she had so much to make up for. I watch her at night studying, and I burst with pride and admiration.

She also has a part-time job, working weekends and one or two nights a week as a Hostess at a local Restaurant. She has her learners permit. She has basically stayed away from the people she knows are bad influences on her. She went from a Follower to a Leader. I shudder to think where she would be right now, had DRA not appeared, at precisely the right moment, when we were at a loss what to do, and standing on the edge of a Cliff.

As you all know, things did not always go smoothly for her at DRA, but looking back, they went exactly as they needed to go. Had her program not gone as it did, she wouldn't have become the strong young woman that she is today. We all know who plans these sort of things.

Things are not always perfect, and I still worry at times, but when things are good, I can't describe the joy and happiness I feel. Our family of four is back together again. Warts and all. We are looking forward to a joyfull Christmas Season, so unlike last years.

Thank you for all you have done. Please keep her in your prayers, as we keep all the DRA staff and students in our prayers.

If I can ever be of assistance in any form, as a refferal, helping a family with a struggling teen in our area, etc., please don't hesitate to ask. I know Danielle would like to help also.

God Bless You All

Dennis

I was just reflecting on the past 18 months since Eric came home from DRA and thanking God for all that He has done to help Eric succeed since his experience at DRA.

I then realized I never properly thanked you all for the role you played in my son's life, and all the successes he has enjoyed since he left.

Eric is currently a senior at our local High School, and will graduate in June. He carried a 3.5 grade point average all last year, and I have no doubts he will continue to excel in school. He has plans for college, and works a 30 hour work week in addition to school.

He pays for his car, clothes, phone, etc., and is very proud of the fact he earns what he gets, and it is not just handed to him.

He has become respectful of himself and others. He has learned how to make positive friendships. He has the earned trust and respect from his parents, teachers, and peers.

I attended back to school night last night and spoke with his High School counselor. She was involved with Eric before he left for DRA, and has continued to be involved since he came home. While commenting on what a delightful young man Eric has become, she reminded me what a true success story we have to tell.

I could go on and on about how proud I am of what Eric has accomplished, and probably have.

Once again, thank you for everything.

Paul

"It has been an awesome month since Becky has come home.

Truly, I have braced myself for the worst, expecting Becky to slip back into her old ways. (Oh, ye of little faith) I kept thinking to myself that maybe this is the day the trouble will start, and thinking what am I going to do under certain circumstances.

WOW! Who is this beautiful, caring, thoughtful young woman that has come home? This is no exaggeration or wishful thinking! What few issues that have come up, were dealt with in a mature fashion, with eye-contact, and understanding. At no time did we need to threaten with a consequence to her actions.

The problems of manipulation, self-centeredness, "I don't care", bad friends, and ignoring family seems to be an old, bad memory. I can't get over how she has changed. Each day, I look forward to coming home to see my daughter! We have laughter now in the house! Becky's new friends are welcomed in our home, because they are clean cut kids that look forward to the future and have morals. (Where have they been!!)

But I must say also that we (my wife and I) have changed too. We have done the same studying as Becky by learning the color codes, learned to listen more and to communicate more clearly. It has helped our entire family by improving communication with our other children (now adults). All the anger, dread, and fear is being set aside and we can get on with our life and enjoy it.

I remember the very first day I called your 800 number. We talked for 45 minutes. In all that time, [they] did not try to SELL me on DRA. [They] listened to a very discouraged father, and understood what I was feeling. I knew right then there was a difference in DRA over the other schools/ranches. The next day, I called back again, and asked about the Ranch. The website was all I really needed to get started. The hardest day I ever experienced was the day I had to leave Becky at DRA. But the best day, was when she graduated and graduated High School with a competitive grade point average far above her peers at home. What a glorious victory!!"

Chris

"Thank you so much for the update!! I knew he was working in the kitchen, I didn't know he was "head kitchen staff"! Wow!! That is impressive!! He was just recently home for a 10 day visit, and I can't tell you how enjoyable it was!! He was so respectful and polite, and everyone enjoyed telling him how wonderful he looked and how proud they were of him! We can't wait to have him back for the Graduate visit!! Is he still doing the job of Judge also? I know he also enjoyed that job, also. And he loves working in the kitchen!

When he was home for the 10 day visit, and it was nearing his time to come back to DRA, I expected he might give me a hard time about it, but he never even asked me one time not to go back!! I think he is now understanding the importance of actually graduating the program and getting that sense of accomplishment that will come with it! He has come so far!! I can truly say that DRA has changed our lives, and I am so grateful to have found your program! Thanks again for the update. Have a wonderful day. When you see Anthony, please tell him I said "GOOD JOB"!!"

