There is nothing better on a hot day than a bowl full of ice cream; especially the home made kind.  I have fond memories of making it with my Grandma “Dee Dee” and her mother, my Great-Grandma Bernie.  They were two old ladies who did not mess around with their ice cream.  They did not believe in using mixes; if we were going to make it, we were going to do it right!  That meant making it from scratch and along with the hand churning, it took several hours.  The recipe has been passed down in my family and I will gladly admit it is pretty darn good ice cream.  I truly enjoy making it and sharing it with others… as long as I don’t have to churn it by hand.  

 Every Wednesday, our CALO students are involved in a course simply titled, Seminar.  Each week is different; one week we might discuss science, the next the Civil War and the next week, we might learn how to play chess.  The students look forward to Seminar and the teachers enjoy stretching their wings and teaching lessons that are outside of the box. 

 After my most recent visit home, a conversation with my Grandma Dee Dee made me think about making home made ice cream.  Immediately I knew that I wanted to make it during Seminar with my students! 

 We had to break the students into two sections; making ice cream with 45 teenagers is not a simple feat.  We found the perfect opportunity when half of the campus was on their most recent camping trip; the girls were up first with the boys following the next week.    I enlisted the help of our fantastic CALO staff and they came though with flying colors.  Not only did they help to supervise the activity, but several allowed for the use of their ice cream machines.  For two weeks, 6 teachers, 6 CALO coaches and 20+ students were ready to go!

 We met in the kitchen for the excitement to begin.  The students were eagerly anticipating the ice cream and only a small few had ever made it before.  We discussed the directions and the ingredients that were used and they were divided into teams of 3-5 students.  There were many humorous incidents most of which involved the cracking of eggs and the separation of the egg whites and yolks.  Each team should have used 6 eggs but the overall average was more in line with 10-11 eggs; needless to say, our CALO boys will definitely need another lesson in egg cracking!

 I have never seen such patience and team work from our students.  Each team had their own different obstacles, from egg cracking to mixing the ingredients and adding their rock salt and ice.  They were all engaged in positive conversation and there were smiles and laughter all around.  The entire 2 hour process was such an uplifting positive experience; their good humor was contagious.

 When the churning process was complete and it was time to eat the ice cream, the students dove in head first.  The girls were willing to share with others, the boys…not so much.  A team of 4 boys and their staff were so excited about their ice cream that the moment it was finished, the grabbed a few toppings sat down at a table and within a very short amount of time, had eaten the entire batch! 

 Needless to say, all of the students were proud of their accomplishments and their bellies were the recipient of the reward!  

I appreciate the positive feedback I have gotten from some current and former parents of CALO students. That feedback has centered around posts on this blog highlighting successes of former students. When I get such reports of success from parents, and students themselves, it is a job-satisfaction-enhancer. Our work at CALO can be quite difficult at times and to hear positive comments can make the difficult times well worth it. With that in mind, I have another email I want to post here that came in yesterday. The mother of a former student sent it in, and I have changed names only to protect confidentiality. This young lady, Sharon I will call her, had a difficult transition home and things had been very emotional and rough for three weeks. Sharon parted the family home for a few days and then returned. Sharon and the family had some trust to rebuild. They were able to do that work and proceed with plans for Sharon to enter college. That background will probably help make this post make sense. Here is the email:

Hi Ken:

I just wanted you to know that Sharon went to her first day of college and loved it. She aced the class and got a congratulations from the teacher afterward for her participation!

Of course, for the last three weeks her anxiety and her behavior had almost derailed everything we learned and achieved together at CALO. It has been really awful, to tell the truth. Not "it", but "she". And she had permission to get a job instead. Until she got into the car today I did not know if she would go.  But the dogs and I escorted her down the street and over to her school (5 minutes) and 90 minutes later came a triumphant phone call. Transitions are hard, we knew this, but this one was one of the worst. But she is there, now psyched, and we expect her to do well. Her experience with CALO'S dogs created  a serious interest in Veterinary Technology as well as teaching history. Who knew.

One more thing. Her boyfriend has been very supportive of her and has really helped her to remain on track with school! He was a calm voice all month long while she was totally off kilter especially the last two weeks. You never know how things are going to turn out.

We know she owes her success today, as hard as it came, to CALO and what she found there. She gets it too, and has also found a great therapist, and she is committed to that as well.

