The following are emails and letters we have received over
the years from former parents and students.

Paul Arslanian

From: Janene Sent: Sun 6/7/2011 10:46 AM
To: Paul Arslanian
Cc:
Subject: HS Grad!

Dear Dave, Paul, Kelly and all at ERA:
We are pleased to announce that Rudy is graduating from high school on Saturday, June 13!
We are so grateful for your part in making this dream come true. He also enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 5!!! He is so pumped up and excited to serve our nation. He passed his physical with flying colors and was given the “airborne stamp. He hopes to eventually serve in special forces.

We attribute ERA with providing him the experience that led to these choices and success. At ERA he learned that he thrives in a structured environment and that he can do hard things, and that he can build his body. He learned that he does enjoy the “brotherhood” of living in close quarters with other people. And he has found a legitimate way to use his need for thrills and adventure! I would guess that most people entering the armed forces don’t know that much about themselves before joining. Rudy reports to Georgia for basic training on September 15.

He will be working closely with his recruiters all summer. The officers kept telling him that they wish they had more recruits like him.

Rudy continues to be affectionate and helpful in our family. He has had the same girlfriend for over a year. She had encouraged him in school work. He has been faithful in sobriety. He still attends two or three meetings a week and works the steps with his sponsor weekly. We are so grateful!
Mark and I have joined a support group like Al Anon, sponsored by our church. It  is a fledgling program, and one that is badly needed. It is called, “Spouse, Family & Friends Support Group” or SFFSG. It is the companion program to the Addiction Recovery Program, similar to Al Anon. Our group facilitator just happens to be a professional counselor who is re-writing the guidebook for the SFFSG, so it is exciting to be part of something at the ground level. We have invited several other parents of addicted children to be part of our group, and plan to start our own group in our stake after we have been part of this one for about 6 months.   Whenever I meet a parent who has just learned of their child’s addiction, I am reminded of where we have been, and the kind of support I wish we had had. I have a desire to help build this program that offers the service I longed for 3 years ago.

So, once again, we are finding joy and blessings that have come from our trial, not the least of which was knowing all of you.
God bless you!
Janene

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From:           l.com

Subject:       Re: Thank you!!!

Date:           Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:29:57 -0400

To:               annie@ERA.com

ERA changed my family’s life and gave me the tools to be a great parent and help others and I will be forever grateful and your biggest cheerleader….I’m constantly telling other parents the amazing changes that my son has made.  I tell them how much he changed, but also how much I learned, as a parent.  Love and logic.  ….it’s amazing how easy it can be…once committed…Always wishing you the best…Lisa

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—- Original Message—–

From: “Peter ” <p@fmrtl.corn> Date: Tue, 29 Jun  18:12:12

To: Dan Afualo<dan@era.com> Subject: RE: One year later

Dan

It has been over a year now that Peter has completed the program at Eagle Ranch. On June 19th of this year I watched his graduation again to celebrate his one year anniversary. Today is Peter’s 19th birthday And I feel the need to send you this message to share with everyone at Eagle Ranch. When Peter returned June of last year things were a little strained. He trying to find him and we (Marie and myself) trying to figure out how to deal with Peter. We had our moments and at times I thought that he might have to move out. He did not want to talk about school and he wanted many things. (Sounds familiar?) As Summer turned to Fall he had continued with wanting material items. We had several problems with his car and he was working part time. I think that sometime during or just after the holidays things began to change for the better. He met and she has been a good influence. She does not drink or smoke and he stopped hanging with all the kids that did. Our relationship has become better. He actually got a full time job and he was saving money. He woke up by himself every morning and was not late. In early May he came into the house and said “What do I need to do to apply for college”. Well I can’t tell you how big a step that was. Marie and I stared at each other with our mouths open. Did we really just hear that? Well he finishes his first college class tomorrow. He has an 85 average. He will start the second summer session when he and his girlfriend return from their vacation in Disney. (He and His girlfriend have saved enough money to stay in Orlando for a week). In the fall he has a full semester of 17 credits. Things are pretty good now. I just want to thank you and all the Eagle Ranch staff for helping us get our son back.

I can’t possible express all my feelings in an e-mail and it is hard to type now with all the tears in my eyes. Thank you does not seem to be enough to express our deep gratitude for all you have done. I hope that this finds you and your family well. We will never forget what Eagle Ranch has done for us. Thank you again.

