The program at The Carpenter's Way is designed to insure that our children develop vital life skills needed for their transition into the adult phase of their lives. This phase could included attending a college or technical college, or entry into the work force or armed services. The program's focus is
to guide our children from dependence upon structure and external controls to the internalization of
their own self-control and competent decision-making skills. The child is continually encouraged to develop the ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities for appropriate, independent skills.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
-- Proverbs 22:6
Only Jesus can restore a soul that has been crushed by the circumstances of life. That is why a
living faith in Christ is one of the major components of Carpenter's Way ministry to hurting children. While faith is not forced upon our kids, they are exposed to Biblical principals and attend church on
a weekly basis. Most importantly, the kids learn by example and practice how to apply these principals
to daily living.
A key component of our ministry is for the kids to be a part of a loving family. That means learning
how to receive and give love to one another. Kids learn how to communicate appropriately with
family members, take care of their homes, and enjoy the benefits of family membership such as
group meals, activities, and family outings.
Children need a good education to succeed in life - one that meets their specific needs and
enables them to master the basics of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. A combination
of learning methods supports these academic goals and helps kids who have fallen behind to
catch
up with their peers. Small group learning, tutoring, computer-based curriculum, and outdoor education provide opportunities to accelerate academic growth. The kids attend classes
at public schools in the area.
A strong work ethic is instilled in the children who live at Carpenter’s Way. Younger children assist
with grounds and building maintenance. Older youth usually work off-campus during summer
months at are businesses. An additional benefit of working hard is the acquiring of new skills that
can be used in a child’s future home or profession.
