The following is based on a true story. Only the names have been changed to protect the privacy of the children involved.

I'm often asked, "Do you have bad kids at Happy Hill Farm?" My answer is simply, "rarely." Rarely do we have what I call a bad kid . . . someone who is so emotionally twisted and disturbed that rehabilitation or significant change is virtually impossible. After all, God's grace and forgiveness is beyond measure. More often than not, the Farm has victims. Kids who are victims of broken and breaking homes. Kids who have been neglected or abused. Kids who have been pushed aside in the mad rush to break up a marriage, home, and family. These kids are often bitter and angry. They don't understand why their family is coming apart, why their parents can't get along, why someone loves drugs or alcohol more than them. The victims go looking for love and acceptance in the wrong places. They often find what they think is love or acceptance in their peer group, who are also mixed up and confused. The slide into serious trouble is quick and easy.

That was the case with Jerry. Jerry's dad drank too much . . . started running around on his mom. Mom tried to keep things together, but Dad finally walked away. Jerry became an angry, verbally abusive, young teenager. He got in with a bunch of other kids at school that hung out together. Marijuana led to harder drugs. To get money for drugs, you have to steal. If you steal, you ultimately get caught. Jerry did. The judge was perceptive enough to know that Jerry was not really a "bad kid," but an angry, empty, troubled, young man. He gave Jerry a wonderful break. On probation, Jerry came to live at Happy Hill Farm.

If Jerry had not received help when he did, he would probably be in a Texas juvenile jail or worse. Then, the taxpayers of Texas would reach into their pockets and shell out $50,000 a year to keep a boy like Jerry locked up. What a tragic waste of potential!

You can make a difference. You can do something about a major problem, not only in Texas, but throughout the country. You can help Happy Hill Farm Academy/Home save kids like Jerry. That is what your gift will do. It will rescue kids like Jerry. No amount is too small. Every gift counts. Go online today and give your most generous gift. Together we'll rescue other boys and girls . . . other kids just like Jerry.