Take care, Julie

A few weeks earlier I got an email from Landon, our Clinical Director. He had just gotten off the phone with a different student who has been home for just over one year. She wanted to say hello. She is doing very well. Landon then sent out an email to all of us working at CALO. I have included it below with names changed:

Hello Staff,

Many of you who have been employed for at least a year will remember a student who aged out of CALO last July, Lori T.  Lori telephoned CALO today, as she has done a handful of times in the past 12 months, and we chatted for a bit.  I am pleased to report that Lori is doing very well.  She has held down a steady job working with kids and has strong goals and aspirations in her life.  She sounded genuinely positive and happy—still a touch awkward but you can tell she has really made strides in her interactions and relationships.  Her primary purpose for calling was out of concern for friends and former students and how she can help out—another great sign.

I asked Lori about Diva (her adopted CALO dog) and she said she is doing great but likes to eat too much and has gained some weight so Lori is going to exercise her more.  Lori asked about CALO, students, changes and about many of you staff and how you are doing.  She could not believe the growth we have experienced recently and shared she thinks about CALO all of the time.  She even asked if I kept a picture she made me before she left.  You can tell CALO is still a big part of her life.  Lori closed our conversation by asking that I tell everyone hello for her and “please tell them thanks cause’ I don’t think I did that enough.” 

Those of you wondering if you are making a difference may not realize it on a daily or even monthly basis but the seeds you are planting truly take root in their own due time.  Thank you so much for your efforts to bless lives!

Ken writing now--I really miss Lori and am so glad to hear how well she is doing. She struggled mightily when she first got to CALO. Eye contact was very poor. Touch in an safe manner was not possible for her. I couldn't even get her to give me a high five for a long time. She changed all of that in a most impressive way and now she is in an emotional space where she reaches out to friends spontaneously and appropriately. She smiles often and interacts well with those around her. She is not afraid of safe physical contact like shaking hands or a friendly touch on the shoulder. Given a safe environment with intensive therapeutic support and a solid clinical model and our students make massive changes. I love my job.

Theme:  Experiencing Healthy Intimacy

Thursday

8:30 AM - Parent Breakfast (CALO Conference Room)

     Please join us for a hot breakfast in the conference room with other parents as we discuss the retreat

9:00 AM - Parent Seminar – Landon (CALO Conference Room)

     Persogenics: recognizing, appreciating, & embracing differences

10:15 AM – CALO Staff & Students Depart  

Caleb, coaches and students leave CALO for Windermere in CALO bus

10:30 AM – Pack, Gather and Load  

 Parents, clinical, & leadership staff load gear in vans and personal vehicles

10:45 AM – Travel to Windermere

11:45 AM – Arrival & Briefing

   Briefing in the multi-purpose building

12:15 PM – Check-In

   Families check-in to lodging units

12:45 PM – Lunch

1:15 PM – Therapy Activity

2:45 PM – Family Time

5:30 PM – Dinner

6:45 PM – Parent Support Groups

   6:45 PM – Student Activity

8:00 PM – Campfire

9:30 PM – Family Time

   Families together inside lodging units

10:00 PM – Lights Out

Friday

7:30 AM – Breakfast

8:15 AM – Briefing

8:45 AM – Family Therapeutic Activities

1:00PM – Check-Out

1:30PM – Lunch

2:00PM – Slide Show, Feedback, End

2:45PM – Load Up 

Parents, students and coaches on bus and personal vehicles

3:15 PM – Departure

Parents and students not returning to CALO leave Windermere

CALO bus leaves with students, staff and parents returning to CALO

 Lodging Information

Family Lodging Unit

• 3 beds in each unit (1 full size mattress and 2 bunk beds)
• Running water
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Electrical outlets
• All guests must provide their own linens—sheets, pillows, blanket, sleeping bag, etc.

Clothing/Gear List

• Hat/Beanie
• Sweatshirt
• Rain jacket
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Socks/Shoes
• Sandals
• Underwear
• Long pants
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant
• Lip balm
• Toiletries
• Flashlight
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Appropriate Swimsuit
  • Women—conservative one piece
  • Men—conservative
• Towels
  
  • Bath
    
  • Face
  • Water activity
• Bedding
  • Pillow
  • Sleeping bag and/or sheets/blankets
• Sleeping attire
• Camera (confidentiality restrictions)
  • Only pictures of your student and/or staff (no other pictures of students)
    
• No pocket knives
  
• No weapons, fireworks, matches, etc.

