THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE E-MAILS SENT TO THE WORLD WIDE ASSOCIATION OF SPECIALTY PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS IN RESPONSE TO KEN KAY'S LETTER.

 

 

I am a medical doctor board certified in three specialties. I have published articles in numerous peer-reviewed publications, and I have a son age 16 at Tranquility Bay.

My son spent two years in another program in California before being transferred to Tranquility Bay. He has progressed tremendously in his behavior and his studies since coming to Tranquility Bay. I have visited the facility five times, visiting first before placing him there, each time staying four to five days, and speaking to other students and staff liberally.

Your reporter is fortunate that he works for the New York Times. His article would never pass the muster in a peer-reviewed process. His investigation was incomplete and though he attempted somewhat weakly to give a balanced view, those of us who have been editors in journals can easily see through his mediocre work.

It is unfortunate that your newspaper went through what it did recently. To continue with this type and style of journalism is not in line with your previous reputation.

I have spoken in person and via telephone to numerous parents of children who, thanks to Tranquility Bay, have had their child returned to them whole again.

As a clinician with all the facilities of a major medical center available and which I used to try and help my child, I have done everything a father can for his son. Yet it was Tranquility Bay that has finally given my son what he needed to progress.

I would urge you to counsel your reporter, who may be inexperienced and trying to make a premature name for himself, be more objective and have more solid facts before writing an article. I would then ask you, as an editor, to carefully review what you have been given to approve, and act in behalf of the journalism the New York Times can be proud of.

Andrew C, M.D.

 

My name is Charles B.,  Shylla B. is at Casa by the Sea. Yes you have my approval and permission to use our names on the rebuttal .
Charles B.

 

Please include our names in your rebuttal to Tim Weiner, and the NY Times.

Randy D, AIA

Katherine D, M.T.

Daughter Jacke

 

OK TO USE OUR NAMES.
LEONOR R
MIKE G.

 

Hello,

Please add my name

Dawn S.

 

Recently my husband and I became concerned about our son when we read some of the articles written about the WWASP schools. Since my son was only in the Academy at Ivy Ridge for five weeks we decided the best thing to do was to go up to the school and make a surprise visit. The director of the school had not arrived yet because we intentionally got there very early to make sure that changes could not be preplanned. We were very impressed with the way the school was organized and structured. We saw our son and he looked great! He looked healthy and was smiling and never looked better. He has responsibilities that he is proud of and his school work is excellent. This is a child who had two choices for his future, jail or...I can't even say. No other programs offer the life-changing seminars that our children at the school and their families are getting. Most other programs are more expensive and have less to offer. Putting my son in the Academy of Ivy Ridge has saved his life and it is the best choice my husband and I have ever made. The real problems are the public schools where there is a lack of structure and the drugs run rampant on school grounds.
Signed,
Charlene B

 

I am outraged by the misuse of people's quotes committed by this writer. He knows that he is an irresponsible journalist and apparently doesn't care.

This program is saving my daughter's life. She is moving from not caring about herself and the consequences of her actions to looking forward to a great, productive and happy life. She has moved from an extreme case of negativity and oppositional defiance to really seeing that she is accountable for her choices -- and excited about making good ones. She is at Tranquility Bay and I am thrilled about it.

If this writer wants to make a name for himself through sensational jouranlism, he should consider this: what about the parents who see his articles and, based on his lies and distortions, decide not to put their child into any kind of facility, and the child is subsequently a lost cause in one way or another. There's a sensation for you.

Thank you and I am happy to help in any way I can.

I think a lawsuit is not a bad idea. If a group of parents file the lawsuit, hire an attorney on contingency and sue for lots of money with the stipulation that the award go into a fund to provide tuition for those otherwise unable to pay -- well, then, no one can say we are trying to benefit financially nor is WWASPS -- but it would maybe get the attention of the new york times.

All of us with kids in jamaica -- and even probably the other schools -- are getting the calls from wellmeaning friends and relatives saying, "Oh my God, you have put your child in danger. It has to be bad if the NY Times says so." I am so tired of defending this program. I know it is right for our family. And I am grateful for it --and I am willing to fight for it in the press, the legal system or any other venue.
Thanks,
Mary M

Please add Andrew W. A & Christine A

 

add my name to the list.
Amelia B

 

I have been to Casa by the Sea many times and have always been pleased with the school and staff. I will be going again on Thurs. Thank You for caring about our children.

