My wife and I met David almost 3 years ago when I placed the care of my son Tyler in David Brinkman’s hands for his senior year of High School in Bonners Ferry Idaho…one of the toughest decisions I have made in my life. To say that we were apprehensive is perhaps an understatement! Tyler had spent the prior 10 months in 2 different programs preparing for the opportunity to mainstream back into public school and we were excited with his progress and nervous about what would happen next. I remember first meeting David, he bonded with my son almost immediately and from the first day had and impact on Tyler that ultimately prepared him to leave the program in the winter and finish High School at home and graduate with his class.
David was tough on Tyler, what he needed to prepare for becoming an adult. David was also fair gaining Tyler’s trust and shaping him to become the man I knew he would become given the chance and right environment. David made a point to stay in touch with me and Tyler’s mother so we knew how he was doing…good and bad! David encouraged Tyler to engage in sports which provided leadership skills that will pay dividends later in life. Tyler joined the Cross Country team as a senior, never running competitively in the past. With encouragement and coaching Tyler placed in Districts, qualifying for the State Meet and eventually competing in the Jr Olympics in Idaho. With all that my son had gone through I cannot explain how his Mother and I felt to see him compete and excel at this level! David pushed Tyler to become a better man, a better person helping him to make good sound decisions on his own.
The day we brought my son home was filled with joy and trepidation. Tyler today is doing well, living in Colorado and making his own way. Over time Tyler has been influenced by a number of people, none had the impact on my son that David did. I owe a great deal of gratitude to David; he gave my son back to me a better person, a good man.
--Mike C.
We gave our 15 year old troubled son into the hands of David & Melinda. They gave him a tough but loving environment. With their guidance and support Troy changed into a confident, respectful and loving young man. In the year Troy attended Bonners Ferry High School, he regained his love of soccer, fishing, camping, snowboarding, making new friends, and actually caring about academics.Troy was able to come home and complete his Junior and Senior year and graduate at his hometown high school.
David & Melinda opened up their hearts, home and family life to Troy. They gave him the tools to handle life's stresses and take challenges straight on.
They were great on keeping us informed on all of Troy's activities. I was able make several trips to see soccer games, plays, and have fun weekends to hang out with the Brinkmans. This is where I learned how to be a better parent, with love, consequences and a sense of humor.
Six years have now past and Troy is now a student at OSU, we are so very proud of him and the man he has become.
David & Melinda helped us get back a happy, healthy and loving family. It was the best decision we ever made!
A million thank yous is just not enough.
--Sue J.
David and Melinda Brinkman worked with our son extensively for three years. During that time the Brinkmans became a crucial resource for our family. Our son could always rely on the honesty, consistency, presence, and boundaries David and Melinda provided for him. We spoke with the Brinkman's frequently, and they were of immense help in facilitating the deepening of our understanding of our son and his many challenges. Both of the Brinkmans took a deeply personal interest in the well being of our son, and our family as a whole; an interest that we often thought of as being well above and beyond the call of duty. I would highly recommend the Brinkmans to any family seeking support with a struggling child.
--Jens and Claire S
For his high school years, my son lived in the group home that David worked. It is because of David's support and understanding, as well as the other house managers, that my son was able to graduate high school and become a self sufficient young man. I can honestly say that without David and Melinda's ongoing sincerity in care my son would not be where he is today. I give thanks from the bottom of my heart
--Marguerite L.
|