We recently had a young lady graduate from CALO who had done tremendous work in our program. She arrived in a most sullen state. By her own admission, she was angry even though she came to CALO of her own will. She was angry at her parents for putting down an ultimatum that she change her very dangerous lifestyle and become an interdependent member of the family. No more selfishness and constant taking--her parents wanted her to love and be loved. It took this girl, I will call her Jill, quite some time to start to open up at CALO, but eventually she did. The change was simply amazing. Where she had been sullen and tough, she was now smiling and kind. At her graduation her father read a letter from her mother, who was out of the country and could not be at the graduation. Below is that letter with the name "Jill" in place of the young lady's real name. Nothing else has been changed. Here is the letter:

Dear Jill,

On this your graduation day from CALO, I sincerely regret that I cannot attend physically.  I would like to be with you to share in your achievement today, and hope you will understand that I am emotionally and spiritually present to support and applaud you in this day of success and achievement.

You have been through a huge learning process and transformation in the past 14 months.   You have grown in understanding and grace.  You have made great strides in controlling your anger, learning to identify your feelings and how to express them appropriately.  You now have a much better understanding of who you really are and who you can become in the future.

Some graduations are called a commencement, which can seem confusing.  For some people, they think of graduation as a termination, like an end or a finishing up a program.  When the ceremony is called a commencement, or a beginning, it reminds us that you are starting out new, equipped with new skills, to start life afresh.   Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

In this new journey, Jill, I know there will be ups and downs, hills and valleys, joys and pains, successes and failures.  Know that I love you and support you, even when you make mistakes.  I hope you find the strength and courage to persevere and continue on this positive road to becoming the woman who can surpass all obstacles.  Strive to become the very best you can be.  Keep faith in your Creator, however you view Him.  Whatever direction you are called in, work hard.  Guard against all the snares and temptations that will keep you from succeeding—especially self doubt.   I hope you do find the success and happiness you desire.

Love, Mom

Final note from Ken: We heard back from Jill just a few weeks ago. She is still happy. She is doing very well in a new school. She expressed gratitude for the time she had at CALO.

Being part of a CALO graduation is quite a remarkable experience.  The entire ceremony takes you on a journey of reflection, growth, gratitude, and hope.  It is always a pleasant surprise at the level of vulnerability and connection that the entire CALO family (students, staff, parents, administration, etc.) feel when a graduation takes place.

The ceremony begins with an explanation of the meaning of graduation and the value of what it represents.  This value is based upon the emotional and behavioral evidence that the student has been able to demonstrate through their ability to make productive decisions for themselves (Trust of Self) and recognize their own worth within meaningful relationships (Interdependence).  Meeting this standard of graduation means that the student has shown consistency with regulating their emotions and behaviors while being able to authentically repair relationships.  The students themselves need to feel that they have achieved enough proficiency and have the right skills and tools to live interdependently outside of treatment.  All of these factors combined with parents/guardians and students feeling genuinely “Safe” within the relationship (based upon time and evidence) and culminate in being ready for graduation.   

As the ceremony proceeds, the staff and students take time to reflect on the growth and progress the student, and family, have made since entering into treatment.  This is often filled with laughter and tears, due to the intimate relationships which have been experienced.  This reflective time continues with the parents/guardians verbally walking all present through the incredible journey which the family has been on.  It becomes a moment of authentic vulnerability and gratitude for the relationship which has developed/restored, and hope for things to come. 

The slide show then provides a visual glimpse into the student’s journey while at CALO.  The room becomes filled with laughter and awe as the range of photos go from warm embraces with canines to an intimidating rock decent.  As the slide show ends, the student provides their own reflection of growth, resistance, joy, and hope.  Their words resonate with all who can hear and the other students observing become motivated by an example of perseverance and growth.  

The ceremony concludes with the presentation of the Graduation Certificate and the CALO coin by the therapist.  All present instinctively applaud and a time of congratulations and goodbyes commence.  The graduations are a remarkable experience and become a distinctive moment of accomplishment for not just the student and family, but the entire CALO family. 

Keith Buschjost was born in Wardsville, Missouri.  His family moved from Missouri to Colorado to Tennessee and after his parents divorced, Keith was raised by his grandparents in St. Thomas, Missouri.  His grandparents live on a farm and taught Keith about hard work, manners, honesty and trust.  He credits them with teaching him the importance of family and relationships.  He says he's always wanted to share that with others.

After high school, Keith joined the Navy and spent three years traveling extensively.  His favorite travels took him to Venice where he felt the history and peacefulness of the culture was a wonderful experience.  After serving three years actively in the Navy, Keith returned to the states.  He soon went to work for Cole County Juvenile Office and spent nine years supervising and working with youth.

Keith has three daughters, Autumn 9, Cali 4, and Jacoby 2.  He talks about how beautiful his daughters are and shows great pride in being a single father to Autumn since the age of 6 months.  He has two brothers, one younger who serves in the Marine Corps and one older.  Other family members live in Jefferson City and include 12 aunts and uncles.

