Overview
Ever Change was founded for the purpose of providing services to juveniles being adjudicated to placement in the State of Texas. We also offer family counseling to the caregivers of these young people while they are in our custody. A regimented schedule stressing discipline, physical training, and work is the foundation of the program. We provide counseling and assistance with an emphasis on biblical and moral ethics to provide the juvenile with a positive influence while under the care of Ever Change.
Programs & Services
Ever Change Academy is a 26 bed facility which consists of 16 beds for males and 10 beds for females. The facility is designed to conform to state standards as set forth by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. Ever Change complies with all federal, state and local laws, standards, and codes. Ever Change provides all its services in accordance with Title 3, Chapter 51.02 of the Texas Family Code. Through contractual agreements between Ever Change and various counties in Texas, juveniles, ages 12 to 17 are court ordered to the Ever Change Academy.
Description of Services
Ever Change is dedicated to the rehabilitation and spiritual growth of delinquent youth. Our "firm but fair" philosophy is designed to provide a stable environment that sets the stage for positive, life-long changes in attitude, behavior, and choices.
Our goal is to provide a secure placement with intense treatment in the areas of modifying behavior, establishing trust, building self-esteem, and finding the core issues that have led the child to commit antisocial acts. Ever Change provides these services in a secure setting using a discipline model. It is in this disciplined environment that a number of components are implemented to maximize the effectiveness of the program.
Education
The Hondo Independent School District provides all academic curricula to our residents. When residents are admitted into Ever Change Academy, Hondo ISD contacts their previous school to obtain their current academic records. Upon receipt of school records, a schedule of classes is developed to mirror the coursework that the hometown school would be providing. Hondo ISD provides certified teachers, one of whom is Special Education certified, along with teacher aides. All residents can receive credit in at least seven required courses per day. Hondo ISD also furnishes dual credits for residents who enroll in a college level course to earn college credits. Hondo ISD will also assist the residents who wish to obtain their GED.
Vocational Training
Ever Change's vocational training helps residents develop the work ethic needed to succeed in everyday life. Ever Change teaches residents about the workplace and gives them the confidence to enter the job market. A certified instructor provides basic training in the areas of carpentry, plumbing, lawn maintenance and landscaping, electrical work, along with small engine repair, concrete and masonry, food service training and a variety of other skills useful to being a productive citizen in our society.
Physical Training
Residents participate in a variety of extensive physical training. This includes calisthenics, drills and long distance running. Our residents also participate in numerous team sports and tournaments. This encourages the importance of teamwork, helps develop leadership skills, and builds self-esteem with hard work ethics.
Community Service Restitution
Ever Change is proud of its contribution to the community. Our residents participate in many projects e.g., yard maintenance for the Medina County Courthouse, painting over graffiti on city property, helping area churches, cleaning city pool, etc.
Spiritual Development
Ever Change residents are offered the opportunity to participate in our Spiritual Development Program on a voluntary basis. Our faith-based Program introduces Academy Residents to biblical truths about forgiveness, purpose, responsibility, faith, hope and love. Residents may choose to participate in weekly Bible studies and church services, as well as occasional youth events.