Letter from the CEO

Dear Friends,

?

Stonewater was founded back in 2017 with the mission of creating a place where adolescent boys - and their families - can heal from the effects of substance use and mental health challenges. Through my own experience as an adolescent in need of such services (and now, as an adult with more than 18 years of recovery), we knew there was a need to meet families in their struggle and to show them a path forward to a greater vision: lifelong recovery, lived.

?

At this point, it’s impossible to deny: The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown fuel on the growing fire of mental health challenges for American adolescents. Every new ream of data underlines the stark reality that faces us all. Our children are struggling.

?

Today, as it’s needed now perhaps more than ever, we’re so proud to serve as a refuge for families around the country. Each day we live out our mission of helping individuals to find their God-given purpose and to learn the life skills necessary to choose disciplined, transformed lives. We’re grateful to have developed more collaborative partnerships with other heart-centered programs around the country to provide a network of support. Each time a parent reaches out to us for help, we know that we can offer them resources to begin their journey of healing — even if it isn’t at Stonewater.

?

This year, we’ve reached a new innovative milestone in our mission to help families in crisis: In an effort to engage better with a generation of young people that oftentimes connect more comfortably via technology, we now offer virtual intensive outpatient programming that brings the Stonewater experience far beyond the borders of Oxford, Mississippi. Most importantly, through this program, we are now able to offer treatment to adolescent girls for the very first time.

?

The future of Stonewater looks bright as we continue developing ways to better serve our residents, their families and other families in need of help. Our entire team is at your service, as we continue to Challenge the Box (a Stonewater Value), in the service of a greater purpose and plan. We look forward to collaboration, celebration and growth alongside?

you — this year and in the years to come.

?

— Bryan Fikes, CEO