William and Kim B

 

Jeanna & Lee K

 

Mike and Laurie S

 

Charles and Lynne H

 

James E. and Sandra

 

Mr. Tim Weiner, along with some disgruntled parents have not only misquoted many pro-parents; but he has planted doubts in the minds of many who are in the mist of turmoil with their out of control teens. This is sad. Not only do we as parents run out of options, we have a reporter stirring up a bee hive. This makes me wonder if Mr. Weiner has children, and if he does, what would he do when his son/daughter has exhausted schools, therapists and almost life? For us, we as a family are very grateful for what Dundee and CSA did for our family. I now have my daughter back who will and is experiencing the rest of her teenage years alive, with confidence, self-esteem, and making some very good working choices. Change is good! Perhaps Mr. Weiner could CHANGE the mood he is reporting in and try the honesty, loving, helpful approach!

Debby C, Proud mother

Sarah D, daughter

 

I can only speak from my experience with my daughter Brooke. She was a troubled teen when she went to Casa, and has been a productive student and reliable lifeguard since she returned. I am thankful to WWASP for making that transition possible and returning my daughter to me. Mark W. D

 

John and Koene G

 

My son was a student at Casa by the Sea in Mexico, run by the World Wide
Association, for 15 months. This program totally turned his life around for
the better. He came back from the program with self respect, self esteem,
motivation to succeed, and a true sense of accomplishment. He has qualified
for an academic scholarship at the local university and is currently working
and attending school. He leads a happy, productive life, and has a true
appreciation for family. The program is focused on family healing, and the
benefits that I received from attending the workshops have helped metremendously as well, not only in relating to my son, but in terms of my own
personal individual growth. I support the World Wide Association program
whole heartedly as evidenced by the positive results achieved within my
family.

Maria E. C

I have a daughter at Spring Creek Lodge and am very happy with the program. I had initially been interested in the Costa Rica site, but reconsidered due to the distance and my unfamiliarity with the political situation and rights of an American citizen in a foreign country. Sincerely,

JoAnne K

 

My name is Margaret B and my son, Timothy K, at Academy at Ivy Ridge. He was sent there on April 6 2003. So far I am satisfied with my sons progress.

 

Larry M, Eric and Jessica P

 

To Whom it May Concern:

I absolutely support this program. My daughter, Shanelle F has been in Tranquility Bay since July 2002. After the incident, I was concerned and asked her on one of my "phone calls" with her if everything was all right. She said not to listen to any of the negative things said about the program. She said "I am in a good place, mom-believe me, they are very good people here".

Lets face it, bad news sells. Its a business. This program is the best thing that could have happened to my daughter. I am going thru an extremely hard time financially and they have been more than patient with me. We are all in business to make money, yes, but I have found that these people truly care and want to make a difference in our children's lives. How often do we here that? How about an article on that? Too boring, I guess.

Feel free to contact me. Anyone, about anything.

Beatrice Z

 

I have nothing but positive feedback for Casa. My son has been there almost a year now, and I have seen great improvement and progress.

I have been there twice and have never had a complaint about it.

Even my son, not that he loves it there and would rather be home, but he understands why he is there.

Thank you for the Program

Elaine M, mother of Matthew M ,CBS

 

Ken & Marietta S

 

My son has been at Casa since May 14, 2003. So far I have been very impressed, and I believe in the program. I think they should run our public schools like this and maybe our society wouldn't be where it is

today.

Tammy H

 

Kay Anne G parent of Travis G, 18 1/2 year old choosing to graduate the program at Spring Creek Lodge

 

Patty W

 

Martin and Sylvia B

 

Susan and Wade J

 

I had emailed Mr. Weiner, but evidently there was to
much positive view for him to bother contacting me.

Regards,
Jeff M

 

even though my son has only been in the program 2 months, I know from his letters
that the program is working for him.

Yours Truly,
Barbara W

I contacted Tim Wiener explaining that I would like for him to have a "positive experience" from a SATISFIED WWASP parent - he then contacted me back and said that he would speak to me anytime at my convenience. I received some coaching from Donna Hamel and Dace Goulding and they both mentioned taping the conversations. I felt this was too much of a non-productive way to be in an interview with a NY Times reporter! I come believing everyone is integral until further notice and didn't want to put any more "bad press" our way! I am a happy satisfied family member with this program CASA BY THE SEA has presented us and my family is whole and healthy - finally! I will forever be grateful for the wonderful gifts this program has given me. Because of all the "bad press" my husband's family continues to send us the articles written negatively and will not listen to anything we have to say - they feel we are being brainwashed!

We don't care we are happy!

With warm regards

Todd and LuAnne H - Angela and Joshua W

Chuck and Connie M

 

We love Dundee Academy and give the credit to the staff and
program for saving our son. He would go back tomorrow if it were to open.
This safe place for teens will be missed.