Terri (A Very Proud Mom)

"Matt is doing just great. I thank God and you everyday. He is a very happy young man with everything he does. All the anger that he had before he left has never returned. He has met a whole new group of friends that we really like. They are always on their bikes and having alot of fun. He is alot of help to me at home and I rarely hear the word "No" come out of his mouth. When he first arrived home we set boundaries and he has really stuck to them with no problem. It helps that the kids he is hanging around with have parents that care about where they are and who they are with. It makes it easier all around. Matt and his brother are getting along great. They rarely have anything negative to say to each other and have been going out together to concerts every once in a while.

Thank you again for everything you did for him."

Maria

"Things are still going very well! Ryan is keeping all A's and B's in his classes. He attended the Youth Leadership conference last week and said it was quite motivating. He is in full-swing with his soccer and signing up today for the High School football team. We are having "family time" once or twice a week and our communication is better than ever. He is very open and honest with me and respectful! Life at home is good!!!! I just wanted to give you a quick update and thank you for all your time and effort in helping us. I am very grateful for you and the rest of the staff at DRA."

Julie

"Just wanted to let you know that the past year with John has been the greatest! He's doing well at the community college and his job, and is looking to transfer to the University of Texas next fall. Not once in the past year has he lashed out at us or given us cause for alarm. In fact, he reminds us to calm down & lower our voices when we "discuss" things, and he's been such a positive influence on his younger brothers. He is a different person than the angry, secretive teen we sent to you in March of 2003. His time with you set him back on the right path to a good future, and we will be eternally grateful to you for that gift."

Ann

"Thanks so much for all everyone has done for Justin and bringing our family back together."

Debbie

"If you ever need some "parents' heart wrenching thanks" for the good work you are doing at the ranch, here is one Matt said tonight when he called: "I've finally been holding my head up high. My back really feels better!" Thank you! We love it!"

Ginny and Jerry

"I want to thank you for all your help and support during the months that Jennifer was at Diamond Ranch. I know that I made the best decision in sending her to your facility. The care and attention Jennifer received there will never be forgotten and she will carry the memory of that time with her always." I wholeheartedly recommend Diamond Ranch Academy to others with troubled teens, and I speak highly of your facility and the care my daughter received. There are many words of thanks that I want to write to you all. . . perhaps in the coming weeks they will all come to me. Thank you for giving me back my daughter - healthy, happy, and with renewed hope for her life."

Karen

"I know I've thanked you for a lot of things, but thank you again for all you've done in his life. Even your family has made and impact on him. He actually told Bob when he gets home he wants to spend weekend time with us. What a wonderful switch that is. Usually we had to bring his friends along wherever we went, so he wouldn't have to deal with us."

Margaret

"Thank you for all you do to help young people. As we read the daily reports of what Bryan is doing, we continue to be impressed with your program. Thank you again."

Janet

"This website is VERY helpful. It is wonderful to be able to see how Rich is doing without disrupting his progress. We sure miss him, and this is a lifeline. Thanks!"

Colleen

"Thank you for your clear daily comments. These are very important in helping us cope with Max's absence, contributory to our peace of mind and positively reinforcing our decision to place Max at Diamond Ranch Academy."

Karl

"I have been reading your comments and daily point totals for my son Nicholas. I very much appreciate your keeping us parents posted and also thank you for the warm and positive attitude you convey toward the students. I feel very encouraged about my son's progress. Thanks so much for all you are doing."

Tami

I always knew that "it takes a village," but I never realized that our village would extend to Utah. Thanks so much for your hearts and your help. Your staff is awesome! The parent seminar was very affirming. Max is a new man. Yes, he has worked, but you and your staff gave him the environment and support to become his best self. For that we will all be eternally grateful. We have a new home and look forward to Max being with us again. You were a stranger to us in December, and now you are family! Thank you again. God bless you, your family, and your work. You've touched our lives."

Donna

I want to express my thanks to you and your staff for the excellent effort put forth for the benefit of my daughter Suzie. We have celebrated her graduation from high school tomorrow and more importantly, her as a person. I think back to just over a year ago when we made the decision to entrust her future to your program. At that time we had nothing to go on except our faith that she would be in good hands. Time has proven it to be one of those decisions that we are grateful we made. Since she has returned from your school, she has managed to: 1) catch up on her back work in school. 2) Maintained a very good grade point average in her senior year. 3) Prepared herself to graduate from high school. 4) Make us all proud of achievements, efforts and behavior. I have a soft spot in my heart for you, Sherri and the rest of the group, as I often think of where we would be today without Diamond Ranch. I would highly recommend it to any parent who is faced with the same decision about how best to lovingly teach their child the lessons of life. Thank you so much for this contribution to someone we love so much."

Ted