Supporting Jackson / Get Involved

Adolescent Center Auxilary

The Adolescent Center Auxiliary is a group of volunteers who support and mentor the adolescents at the residential treatment center.

Changing every child's world is the goal of Jackson Recovery Center's Adolescent Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is chaired by Hillard and Ann Knutson and is made up of approximately 30 Siouxland community members.

Started by board member David Paulsrud, the Auxiliary 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 Auxiliary 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 advice of my mentor because I was more open to her than my therapist."

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

If you are interested in the Adolescent Auxiliary email rbollinger@jacksonrecovery.com or call Robin Bollinger at (712) 234-2383.