Compass Rose Academy Endorsed by Dr. Kesler

White's Residential & Family Services, one of Indiana's largest and oldest nonprofit social services agencies, continues to build support for its new residential treatment center for troubled teens, Compass Rose Academy. Today, the school was further bolstered by the endorsement of Dr. Jay Kesler, one of Indiana's most well-known and respected educators.

Kesler has a long history of faith-based youth education. He was president of Youth for Christ and most recently preaching pastor of Upland Community Church in Upland, Ind. However, Kesler is best known for his work with Taylor University. A member of the class of 1958, he served as president for 15 years before becoming chancellor. Today, Kesler is president emeritus of his alma mater, the author of nearly 30 books and a former radio personality for the faith-based program, "Family Forum."

As a long-standing supporter of White's, Kesler is well-acquainted with the quality of care its staff provides and the need for preventive, proactive intervention programs such as Compass Rose Academy for families of troubled teens.

"Like Taylor University, Compass Rose is a positive, faith-based education resource for young people," Kesler explained. "It's heartening to see an organization with such a legacy for good work expand its scope beyond Indiana, allowing it to make an impact on more families. My history with White's makes me confident that Compass Rose Academy will continue the tradition of care created by its parent organization."

"For over 20 years, Dr. Kesler has been a tremendous influential leader for those working with young people. His recognition and support of what we are doing at Compass Rose is humbling and is an invaluable affirmation of our efforts in providing quality care for teens," said Dee Gibson, CEO of Compass Rose Academy.

Located on the White's Wabash campus, but operating as a privately funded affiliate, Compass Rose Academy includes both a residential treatment center for youth in crisis suffering from problems with school, home or family, and prevention services to help families remain intact.

Licensed as a residential child care facility by the Indiana Department of Child Services and accredited by the Council on Accreditation, the program is ideally suited for teenagers struggling with problems such as abuse recovery, depression, identity or body image issues, drug abuse, conflicts with peers or authority, social isolation or rejection, mild self-harm and school problems.

Compass Rose will also soon offer a variety of support services to parents who are not yet ready to consider residential placement for their child. Prevention services will begin in 2013 and will include weekend conferences for parents and short-term experiential camps and activities for teens.

For more information, please visit http://www.CompassRoseAcademy.org/Kesler.

Compass Rose Academy is a privately funded affiliate of White's Residential & Family Services, one of Indiana's largest and oldest nonprofit social services agencies offering residential, emergency shelter care, foster care, independent living, adoption and home-based services. Designed to expand upon White's overall mission by preserving the well-being of youth and families through prevention services and an on-site residential treatment center for troubled teens, Compass Rose is committed to enriching the lives of children and families through emotional healing, personal development and spiritual growth.