"Changing every child's world" is the goal of Jackson Recovery Center's Adolescent Auxillary. The Auxillary is chaired by Hillard and Ann Knutson and is made up of 23 Siouxland community members.

Started by board member David Paulsrud, the Auxillary supports adolescents in residential treatment in two important ways. The first is through planning and facilitating fun activities for the kids, including holiday parties and picnics. This is a critical piece in each child's recovery, as they learn how to have fun without the use of addictive substances. These activities also allow them to develop positive social skills with peers and adults.

The second function of the Auxillary is to mentor the adolescent patients. Mentoring allows kids to spend one-on-one time with a positive adult role model. The mentors encourage discussion about the child's interests, goals, fears and dreams. For many of these kids no one has ever asked or cared about them in this way.

The kids who have participated in the program share their excitement about the mentoring program:

"I listened to the advise of my mentor because I was more open to her than my therapist."

"I learned how to garden and now I love it! It was fun and I learned about a lot of new things."

Traci Merchant, Director of Adolescent Services, says, "The mentoring program has significantly changed the lives of Jackson's kids. To feel that the community cares about and values them, makes a powerful impact on their lives."

If you are interested in the Adolescent Auxillary contact Traci Merchant at (712)293-4735 or Hillard Knutson at (712)239-1176.