Founded in 1973, Excelsior Youth Center is a residential treatment program for young women ages 11-18 years old, situated on 33 acres at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The program is designed for adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems, including abuse, self-destructive behavior, and involvement in gangs or cults, or those who have been adopted then relinquished.

Excelsior's key staff includes Joan Gabrielson, BSW, MBA, Executive Director, Carol Beauchamp-Hunter, CACIII, BA in Law Enforcement, MA in Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, LPC, Arnold Goldstein, Associate Director, BA Accounting and MBA in Finance and Terry Hoffman, Director of Admissions, BS in Rehabilitation Services and MEd in Guidance and Counseling. The Center is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. (COA) and the North Central Association for middle and high school curriculum.

Each girl receives an individual treatment plan upon entry, which includes therapeutic, academic and vocational education, and life skill goals. Therapy treatment consists of individual and group therapy, family counseling and recreational therapy. Vocational training programs include a licensed Cosmetology School, Business, Food Service Training, Bicycle Maintenance and Repair, and Graphic Design. Basic academic courses include math, English, social studies and science. Art, music, home economics, physical education and computers are offered as electives.

Excelsior also offers a day treatment education program - with transportation provided - for young women who can emotionally and behaviorally reside at home, yet cannot function in public schools.

[The information for this New Perspective came from the Excelsior Youth Center website.]