Best Regards,
Eileen F

 

Denise S. P, mother

 

Suellen T

I have personally been to every WWASP related "school," even spent the night at several. On most of my visits I speak with many students. While many of them are students that we have intervened on, some are not. We get constant feedback from kids as well as the parents. I have been very impressed with the "program" as well as the schools themselves

I deal with many schools outside of the WWASP schools and consider these WWASP schools as one of the best when it comes to results and respect towards the students. They are not co-dependent, nor are they enabling with the kids. This is most often NOT liked by the kids during the early part of the process. But then, it's not supposed to be. Recovery is a tough love type of process and these "kids" are entering into recovery. If not for alcohol or drugs, though some are, most definitely for behavior. And behavior can be as addicting as any drug or alcohol that ever came down the pike. The key to any good program is completion. Those that do, generally thrive. It is often difficult; but, the tools, when used, create the atmosphere for change. It is a simple program; but, it is sometimes not easy. But the rewards are great for those that stick it out and allow themselves to be teachable.

As someone who has been in recovery for over six years and spent over twenty years in law enforcement, I can honestly say that I believe in their success and would have no problem sending my 14 year old son to a WWASP school...any of them.

Rick St

Jim and Janet T.

 

IF IT WASN'T FOR CASA MY SON WOULD BE IN JAIL OR DEAD. CASA GAVE HIM HIS LIFE BACK, AND IT ALSO HAS HELPED ME AS A PARENT. THE SEMINARS ARE WONDERFUL. I WISH THE WHOLE WORLD COULD EXPERIENCE THESE SEMINARS. MY SON HAS THANKED ME FOR SENDING HIM TO CASA. HE HAS BECOME A CONFIDENT, RESPECTFUL YOUNG MAN. HE STILL HAS A WAYS TO GO. BUT HE WILL LEAVE CASA WITH DIGNITY.

PARENT

SHARON I

When we sent our son, Duncan Clark, to CSA in October of 2001, I called the State of South Carolina's department dealing with schools such as CSA (possibly all private schools, I don't recall). The case worker I spoke to said they had visited CSA several times, unannounced, and found all was well. She said they had one report of abuse, which they found to be without substance. She mentioned that, when the school opened, there was a licence issue pertaining to, as I recall, a fire exit technicality. Beyond that matter, she reported that all was satisfactory at CSA. Certainly in the 16 months Duncan was at CSA, there were no "licence" issues that we were aware of. Duncan has spoken frankly to us about his experience at CSA and has no issue with abuse. He is doing fine with us, home since March of this year. He is extremely fond and closely connected with several of the staff at CSA (Mr. Gus, Mr. Bo, among others) and talks to "Mr. Rich" with affection.

I mentioned in my email to the NYTimes that I am not totally satisfied with the academic structure at CSA, the inadequate facilities, and the regular confusion between staff and others dealing with meds. However, CSA changed our son for the better, we continue to be a positive reference for CSA, and will continue to support the program.

VTY,

 

Hugh D. C     

 

 

 

Feel free to add my name, Mary Beth M. I support the program 100%!

You have my permission to place my name on the rebuttal. I have also written a personal rebuttal previously with regard to Mr. Weiner's article. Thank you, .Cheryl W. son at Casa By The Sea

 

 

John H.

 

 

You have my permission to use my name in support of the WWASP schools. Nickie L

 

 

Yes, please add my name Laurie and Tony W., daughter at AIR

 

 

My name is Robyn H. and my son Brian is in the program at Casa - PLEASE use my name to support your rebuttal. Thank you. Robyn H

 

 

   Our son was at Academy Dundee ranch for 15 months. We have only the highest regards for the WWASP programs. His time at Dundee allowed him to create a new life for himself, develop maturity and integrity, while looking at our family values. We have absolutely no negative feelings, nor has our son expressed any negative feelings about his time in the program. Please feel free to include our names in any positive rebuttal to the New York times or other media as you should deem necessary. Marland & Paul D.

 

 

I am a mother of a student in the program at casa by the sea based on the results I have seen from parents and students I am nothing but relieved and impressed by the structure of the program I know today that my son is in a safe supportive and well structured environment It is also my experience that the press is not honest in any reports that they have made a decision or judgement about this is a well known proven fact the harm and fear the press stirs up is absolutely criminal. I am more than happy to make these statements in support not only of the program but any other person or institution that is subject their dishonesty and sensationalism. In honor of the press I truly appreciate the honest reporting staff I hope my voice is heard in support of the WWASP  Nicki C.

 

 

You may add our names to the list. Linda & David B

 

 

You have my permission

Steve E.Father of Quinn - Spring Creek Lodge

 

 

Yes you can feel free to use our names in signing the rebuttal. Although we are new to the program we have already seen a change in our daughter since she has been at Cross Creek. I would hate to see some bozo damage this programbecause of some grandstanding and inaccurate reporting.Thanks , Don and Rebecca D.

 

 

Yes! Include me in the protest. The New York times credibility is at an all time