Reviews

What Parents Say About KCGA

“We sent our daughter here after multiple failed inpatient treatments. We were overwhelmed, lost, hurt, scared. My daughter was lost. After researching many options, we came across this one. We read the reviews, called the center, and spoke on the phone about concerns. We were invited to come in and discuss our concerns and tour the facility. We made the decision that this place was right. I will never forget the anguish I had dropping her off, but also the compassion that everyone showed us and my daughter that day. Fast forward to the end of the program and beyond, WE HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER!!. We have a happy, healthy young woman who is looking forward to life, God, and what is next for her! We asked her about her experiences and she said it was definitely hard, but she has no regrets about being saved. She even asks regularly, if she can go visit the staff because they are very important to her. If you have any reservations about the program for your kid, call them. They are very open and honest about what the program is and how it works. I pray that a place like this would not be needed. However, we live in a very cruel, hard world, filled with evil and temptations. KCGA is amazing at bringing light into a struggling, teenager’s life. We can’t thank them enough!!” — Parents

“God used Kansas City Girls Academy to save my daughter’s life. Her choices had taken her down a path of destruction that led to a car accident one night when she and a friend had been drinking and taking pills. She could have died that night but instead ended up in jail. I was certain this would be her rock bottom – but instead she became even more defiant over the next few weeks. After my first visit I had a peace that this was God’s choice for my daughter. The road wasn’t easy but she was able to internalize God’s word and rebuild relationships with her family that we thought had been damaged beyond repair. Thank you for being source of strength and encouragement to our family. I would recommend your program for any young girl, troubled or not.” – Marla M.

“Our daughter was totally rebellious, acting-out, shouting when things wouldn’t go her way, pushing and shoving, lying , sneaking around drinking and having sex. It was awful, all the things that she exposed herself to at such a young age had a hold on her and she was living in total rebellion. We tried keeping her away from the so-called friends and influences that were bad, but that only seemed to make her rebel even more, grounding did little to no good. So we decided that something drastic had to take place, we love our daughter and don’t want to watch her destroy her life and her future. So we called Kansas City Girls Academy. Within the first couple of weeks we saw changes in her attitude, and within a month’s time, my baby girl contacted me and said that she had received Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and from that point on she has changed a little more each and every time I see her. I am so proud of her and the decision that we have made. The staff at there love and care for these girls and counsel them in the way’s of the Lord, and they are all wonderful Christian people.” – Parent

“It is a grave and stark reality when a parent comes to realize they have lost all ability to speak into their child’s life, and that they are slowly losing that child to a world contaminated by darkness, hate, perversity, destruction, and hopelessness. Yet that is exactly the place that we found ourselves in while parenting our only daughter at the tender age of 15. As her parents, we were desperate and frustrated and didn’t know what to do, so we cried out to God to help us and show us the way. In our distress, he heard our cry and came swiftly to answer us. His answer came to us by way of Kansas City Girls Academy . Our daughter arrived there very stubborn and damaged and left there compliant and whole. She was literally transformed by God working through the program. She is now whole in her relationship with us as her parents, whole in her conduct and interaction with others, and most of all, whole in her relationship with God. Now we are all enjoying life with our daughter again. We are back together being a family, working and playing as team. It is truly a miracle, and we are so grateful.” – Lydia

A couple of years ago, we made one of the hardest decisions of our lives–to send our 15-year-old daughter to KCGA. Her self-destructive behavior was spiraling out of control, and despite trying local therapists, medications, and even having her stay with her grandparents for a while, nothing seemed to work. She struggled with self-harm, low self-esteem, experimentation with street drugs, stealing, lying, sneaking out, and seeking validation in the wrong places. The decision to send her away wasn’t taken lightly. We spent weeks researching, conducting interviews, and working with a recruiter before settling on KCGA. It felt like our last resort to save her life. While she was there, we experienced moments of fear and uncertainty, not knowing if she was manipulating the situation or being truthful. We had to place our trust in something higher, and although we weren’t a deeply religious family, we believed in God and considered ourselves Christians. I truly felt the director, staff, and counselors at KCGA were there for a bigger calling–it wasn’t just a job for them. During her time at KCGA, my daughter formed strong bonds with a few of the staff. She completed the program, and today, she’s a high school graduate, a college student, and an athlete. If you’d asked me three years ago where I thought she’d be, I would have said I feared we might lose her to her destructive path. There was a time I thought we’d end up burying her. I’ll never forget the day we dropped her off, knowing we wouldn’t be able to see or speak to her for a month. It felt like my heart was being ripped out, and I collapsed, sobbing, hoping that one day she would forgive us and understand that we made this decision to save her life. Her younger brother also struggled with the sudden absence of his sister, and as a family, we were deeply affected. The times we visited, those 12-hour visits were often filled with hope. We even attended church together, something that brought us closer. As parents, my husband and I became a stronger couple. Looking back, I realize how much our daughter’s behavior was pulling us apart. She was unintentionally creating division between us. Today, we are united, and though things aren’t perfect (no family is), we remain strong as a family of four. My daughter holds some resentment for the decision we made, but she’s also admitted that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the things she learned at KCGA. She continues to practice her faith, using the Bible to guide her coping mechanisms. Her experience has inspired her to pursue a degree in psychology and criminal justice–she wants to help troubled teens like herself. One of the most beautiful outcomes of her time at KCGA is the lasting relationships she’s maintained. Some of the staff, even those who’ve moved on to other roles, continue to stay in touch with her. Several even drove hours to attend her graduation party–a day we once thought might never come. My daughter is thriving today, and we are so proud of her. We still face challenges, but we communicate better as a result of this experience. If I had to do it all over again, I would. The decision we made gave my daughter her life back, and I will always be grateful for that. So yes, I truly believe that KCGA is a place that changes lives. It helped my daughter find her way when she was lost, and for that, we owe them–and God–our daughter’s life and future. — Tina

Our daughter attended and completed KCGA, and we couldn’t have been happier with our experience. The caring and supportive staff helped guide and change the life of our daughter. Making the decision to send our daughter to a 15-month program was not easy, but it was definitely worth it. This program is designed to be tough and to break the girls from their bad habits and choices. When the parents “buy in” to this program and follow the guidelines that the school has set forth, the chance for success is much greater. Our daughter is thriving today and currently attending a four-year university. Without this program, I do not know where we would be today and for that we will always be thankful for KCGA. — Heather

Teen Challenge was an answer to lots of prayers that were going up to heaven about my niece. God heard our prayers and answered in a powerful way. She was in desperate need of a miracle. It was hard for her at the beginning but at about 6 months into the program she gave her life to Jesus. I spoke with her on the phone for the first time last week and my niece has come to life!! Completely changed are her own words! I cannot describe to you the joy of being able to speak to my niece on a spiritual level, when 11 months earlier she was mocking my faith in Jesus. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all the staff (teachers, councilors, prayer warriors) it took to see the transformation that I’ve seen. May God continue to bless Teen Challenge for their hearts to see eternal change in young girls that are struggling to find love in the right places. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. — Parent

A well-organized program that blends education, personal development, and structure to create a positive atmosphere for students. Kansas City Girls Academy fosters responsibility and growth while ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Their focus on helping students make lasting changes sets them apart.– Parent

VIDEO:  Two Families Share Their Experience…

VIDEOS:  Students Share Their Experience…