By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
The Whitmore mansion is more than the Inn, a bed-and-breakfast, it is also the Whitmore Academy a place for troubled youth to find strong foundation, much like the home which was built in 1898.
Mark Sudweeks and his wife are the owners of the Whitmore and still use the second floor for a bed-and-breakfast however, the home has also become a place of learning.
"In order to meet the state requirements, we need a business license that is more appropriate than as a bed and breakfast," said Sudweeks.
Currently there are 12 students living at the home and under the care of the Sudweeks.
The couple have been providing opportunities for youth who have trouble at home and in school for the past 25 years and have four such locations known as "Who Am I Discovery" residential treatment center.
The other locations are in Kleena Kleene, British Columbia, Canada; Baja California, SUR, Mexico; the Whitmore and the Ridge Equine Center in Levan.
Sudweeks told the council that they do not need to be concerned about the young people who stay at the home being trouble-makers in the community because they are youth who also recognize that they need to make a change in their lives.
In addition, they are not adjudicated, or required by a court to attend a court-approved facility.
Nevertheless, said Sudweeks, in order for the center to meet the requirements of the state, a different type of license is needed. That is where the city can assist.
"I had a conversation with the state and we will be prepared to offer the different license upon our hearing, officially, from the state," said Chad Brough, mayor.
Students who live at the center earn the schooling from the Nebo School District.
"We tried to work through the Juab School District but they did not have the program we needed," said Sudweeks. "Therefore we are working with the Nebo School District because they have the Landmark School which is just what we needed."
A typical city business license allows the pursuit of a business, such as the bed and breakfast, on the premises of the establishment and that will do fine for that part of the business.
However, said Sudweeks, it is important for the residential treatment center, in order to be approved by the state, to have a different sort of license that will allow young people to be housed for the purpose of therapy.
"Our curriculum is fully accredited and accepted by most schools and university's" he said. "Independent learning, at an individual pace, promotes confidence within, as we achieve educational goals as they relate to specific graduation requirements."
The teens in the Utah program, at the Whitmore Academy, have the benefit of the home, with 12 beautiful rooms, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. In addition, they can enjoy the majestic mountains and the nearby beauty of Little Sahara Sand Dunes, Lake Powell, Canyon Lands National Parks, Zions Park and many other natural wonders.
"It is not our goal to take the kids out of the slum, rather we want to take the 'slum' out of the kids," he said,
Nephi Times 11-27-02
http://www.nephitimesnews.com/1102/112702/front.htm