My Nonprofit Reviews

I first heard of Advent back in 1985 while job hunting, it was called Arbutus at the time. My car broke down on the way to the interview and thanks to some very nice people from a Jesuit facility I made it to the summit. There I met more awesome people and was able to hang out and try to be supportive as one of the counselors had also been in a wreck with several children in the car the same day. I was so impressed by their teamwork and caring staff . I ended up working for them but I chose another facility more centrally located in San Jose. Soon after my arrival we were told the program would be closing, I again was allowed to watch Gods hand as he produced a miracle.. In midst of the end a new beginning came forth. There was a meeting and next thing we were told is we would be going out on our own and the program would continue.. Again God lead us and as I was always kind of a skeptic before I witnessed over and over changes of heart and what I would called true miracles while at Advent. My heart changed there as I learned to trust and care as well. I then left to get married and start my own family. My heart never left Advent and because of what I had seen I went on to adopt 3 children myself. As they grew it became apparent they had some issues and when it came time to realize I couldnt do it on my own Advent was again there. My son was using and had had a psychotic break due to the drugs.. I couldnt find a place that adoption assistance would pay for and everything was so expensive.. As IM searching and I did want something close to home I kept coming back to Advent. At first I thought it was me not God wanting it, but as the social worker investigated, Advent was the closest facility that they would pay for. Again a total God thing. So my son went and graduated from the program. It was awesome watching changes in him along with catching up with old friends and watching new staff.. Sure the new people coming in are so enthusiastic butt have a clue the issues they may be dealing with But as they stick out their committemnt they grow and mature so much God uses the kids to change the staff as much as He uses the staff to touch the kids. I was privledged to watch both occur as my son stuggled through the program. .. I knew Advent had changed my life and I know it saved my sons l.. Of course life isnt perfect but he saw Gods hand and how much people love him and are there for him. During a relapse, he called his old counselor and even though he was no longer at Advent the counselor agreed to meet with him. Its family and the people care and I reccommend it to anyone I meet that is struggling with their childs addiction and/ or if the court is trying to force them to go out of state for treatment. Im sad more probation officiers dont know about Advent as I honestly beleive God is at the center of their program and the staffs lives and THAT is what makes them different and what changes these kids lives.. My son now lives with another Christian couple and sure he is still a teenager but he has learned respect and that he isnt alone.. It really does take a village to raise a child and no one should try to go it alone. Fellowship with others in Christ has made all the difference for me as a parent and I have Advent to thank for teaching me and my son that important lesson.

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