Alldredge Academy To Close Dec. 31

Tough times necessitate tough decisions. Such is the case today as I announce that Alldredge Wilderness Journey will bid its final student farewell on December 31, 2008.

The decision to close Alldredge Wilderness Journey is both painful and unfortunate. For the past 9 years, Alldredge has helped more than one-thousand teens and families navigate the challenges of adolescence. Our caring and dedicated staff has maintained its absolute commitment to the families we serve through good times and bad. We’ve done great work, and countless families have experienced healing and wholeness through Alldredge and its people.

So, why is Alldredge closing? First, for many varied reasons (and with no one at fault), we have been unable to consistently maintain an adequate number of students in the program. It simply isn’t feasible to operate at census levels 40-50% below “plan” indefinitely. Second, we believe the current market downturn and national economic slump will be lengthy, and most certainly won’t end during the first several months of 2009. In our view, things are likely to get worse before they get better. Short term programs are feeling the pinch quicker than longer term programs, and wilderness appears to be especially vulnerable.

Please join me in thanking the entire Alldredge team for the legacy they’ve created and the lives they’ve impacted. Many of us are better and deeper people because of Alldredge. I certainly am.

As we close the year, I’m sad, but I’m not discouraged. In fact, InnerChange is very fortunate to enter 2009 with three thriving programs for girls – New Haven, Sunrise, and Fulshear Ranch Academy. Our work with adolescent girls and young women is consistently recognized within our industry as best-in-class. And thankfully, over 90% of our beds are full. We are planning to expand each program to create additional capacity, and you can expect several exciting announcements from us early in 2009.

Clearly, our foundation is solid and our future is bright. As we approach the holiday season, we are so thankful for our people, our students, and the families we serve. If you have questions about InnerChange or any of our programs, I welcome your call at 214-272-6870 (my direct line) or you may reach me via email at david@InnerChange.com.

Warmest Wishes,

David Michel
President & CEO
InnerChange