Peter – CPA

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From:                 <Robert rs@comcast.net>

Subject:                    Jacob

Date:                          Sat, 14 Jan 2014 09:25:54 -0600

To:                             Benson <darrell@era.com>

Hi Darrell,

I know it has been awhile since I emailed you.    After some ups and downs,, Jake has chosen a new way of life for himself. Robert and I did not know if it was ever going to happen but Jake decided that his family was really his best support and of all we have been through, he now appreciates the love of his family. He and Kelli are getting closer and he asks and chooses a plan for our two family events each week. Jake has been sober for months now and we know that every day is a temptation but he is with better friends, playing with an organized band, starting full-time school classes to complete his hs diploma, looking for a job and it is nice to have him home with us, boundaries, rules and all. I still attend NA for families as it is a good tool for me. Just yesterday, Jake mentioned that he would like to visit ERA sometime, now that he is sober and give back what was given to him. So with extreme gratitude, I say “thank you” to you and everyone @ ERA for their support, help and all you do for teens and their families. Without a doubt, I would recommend ERA to anyone with a struggling teen.

Hope all is well with your family. Please feel free to share this with Dan as well.

Sincerely,

Kathy & Robert

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From:  K@usarmy.mil

To:  Paul@era.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2013

Subject:  Thank You!!

Hi Angie and Paul,    Shanan is doing great, I can’t believe the positive changes that she  has gone through. It shows in everything she does. I am so appreciative of your program!     Thank you all for everything that you do!    So grateful I have gotten my daughter back, healthy and happy.

Thanks again for everything. Shanan is a New Girl!

Best, Kate

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From:                 Theresa <t@yahoo.com>

Subject:              Re: Kelley        Date:                 Fri, 20 May2013 12:40:25 -0600

To:                Darrell d@era.com>

Darrell,    Kelley is doing great.  she is still living with her sister,  and now a manager at the pizza joint she works. She is not perfect but then neither am I. We are very tight and look out for each other emotionally. I am very proud of her and how she has applied what she Learned at Eagle Ranch to her life.

I think of all of you on a regular basis.   Grateful for all of you at ERA.

Theresa

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To: Annie-Eagle Ranch Academy
Cc: Paul-Eagle Ranch Academy
Subject: update on Jace!!

Hi Annie,
Thought you might like to hear that Jace is doing really well. We had a few “oh-oh” moments the first few months he was home, but they were minor and he worked through it. He got his high school diploma. He’s stayed clean and attends AA regularly, and now has a wonderful 50 yr old sponsor.
He left Durango last June for Denver and stayed for a while with a girlfriend. Although we didn’t think so at the time, its turned out to be the best thing for him. He struggled for a few weeks without money, etc. but is now working 2 jobs – one doing swim pool maintenance (good pay) and another as a clerk in a upscale guys mall clothing store (he’s such a clothes horse, he loves it). Meanwhile, he got accepted at Metropolitan State College in Denver. I got him into dorm-type housing last week, so he’s in a dorm apt. with 4 bedrooms/4 roommates, kitchen and small living area. The apt. is across from school right in downtown Denver. He’s loves the downtown area and the anonymity of living in Denver vs Durango.

I’ve watched him really work at controlling his temper/reactions and trying to work through difficulties in his relationships. He’s come a long way. He also talks a lot with another ERA kid whenever he’s up against something, and they both help each other remember the ERA skills.
Our relationship is wonderful. We talk almost every day. Both his dad and I had some tense, stressful moments with him a couple times after ERA, but we stayed united in our responses/limits, and Josh quickly came back around.

Thanks for all you did. I’m sure he’ll still have ups and downs, but it is so wonderful to see him being so successful and responsible in his life right now.
Sincerely,
Sue

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From: Doug

Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2013 6:15 AM
To: Robyn-Eagle Ranch Academy                                    Subject:
Re: Thank You!!!

Robyn
Thank you for this email. As I was reading it, I already knew that it was going to be a life long process and I know Preston will have daily battles as we all do in or out of treatment but I know that ERA will give him the tools so that he will be able to make better life choices. I looked at other programs but when my sister-in-law had someone she knew and respected tell her about ERA I didn’t bother to even call anyone else. As the weeks went by I would talk to others about your program and found out many others have either used ERA or heard about it and had nothing but great things to say so that just confirmed that I made the right choice for Preston. Last night was the first time that I really had a good sleep in months. It was hard knowing Preston was not here but I knew that he was finally safe, and because he is safe now, I can start my healing process with the rest of the family.
Words alone cannot express the thanks for this program, but right now words are all I have, with that said please tell the staff Thank you.
Doug

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College Application written by ERA graduate: T. Edwards

