We have helped over 2,000 kids and their families since 2005! Read below how Operation Making a Difference has impacted the lives of our participants and parents.
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"November 2008 I joined Operation M.A.D. I have to say I was not looking forward to it. It sounded stupid and I didn't want to do it. But the first thing I noticed is that you cared. Your program was different. You didn't put us on more medication or tell us we were worhtless. You put effort into teaching us actual skills that we needed to know. You believed in us and you understood you were developing our character. I remember so much , like at the Christmas party when the lady at Ryan's asked if we were all your children and you so proudly replied, yes. I remember how you took us to church and on a field trips. You prayed with us and for us that we would become the godly Christians you knew we could be. And you were there to listen when I just needed to cry. You made such an impact on my life. And you had always said that you didn't care if we were still in Operation M.A.D. or not you wanted to be invited to our graduation. It's nearly five years since I was in your program. But the last time I saw you was nearly two and a half years ago. I had been brought into the D-home on a domestic violence charge. And when you walked into the room I could barely look up. You still gave me a hug and said it was my choice what I did with my life. Well, here I am many prayer and many years later, ready to graduate."
- Savannah Clark, Participant
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"I would like to start by saying I am extremely grateful for this program. Since my son Desmond started this program I have seen tremendous growth. Of course I do believe he should continue attending the program. I love the fact that there are a good number of upstanding male role models within the program. Because he does not have his father in his life. My son has started to be more mindful of his actions. He still needs more work but its fine. I love that the program takes them on field trips to help build character and that they are shown different endings to making different decisions and the consequences of their actions as well. I think this is an amazing program. I'm glad Mr. Reed returned my call as well as starting this program."
- Sharita Myers, Parent
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"The reason why I got put into this program was because I was being disrespectful and talking back to everybody and my parents and not listening to them and also fighting in school and not listening to the teachers. When I got to the program I met Mr. Reed and all the volunteers and interns. When I first got in the program they made us shake hands and make friends and they teach us how not to be a follower an start being a leader and start being respectful to your parents, teachers, and all your peers. They talk to us about controlling our anger, as the program went on they helped us be more respectful to people. I want to thank Mr. Reed and the interns for taking there time to help me be respectful and not everything being just about me because when I got to the program I was causing everyone to think that I was a bad kid. Thanks to everyone for helping me be a better kid, Love you all."
-Noah Hartley, Participant
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"Through the OPMAD program I believe Daniel has learned that if he wants to be productive in life, he must look at how his actions and behavior affect his outcome. He must also see that his actions not only affect him, but also those around him and those who love him. Daniel has learned that his actions follow him throughout life and have far reaching consequences way beyond his teens and that even though he may have changed, other people's perception of him will not. I believe Daniel has benefited from the adult male presence in the program, something lacking in his and other's lives. I too have learned through the program. I learned that reaching out for help IS a great resource. Knowing that others are going through similar situations takes away some of the isolation, the "it's only me" feelings. Talking and sharing experiences with other parents helps me not to feel so overwhelmed and defeated. Reaching a point where one does not care anymore about the welfare of their child is a horrible place to be. Community and fellowship help bring one back from that sad place. My hope is that not only Daniel, but all the children here, understand they are loved, they have value and can prosper if they choose to do the right things."
-Lynn Mean, Parent
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