Explorations

"I lived at explorations for about 6 months and was miserable the entire time. The owner, Penny James, is a person parents naturally like off of first impression, but she is really a horrible person once you get to know her. She treats the kids extremely unfairly, liking some and giving them extra privileges, and the ones she dislikes she will treat them extremely rude, and very disrespectfully. I am now home free thankfully, and just learned that during my stay at explorations, Penny would make false reports about me and recommend that I need to be in an "extremely restrictive environment" which resulted in me being taken to a very secure facility in Texas. All because I was disliked by Penny. To any parent reading this I strongly warn you about sending your son or daughter to live in this house. It is unsafe, and you are putting your child at risk of all types of abuse. I can say 100% honestly that Penny James is one of the worst human beings I have ever met."

"Explorations was the first program to really treat me like an adult and help me. It's so different than all of the others I went to because you actually got to go to school and do normal stuff that teenagers do. The staff are great and will always support you even after you leave."

"I spent the last two years working as a residential counselor and outdoor programs coordinator for Penny at Explorations. I spent every weekend there working direct care with the students, and then ran and supported the summer program. I so enjoyed working alongside Penny and the rest of the staff of Explorations, as well as forming lasting relationships with students. I still look to her for mentorship and guidance as I explore this new phase of my life and career path. Penny and her staff are devoted beyond measure to creating individually customized treatment plans for each student that walks through the doors of Explorations. The environment is supportive and nurturing, and students are encouraged to find and explore the truest versions of themselves. The opportunity to live in a home that mimics the family system, as well as attend a public school in the area set kids up for success for the next phase of their lives, be it college or returning home. Penny works hard to instill basic life skills as well as social skills into students' lives without ever veering too far from matters of the heart. The remote setting of Explorations allows for a safe and quiet place for students to reflect on their past experiences, work to integrate new skills, and begin to make big moves to their next steps."

"I'm Kathleen and I'd like to share my experiences with explorations. Walking in at 17 years old, I was emotionally hurt & rebellious against my family. Penny & Larry really helped me to grow into an individual. Them and the staff, cared for me. They helped me open up and rebuild my relationship with my dad and sister. My time there was unforgettable and I wouldn't be who I am today without them by my side as a high schooler."

"I worked for and with Explorations for a couple years and I appreciate the work that's done here immensely. I worked both in the field as a wilderness guide for a summer and then helped run the summer program another year. In between I worked with the kids in the house. It was a very special time for me. I fell in love with the area and look back on it as one of the best times of my life."