Inside Integrity: An Honest Look
January 15, 2013 at 5:47pm

Inside Integrity:  An Honest Look       As I held my pristine packet in my fingertips, I stared intently at the word in bold on the cover. “Integrity.” I had heard the word at various points in my life, but it never had any significance. This time, something was different.   The word began powerfully percolating through my impressionable mind.   I thought of what integrity meant to me: character, honesty, sincerity, rectitude, honor.   I decided from that day on, it was my responsibility to practice the value of integrity in all of my affairs. After careful review of my “Acceptance” packet for the fifth week in a row, on July 11 of 2012, it was unanimously decided that I was ready to move forward in the ERA program.   Eagle Ranch Academy is a treatment center for troubled teens in St. George, Utah.   Due to overwhelming problems with depression and addiction, I was enrolled at ERA.   In seven months of residential treatment, I became a person willing to take on any challenge, including mastering the value of integrity.   Eagle Ranch Academy is an Eight Core Value-based program, and “Integrity” is fifth of the eight.   Once integrity became the value upon which I was focused,   I found myself faced with situations in which my integrity might come into question. Even though only a minor infraction of the rules, I chose not to steal cookie dough when alone in the kitchen.   I finished all nine laps when running a mile, even though I was the only one counting my progress.   I told staff when my peers were behaving inappropriately, though they may have not gotten caught otherwise. I taught myself to always keep integrity in the forefront of my mind. Through my trials, I learned that a person with true integrity does what is right, even when no one is looking. I know that if I do what I am supposed to, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.   I understand that as long as I take pride in doing the right thing, I will be a person of honor. As my graduation date of October 19th grew closer, I wondered what it would be like to practice integrity at home, in “the real world.” I have found it to be an even greater challenge since I left Utah.   Because of what I learned, I am well-equipped to handle the challenges with which I am faced.   When I tell my mom I am leaving to go to an AA meeting,   I go to an AA meeting. I am now a woman of my word, which was never true of me before.
I am proud of the person I am today.   When I struggle, I am now able to identify my mistakes and learn from them. I am sincere and honest in all that I do. I am able to be of service to those around me. I am able to be a daughter, a friend, a mentor and an example, because I live the value of integrity.

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—– Original Message —–

From: WH
To: RW @eagleranchacademy.com
Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2011 3:15 PM
Subject: Tyler

Hi Robyn:
Tyler will be leaving ERA on Saturday, March 22. Thank you for all your guidance in the beginning–I’m so glad we found you!!

Tyler wants to go back to work in seminars and maybe, if he finishes all his packet, be a junior counselor someday. He’s coming home strong, will have lots of support here and hopefully will leave the past behind him and apply all that he’s learned at ERA. He’ll go back to school March 31 as we thought it would be better for him to go back before the end of the year instead of waiting till fall. This has been a good experience for all of us, including Tyler.

I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest ERA to anyone having “troubled teen” problems.
Thanks again.
Carol

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From: DG
Sent: Tuesday, November 03, 2011 6:15 AM
To: Robyn-Eagle Ranch Academy Subject: Re: email from a parent

Robyn
Thank you for this email. As I was reading it, I already knew that it was going to be a life long process and I know Paul will have daily battles as we all do in or out of treatment but I know that ERA will give him the tools so that he will be able to make better life choices. I looked at other programs but when my sister-in-law had someone she knew and respected tell her about ERA I didn’t bother to even call anyone else.    As the weeks went by I would talk to others about your program and found out many others have either used ERA or heard about it and had nothing but great things to say so that just confirmed that I made the right choice for Paul.

Last night was the first time that I really had a good sleep in months. It was hard knowing Paul was not here but I knew that he was finally safe, and because he is safe now, I can start my healing process with the rest of the family. Words alone cannot express the thanks for this program, but right now words are all I have, with that said please tell the staff Thank you.

Thanks again, Tracey

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To: Paul Arslanian
Sent: Thu 1/6/2010 12:23pm
From: Danette
Subject: Jayne

First I want to thank you for such a wonderful program that has literally saved
my daughter’s life. I am so very pleased with the progress and changes Jayne
has made. We had a wonderful visit over the holidays and it was very difficult
to send Jayne back but I realize the importance of finishing the program.
Upon Jayne’s return Dan told me his goal was to graduate her Feb 19, 2010
that he saw no reason this could not happen. By the way Dan has been
awesome!

Thank you again for everything …for all of your help and support through this
very difficult period in our lives,

Sincerely and gratefully,
Danette

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April 8, 2012
Dear Paul,
Steve has been home since Dec. 22, and has exhibited a genuine understanding of each of the core values he has been taught at Eagle Ranch. There have been absolutely zero examples of his old behaviors, and his relationship with the family is a complete turnaround. He has been considerate, obedient, and very loving. It’s obvious he now appreciates what has been done for him, as opposed to his past thinking of what was being done for him.   He has followed all house rules without exception, and is getting back into a routine much improved over his past behaviors. He started his new school yesterday, and had an excellent first day. He is much more goal oriented, and has a real desire to work toward achieving the things he wants. We are seeing a different child than the one that went to Eagle Ranch over a year ago.

