Ultimately it is the power of God that untangles the confusion, enlightens the doubts, and heals the wounds of our boys and their families.
—Father Crews, Executive Director
Who is a Hanna Boy
He is a boy...
- who is in the 8th through 12th grade and is 13 to 18 years old.
- with problems, yes—but with the strength to commit himself to the Hanna program and its goals for one full school year.
- who has consistently had problems in school. It has been proven that learning difficulties directly lead to behavioral problems; most of Hanna’s boys have been expelled from school, or have been close to it. Many boys entering Hanna suffer from ADHD.
- who has frequently had problems getting along with people—especially kids his own age.
- whose family is unable to function in a healthy, constructive way.
- labeled "pre-delinquent" because he seems to be on a "troubled" path. The Center attempts to change his course through early intervention, before serious problems occur.
Two critical ingredients in the program’s success is the motivation of the boy and the family’s willingness to work together with the youngster and the Hanna staff. A Hanna hallmark is the very fact that all of the boys are placed directly by their families or guardians, rather than by probation or social welfare departments. This fact gives Hanna staff the flexibility to respond to cases of critical need.