I was, asked one day.
I knew what he was but what should I say?
He is noise and confusion. He is, silence, that is deep.
He is sunshine and laughter or a cloud that will weep.
He, is swift as an arrow. He is a waster of time.
He wants to be rich, but cannot save a dime.
He is rude and nasty. He is polite as can be. He wants parental guidance.
But fights, to be free.
He is, aggressive, and bossy. He is timid and shy. He, knows,all the answers
But still will ask why.
He is awkward and clumsy. He is graceful and poised. He is ever changing.
But do not be annoyed.
What is a Middle Schooler? I was asked one day. He is future unfolding.
So do not stand in his way.
(an eighth-grade middleschooler)
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What does Oasis do for families?
I must say Oasis has changed our lives.
In the time that we have spent with Oasis we've learned a better understanding not
only of each other but of ourselves.
It's an awakening.
We as parents try our very best to do
what we think is right or best for our children.
In todays world it's not easy when you have either a
single parenting situation or a two parent working situation.
You see we forget the small things because we're tired.
I think everyone knows what happens when things
start going the "wrong" way.
Things start piling up..you let things slide until
one day it's just ENOUGH!
Then you blow up at the smallest of things because
the build up of all of the "small" things is to hard to bare.
Well listen parents..This is where Oasis comes in..
Oasis is as I said an awakening..
Now realizing what I just said about things building up..
you can turn that around..
I mean with Oasis we learned to build things UP in a positive way.
Let me use my family as an example.
Before Oasis life for us seemed to be a struggle.
I never followed through with my complaints or
punishments such as grounding ect.
I'd scream about things to get the boys to FINALLY
do their chores and if they weren't done I'd give in just
to find a moments peace and let them go outside with
their friends or what ever.
My family is a loving family but I have to admit we had no structure.
I'd complain and feel as if I was never heard.
I'd keep things to myself or I would "paint" a better picture
of my family to my friends because I was I suppose in a form of denial.
For me I thought of working and not much else.
I wanted to provide for my sons and make their lives easy.
I wanted to give them everything they desired.
What I didn't realize was that what they
really needed was a "family life" and I believe they didn't realize it as
well until we started going to Oasis.
You see there is support out there for families that need it.
We are blessed that we have found support in Oasis.
So forget being tired of work and chores or of errands..
STOP and LISTEN to your child and give him or her the moment
(a small thing) that they desire..if you continue to do this the
"Build Up" will be quite rewarding.
You'll build up your communication skills and
become a better parent as well as your
children becoming better understanders,
listeners, and kids all together.
I'm being honest here when I say that Oasis did for my family
what I didn't even realize I needed!
Oasis gave us "Communication" !
Thank You Oasis,
Karen Beduhn
I actually quit my job almost three years ago
I actually quit my job almost three years ago to
keep an eye on my son who was skipping school at home. It didn't do any good
for his grades or attitude, only his attendance. For the next two school years
he went to the same school and we were very disappointed in the school.
We heard about Oasis the first of this year and jumped at the chance for
something different. The summer program was great. The parent involvement
really makes a difference, especially the parent support group meetings.
The staff at Oasis is great and all of my family have learned a lot just
over the summer session. My sons attitude and willingness to attend school
has greatly improved. He's actually excited to get off to school now. He does
his homework without being told a hundred times. This program is a God sent for
our family. I would tell anyone to check it out not just for their children but
for the whole family unit.
Anna & John Ross
The Oasis Program has become our dwelling place
The Oasis Program has become our dwelling place for the sanity of our family.Several years ago one of my oldest children emerged from the Oasis procedure with an attitude towards life that parents only dream their children will develope. A sulky adolescent metamorphorized into a caring responsible adult.
When difficulties began with his younger sibling, he suggested that I contact the Oasis Program because it was one of the highlights of his life.So now I have a younger son that had shown indications of going through life signing his name with x's calling me during a football practice break to request that
I put his homework up so it won't get misplaced.
Oasis has given our family the desire to place our ores into the river of life and indeed paddle.
Renee Crain
Everyday seemed to be getting worse! This ever happen to you?
My day to day life consists of work, kids, housework and sleep.
As my kids have grown older it's been more tiring. Not to mention
I have added pressure (that I adore) with my nephew now living with us.
I have to say that I can't remember life without him. In some ways
this has brought our family closer, but in other ways it has added
stress. I have a hard time keeping up with my girls. It's not unusual
to hear my oldest daughter say "I hate you!" That really hurts.
I didn't realize that I was getting farther and farther in trouble
with my kids. I wasn't in control. I couldn't seem to make my
daughters understand the importance of schooling. I also couldn't
seem to get them to help with their chores or just get them to
listen to me. Well my oldest daughter (whom I love dearly) didn't
pass the seventh grade. She was completely unmotivated. She didn't
even care either. Her school recommended Oasis. They explained that
Oasis was a drop out prevention program and it might just be what we
needed. They couldn't have been more right on the "We" part.
This school isn't just for the kids in 8th grade that need help
because of motivational problems. It's for families as a whole.
In the summer course the kids spend 3 weeks getting to know each other.
They know all the while that they may or may not get picked for the
school year. Luckily my daughter was picked. We are all doing so much
better since we've been blessed with Oasis. Every Wednesday night
Oasis has a parent meeting. We get together and talk and learn proper
parenting skills.
I can't begin to tell you how much Oasis has changed our home life.
If someone had told me last year that there was a place like Oasis
that would change our lives I would have laughed in their face!
It's true! There really is a special place like Oasis, and they are
there to help you when ever you need it. We communicate very well as
a family now and everyone gets along together so much better.
I only wish Oasis had more than just an 8th grade class. Although I
believe the lessons that we are learning throughout this year will
stick with us forever. Oasis has changed our entire outlook and made
us a happier family. We can't thank Oasis enough.
Shelly Therrien
August 29, 1999
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