We will always be indebted to your entire staff, and especially his therapist for helping him through this rough period in his life. For Steve, this has been a victory comparable to non.

This has been a long road for our family, and I really believe the positives in our son’s character development have been overshadowed by the recent negatives. I think that factoring in his frustration with the length of time he’s been away. Please consider the good he’s accomplished, and we will reinforce it at home, celebrating his return to our family. We are so glad to have him home in his new state of mind.

Thank You, Susie

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April 8, 2011
Dear Paul,
Scott has been home since Dec. 22, and has exhibited a genuine understanding of each of the core values he has been taught at Eagle Ranch. There have been absolutely zero examples of his old behaviors, and his relationship with the family is a complete turnaround.   He has been considerate, obedient, and very loving.   It’s obvious he now appreciates what has been done for him, as opposed to his past thinking of what was being done for him.    He has followed all house rules without exception, and is getting back into a routine much improved over his past behaviors.

He started his new school yesterday, and had an excellent first day. He is much more goal oriented, and has a real desire to work toward achieving the things he wants. We are seeing a different child than the one that went to Eagle Ranch over a year ago.

We will always be indebted to your entire staff, and especially Penny, for helping him through this rough period in his life. For Scott, this has been a victory comparable to none
This has been a long road for our family, and I really believe the positives in his character development have been overshadowed by the recent negatives. I think that factoring in his frustration with the length of time he’s been away. Please consider the good he’s accomplished, and we will reinforce it at home, celebrating his return to our family. We are so glad to have him home in his new state of mind.

Thank You, Steve

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Paul Arslanian
From: Liz
To: Paul Arslanian
Subject: Re: Hi

Hi Paul,
Thank you so much for the nice e-mail. We think of you all a lot and still truly appreciate all that ERA did for our family.  Andy is still doing pretty good. He is up and down at home, can be moody at times, but way better to deal with than before ERA.   His treatment of his siblings is also much improved.  He participates in most of the family activities, is volunteering every weekend at our church, and is in the process of finding a job.  He has been working out at our local YMCA about 4 times a week and is very motivated to better his eating habits.   His school grades are outstanding and his attendance is perfect.   In fact, he is the student representative and recording secretary at the High School’s Advisory Committee.   The teaching staff love him.

Paul, we have really come so far. He does all this on his own without much pressure from me, he is overall more self-motivated and less dependent on me. We do see moments of flashbacks of the pre-ERA behavior at home, but thankfully it doesn’t seem to last and is never as extreme. We did confirm that we do have the same health benefits and coverage (6 months residential) next year as we had this year. I am hopeful that he won’t have to come your way again, but I won’t hesitate to contact you if I feel things start to spiral downward. The holidays have always been an emotional time for him, but I am thinking that if he gets a job (he turns 16 on December 6th), it will hopefully keep him busy and on track. Time will tell!

We will definitely stop by if we get out your way. You all are truly the best!   I have also recommended ERA to several parents who are struggling.  They aren’t to that point yet, but from what they tell me, they aren’t far.  I will definitely keep you posted.

Thanks again for the e-mail!! We miss you all! Hi to all from us! Give Julie a hug from me!! I will let Andy know you wrote and are thinking of him!

Sincerely, Liz

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From:            Angela                                                   

To:                       Paul Arsianian
Sent: Fri 3/9/2012 9:16 AM

Subject:Katherine

Hi Paul,

Katherine has been home from ERA for 3 months now. I am so happy to say she is doing very well. She is attending college at Ivy Tech in Indianapolis. She is living on her own in a studio apartment. She is happy, very peaceful and excited about her future. I am really starting to see how much growth and healing she did at ERA. Your team has been an answer to many of my prayers and a tremendous blessing in our lives.

My Deepest Thank you!     Angela

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To:  Gerry@ERA.com

From:  Bev @yahoo.com

Gerry,

We are very grateful for what you and your staff have done

for Nathen and our family. You have helped us get our son back, a precious and priceless gift. After our phone conversation tonight I felt so proud of Nathen! His reasoning that he might actually get something out of the last six weeks at ERA is something I thought I would never hear. He said that he thinks he would be willing to return to ERA after his second home visit because he felt it would be worth doing even if he didn’t want to do it if in the end it helped him live and follow his passion in life. That blew me away!

So grateful for you and ERA.

Bev 

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From:  K@usarmy.mil

Tuesday, August 25, 2013

Subject:  Thank You!!

Hi Angie and Paul,

Shanan is doing great, I can’t believe the positive changes that she has gone through. It shows in everything she does. I am so appreciative of your program!    Thank you all for everything that you do!   So grateful I have gotten my daughter back, healthy and happy.   Thanks again for everything. Shanan is a New Girl!

Best, Kate

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