Testimonials

"The quality of the staff at Greenacre Homes & School is absolutely unique.  They are dedicated, intelligent, caring, loving and extremely competent in their approach to  youth.  I have been extremely impressed with the services that Greenacre Homes & School provide. The insights of the staff are right on. They take every opportunity to involve family in holiday celebrations, birthdays, graduations and other events. They make everyone feel welcome and appreciated.  I believe that Greenacre Homes and School provide superb services to youth."
- George Triest, Court Appointed Special Advocate for two residents/students

"We are parents who want the best for our son. Through the Greenacre Homes Vocational Training School program (education program for youths 18-22 years), he is thriving and growing and feels good about himself. Our son resides with a group of young men and has made many friends. He also volunteers 10 hours a week at the local animal shelter, food bank and horseback riding stable and is really connected with the community.  Our son looks forward to more independent living and obtaining a meaningful job at some point.  We can consider this a possibility because of the dedication of the Greenacre Homes & School staff and quality of the school and other social programs offered by Greenacres."
- Rob and Dana F., parents of a resident/VTS student

"I am a resident at the Eddie Group Home. Understanding that I am really blessed to be where I am at, I interact with Greenacre Homes and School at the fullest capacity in the best manner of which I can.  The Staff within these programs really enjoy the company they are able to provide to and should continue to be thanked for all of their time dedicated in helping us grow.  They really try to provide (and succeed in providing) a welcoming experience to incoming and existing clients, and set the former youth and soon-to-be ex-clients up with a clear path towards success and fill them with unforgettable, cherished memories."
- Dennis Tyler-St. Clair, Resident/Peer Supporter

"Out of all the various public and non-public schools I have worked at throughout the years, Greenacres has the best sense of "team". The ability to collaborate with the teachers, staff and administration makes a huge difference to the students. Carry-over and generalization of strategies is crucial to make improvement.  I work with house staff on specific speech homework, teachers on carry-over of speech and language goals, and with administration on generalizing tools and strategies. This is a unique situation that I have never been able to re-create at other locations.....(And) the open-mindedness of the staff.  I get so excited every time I hear a staff use the terms, "flexible brain", "Whole Body Listening", "it's ok to be mad, but it's not ok to be mean".... I love the carry-over!  For most of the staff it does not appear to be a "clock in; clock-out job". It is child driven. This can only happen if you have the right leadership. Benjie rocks! Lee in the office has the best attitude. Those are the things that make a difference in everyone else's attitude."
- Leanne Wangler, M.A., CCC-SLP

"I am a CASA to a 16-year old boy in one of the Greenacre group homes and at the school.  I'm impressed by the years of dedicated service of the entire team, and how much they enjoy the results of their work.  Their energy is infectious and it shows in the clients.  I also like that the residents are respectfully called "clients".  I especially enjoy the family feeling Ben and Tim have created and sustained with their leadership.  I would like to mention my special appreciation of Janet, Charles, Paula and Bill at the Occidental House, and Jennifer, Bob and Lee at the school, and social workers, Danielle and Andy.  I am very grateful to them for all of their dedication, positive attitude with trying situations and their guidance towards practical living situations and social integration of their clients."
- John Azzaro, CASA

As a kid without parents and family, I've always had behavioral problems and I know how it is to be alone and unhappy.  A lot of people think and say, “Why can't they change?”.  Well, I say it's hard until you are in the right environment and with the right people to help you change.  I thank Greenacres for being that right environment and for helping me be a better person.  They helped me emotionally and physically and I feel better about myself.  Greenacre Homes is and always will be my family.
- Chris Laufer, former resident and student

"I like the range of educational services offered from school through vocational training.  I also like the dedication of the staff to supporting young men not only at the school but in extracurricular activities outside of the school setting.  Greenacre Homes & School is a good experience for my youth as it allows him more opportunity to explore and test himself without excessive restriction, as contrasted to an earlier placement.  I've been really pleased with all the staff I've worked with.  They are open and dedicated to providing positive experiences for youth and helping them grow in a safe environment.  I'd like to especially thank Andy Bunnell for the help and guidance he's provided beyond the call of duty in developing biking skills in my youth and coaching him in other aspects of his life."
- Jack Christensen, CASA & mentor of resident/student