Building Bridges

I spent 2 and a half years of my teenage years at Building Bridges under the ownership of Steve and Jill. I cannot begin to describe the horrible trauma I had to endure from this experience. I am still working through that trauma to this very day. I was abused both physically and sexually. I’m actually shocked to hear this place is still running. Despicable.

This group home provides exceptional care and support for its residents. The staff is professional, compassionate, and always attentive to individual needs.

I attended Building Bridges from 2005-2006 and graduated from Thompson Falls High School. Steve and Jill helped me turn my life around, I truly believe I would be dead or in prison without them and this program. I was an angry and deceitful child and this program turned me into a disciplined young man.

My son recently completed the Building Bridges program successfully. When I dropped him off, I had no idea what to expect or how long he would be there. But, now I can say it was the best decision I ever made as a parent. The growth he made during that time is remarkable and I am happy to say that he is approaching the 2 year mark for his sobriety. He went from being a withdrawn, isolated and overall negative teenager to an engaged, well spoken and goal oriented young man. His understanding of the 12 steps and willingness to use them in his daily life fills me with hope. I am happy to share that during his senior year of high school while at Building Bridges, he was accepted into a competitive music program at a state university where he will attend this Fall. I am beyond proud of him. Kurt, Andy, Sarah and Alysha were available anytime for questions and responded to emails and/or messages promptly. I knew my son was safe and surrounded by a team that truly cared for him as an individual and wanted to see him succeed. Even during times when they had to deliver information that was difficult to hear, it was done with care and compassion. I never felt that I, or my son, was being judged. The family education and support component that Building Bridges offers was an invaluable part of the program. The opportunity to build strong relationships with the other parents at the parent conferences and online support groups was something I never dreamed would happen, but I now have a new "village" of friends that I suspect I will have for the rest of my life. I grew tremendously as a mother and am confident in my ability to hold boundaries while still having a close connection to my son. I know the decision to send your child to treatment and figuring out the huge financial burden is next to impossible. But, I can honestly say that the experience I had with Building Bridges was priceless!

My son attended Building Bridges for 18 months as a second step program after Wilderness. He's been home for 8 weeks now, and is thriving better than ever before. He is going to school, has a job and does meetings 3 times a week. He is showing independence and autonomy in the choices he is making. The atmosphere at Bridges brings a feeling of warmth, family and unity to the boys, as well as to the parents. Parents receive a lot of support so that when their son returns home, everyone has the tools to use in the transition. Support is provided even when they do come home. Bridges was an excellent choice for our son since this isn't a facility, but a large home they live in, and they learn how to reintegrate into life since they earn to go to the local high school, and play sports. They learn how to manage themselves before they get home. We are tremendously grateful the the Bridges Team!

We are eternally grateful for our son's experience at Building Bridges, where our son just recently graduated high school. It was an absolutely perfect combination of school and therapy; the other families that attend are fantastic, and the staff are all amazing. I especially appreciated the open communication from the therapist as well as the twice a year conferences where all families travel to Montana (and Thompson Falls is breathtakingly beautiful and people always make you feel welcome). I cannot recommend it highly enough. Sending our son there was truly the best decision we ever made; I feel very strongly that it saved both him and our family.

They abuse children here. I know so many horror stories from my former classmates.

My son was at Building Bridges for almost two years. He had developed a severe substance abuse problem at age 15, and felt hopeless, believing he could never overcome the crushing weight of addiction. Positive change did not come immediately for my son at Bridges, but it did come. Today he is a confident, strong and happy young man. It is truly an incredible feeling to have him back home, and I feel indebted to Kurt (his therapist), Andy, Tammy, Josh, Chris, Jonah, Missy, Alysha, Debbie and the rest of the team. The program is put together with much thought, care and heart - which becomes apparent during the summer conference. These folks care about the boys in the program, and their jobs are not easy. The summer trips are an incredible experience, and promote resilience and growth for the boys. Kurt is a gifted therapist, and has an excellent team surrounding him. The therapy does not happen only in a conventional setting, but is ubiquitous. The basketball court is as much a setting for therapy as the therapist’s office. The group therapy amd senior peer influence is critical. And so is the family therapy and transition work. Thank you Building Bridges! I highly recommend them.