In June of 2009 Keith moved to Lake of the Ozarks and found CALO.  He says that CALO teaches students and staff about real relationships, about the importance of family environment and he feels it has given him the opportunity to give back.   Keith says, "CALO is an amazing facility and I love my work".

With CALO's steady growth there was a pressing need for another therapist on the clinical team.  After an exhaustive and careful nationwide search, CALO's clinical and leadership teams believe Evan Page was the best person for the job. Evan rose to the top of the hiring pool due to his integrity, thoroughness, work ethic, skills and passion of making positive differences in the lives of young people and their families. 

Evan joins CALO after relocating from Colorado where he completed his undergraduate and graduate work and launched his professional career. After completing his Bachelors of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Sociology, Evan worked at Doulos, a residential treatment center for teens in Colorado. There Evan mentored students struggling with depression, anger, self-destructive tendencies, and manipulation. This opportunity cemented Evan’s desire to counsel teens and from there he went on to received his Masters degree in Counseling from Denver Seminary. Evan is skilled in a myriad of therapies and specialties including group therapy, gang violence, family systems, couple counseling, parent-child counseling, substance use/abuse, addictions, grief and loss, social and peer influences, life skills and more.  Evan is also a member of the American Counseling Association and is Prepare and Enrich Certified.  In his free time he enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, and the guitar.

CALO welcomes Evan and we all look forward to learning more from him!

Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks has an Employee Assistance Fund (EAF) which was established to help members of staff in times of emergency financial need, such as accidents, illnesses, loss of household income or any other economic emergency. 

Any employee may apply for assistance provided they meet requirements outlined in the policy.  An eligible employee completes and submits an EAF application request for financial assistance to Human Resources who verifies eligibility, removes the employee's name from the application and submits the request to the Leadership Team.  Employees submitting requests for assistance remain anonymous except to the HR director.  The employee submits receipts, invoices and other information that will help with the decision.

The leadership team may approve assistance for housing, utilities (except telephone), car repair, medical bills, and related needs.  Other emergencies may be considered on an individual basis.  Requests can be approved for other than the full amount of the request. 

If the request is approved, a check will be written.  When possible, the check is made payable to the creditor or company not the employee.  An employee receiving assistance may not apply again the the EAF for 12 months.

The Employee Assistance Fund is funded entirely by donations and will remain active as long as funds are available.  

Jennifer Robinson, Assistant Academic Director, just had her two year anniversary at CALO.  She has lived in the lake area all of her life and attended high school at School of the Osage. After graduation, Jennifer attended the University of Central Missouri to pursue a degree in education.  She has always had a desire to help children of all ages learn and grow in their academic studies. After working as a second grade teacher for several years, Jennifer began teaching at CALO in the summer of 2008.

Within a short period of time it was obvious that she was more than just a teacher, she was a leader and a vital part of the academic team. She was promoted to assistant academic director in the fall of 2008.  Her attention to detail and drive for perfection make her the perfect fit for the position.  Jennifer states that it gives her a sense of accomplishment in knowing she helps to make a difference in the lives of her students.   

Life changes are quickly approaching for Jennifer, in just 4 short weeks, she will be getting married and our CALO students will need to learn a new name; she will no longer be Ms. Robinson, she will be Mrs. Rosa.  Thank you Jennifer, CALO is blessed to have you as a dedicated member of the Academic Department. 

From 8 employees to 85 employees

From 4 students to 44 students

From 4 golden retrievers to 19 golden retrievers 

It has been an incredible privilege to be part of the birth, development and ongoing growth of a new program. Prior to becoming a founding member of CALO (Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks), I had never had the opportunity to be a part of something of this magnitude, starting from the ground up. With Ken’s vision, Landon’s clinical strength and my admission’s background, we hit the ground running with the desire to make a difference by creating a program that met the needs of a small window of families with students needing a specialized program. A program designed to meet the students’ individual needs, rather than having the students try to fit into the mold of a generalized program.  In the last three years, I believe we have accomplished that and much more. Some of the key elements that make CALO special include:

·          Authentic Leadership that is accessible to our students and their families

·          Skilled, savvy, and  specialized therapists

·          Individualized and specialized approach to each student and their family

·          Amazing team of direct staff that are ready and willing to “go the distance” and “jump in the mud” with our students

·          Powerful and effective treatment model

·          Beautiful setting and facilities

·          Outstanding recreational and experiential therapy

·          Ongoing desire to grow as a program and be innovative in our approach to our students and their families

I count myself lucky to be part of such and amazing team and program. I value each family that calls on the phone and/or comes through our door. Each family that joins the CALO program joins the CALO family and becomes part of who we are, leaving a lasting impression of their time with us.