Testimonials

Open letter from a Parent of a Monarch’s Way Student

Prior to our daughter coming to Monarch’s Way, we had been through a lot of ups and downs as a family. She had been struggling for several years; struggling academically, socially and with her mental health. We had been to the medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, and met with the school social worker, guidance counselors and her teachers; however, she still continued down a path that we knew we didn’t want for her and that definitely was not compatible with spending eternity in Heaven. Her grades were low, she was often angry, confused, she isolated herself and she hurt herself. We knew the public school and the people she was associating herself with was a detriment to her physical and mental well being. We had tried everything we knew to do for her, but it still wasn’t enough. We knew we needed to find an alternative, a solution. A way to get our daughter back and resurrect her faith at the same time. To help her learn and to get her academics on track. To find self esteem and confidence again.

We first heard about Monarch’s Way when a family member told us about it. They helped to work on the house when it was in the very early stages. Fast forward to the first Sunday in November of 2021. I was at church, and Carissa had been invited to speak to the congregation about Monarch’s Way. A few months later when we were discussing what we could do to help our daughter, I recalled that particular Sunday and we decided to look into it. We talked with our daughter about it and she was very receptive to the idea, much to our surprise. She took the initiative to apply and very shortly we were in contact with Carissa and interviewing for the program. Our daughter was accepted as a student and we were overjoyed. Finally, the help we so desperately needed and prayed for had arrived.

The time leading up to drop off was nerve wracking for our child and us; not knowing what to expect and the idea of her being away from us, cut off from any interaction for a period of time, was a hard reality. We knew it was for the best, but the emotions we felt were a lot to handle. In the beginning it was so strange not having her at home with us. We missed her. Of course as time went on, it became our new normal, but we still missed her.

After the initial reset period, which was about three weeks, we were invited to Monarch’s Way to spend some time with our daughter. We could already see a really big difference. She looked bright and cheery. Happy. We hadn’t seen her smile like that for so long. It was wonderful to see.

As time went on, we were able to see and spend more time with her. We could just see her changing right before our eyes. She wasn’t angry, or confused. She knew who she was, and she knew who created her, and her faith was beginning to grow. Her grades were As and Bs, she was learning, and she was excited about it. She made strong bonds with her peers and the staff and felt comfortable calling Monarch’s Way her home, which helped us to feel more comfortable with her being away from us. We were amazed by the amount of activities, trips and fun the girls had on a regular basis.

When she would come home for a weekend or holiday we noticed her helping around the farm, inside and outside. Previously, it was always a struggle to get her to come out of her room to join the rest of the family for chores, but also to just to be together; whether it be going to church as a family or shopping, or just hanging out. She would always rather stay by herself. Now, she asks how or what she can do to help and pitches in wherever we need her, she wants to spend time with us. She has become much more mature. She now takes responsibility for her actions. She quotes and implements scripture. She has a close, personal relationship with Jesus. That alone makes our hearts sing.

We dropped off a confused and scared girl and we brought home a vibrant young woman who is determined to succeed, fierce in her faith, devoted to her family, helpful and caring to strangers, and kind to everyone who crosses her path. We’ve always been proud of our girl, but the growth we’ve seen in the past 9 months is something we thought we could only dream of. Who do we have to thank for that?

First we thank God. For leading and directing us to find Monarch’s Way, for answering our prayers. For planting a desire in Carissa’s heart to start a school designed to help troubled girls. She pours herself into every aspect of Monarch’s Way. We thank her and her husband Loren, Mary, Annie, Theresa and all the other staff and volunteers. All of them have helped these girls transform into the women they are becoming today. We couldn’t be more thankful for the love and guidance you have all shown our daughter. We thank our family and friends for supporting us financially, and for the many prayers and words of encouragement on our behalf. We thank the generous donors who make it possible for the girls to do all kinds of amazing things, to travel and see things they otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to see. So many people have been used by God, in many different ways, for the betterment of these girls. We are forever grateful for your generosity, and we are so blessed by the opportunities our daughter has been given through Monarch’s Way.

Thank you.