Three Rivers Montana to Close Due to Economy

[Anonymous]

Three Rivers Montana to close
By AMANDA RICKER Chronicle Staff Writer

Three Rivers Montana, a Belgrade-based wilderness program for troubled teens, plans to close Feb. 28, laying off its 37 employees, executive director Marylis Filipovich said Thursday.

“Normally, January is a very big admissions month for us and we didn’t get any admissions,” she said. :cheers:

Three Rivers opened five years ago and has served more than 400 kids from across the nation. Teens experiencing difficulties at home or school could stay at the mental-health facility for a few weeks or months, earning high-school credits and receive treatment.

The nonprofit depended on admission fees, often funded by health-insurance reimbursements, donations and fundraising. Discounts were offered for low-income families.

“In this economy, many of our potential families cannot afford the cost of outdoor behavioral healthcare,” Mark Parlett, director of programs and development for Three Rivers, wrote in an e-mail to the Chronicle.

Families often took out loans to send their kids to Three Rivers and the tightened credit market has hurt enrollment, Filipovich said.

“Our families tended to be middle-class, and with the economy like it is, they can’t get loans,” she said.

Three Rivers is shuttering its location on Dry Creek Road, but the nonprofit plans to keep its incorporated status. Filipovich and Parlett said they hope to continue working with local families in need.

[Anonymous]

Is there testimony or evidence of this place being abusive? Or are we supposed to cheer the downful of the good programs too?

[Anonymous]

Let us know when you find one.

[firstresponder]

sounds like wwasp.

http://http://www.threeriversmontana.org/program/family.aspx

    * Admissions: Feel free to talk with the admissions counselor to get your questions answered and to enroll your child.
    * Parent Workshop: Parents are asked to attend a one and a half-day workshop that gives them practical tools.  The workshop takes place as soon after enrollment as possible.  We encourage both parents to participate in the workshop.  If both can't attend, we request at least one parent participate.  We have served many divorced families and will accommodate the parents' needs.  Parents may choose to attend a workshop together, or may prefer to attend separate workshops.  Our staff will work closely with you to meet your needs.
    * Parenting Education: Consists of materials developed specifically for Three Rivers families.
    * Communication: This occurs with the Three Rivers therapist, as well as letters exchanged between you and your child throughout the program. Parents participate in weekly calls with the therapist and exchange letters with their child every week. In addition parents regularly receive photos and updates about their child's activities and progress.
    * Family Days/Graduation: Parents are invited to spend two days and one night at the Base Camp with their son or daughter at the conclusion of the program.  We are well able to accommodate the needs of divorced families or parents with specific medical needs.  The final days are a celebration and transition either home or to the next placement.
    * Transitional Services. Continuing support for parents and students after the teen graduates from Three Rivers is vital. Transitional Services are provided both for students going on to a boarding school after Three Rivers and for those immediately returning home.