The Brinkman's have had an everlasting impact on me and my life. Not to mention the bond David and I share has withstood the test of time. David is what I consider one of my best friends and one of the most important people in my life. Although it has been a few years since I lived and learned with the Brinkman's, our bond has yet to be broken. While living in their home, I went from a selfish teen who wanted nothing more than to ruin his just starting life, to a selfless adult who could recognize and fix any issue blockading my growth. The kindness and love, David, Melinda, and their amazing children showed, helped support the changes that I needed to make in my life. To any parent who is struggling with their child, the Brinkman's can and will help. Right now I would either be on the streets, in jail, or dead if it was not for the change that I made in their home. I can't express the many thanks my parents, family and I have for the Brinkman's.

--Ian C.

When it comes to the Brinkman household no small excerpt of words can truly advocate the dedication and excitement that they have for the kids they take in. Immediately they accepted me with a warm smile, though simultaneously trying to encourage realness. It was a subtle but obvious intention of Davids when i first met him and it stays consistent to this day. I mean that in the sense that there were many small things he did to let me know it was ok to be me, whether it comes in the form of active interest in my goals or just a full belly laugh. One of the more important things i learned over the 3 years i spent with the Brinkman's is how to befriend and truly take genuine interest in everyone. They are a completely open and accepting family who's vigor for ones personal journey to understand who they are and how they fit in this world i find moving. The aspects of my life that make a difference everyday like politeness and positive attitude i took from that household. To this day i consider that family to be my own and what more can you ask from an experience? 

--Sam E.

David and Melinda are great. They are always there to lend a helping hand. They always go the extra mile to ensure your happiness and healthiness. They make you feel like part of their family. They take you on fun activities and help you learn new things along the way. They genuinely care about how you are doing and go the extra mile. Even years after living with them I still feel that I can call them anytime. David and Melinda have always left the door open should I ever need help with something even though I live in another state now.

--Tim S.

When I first moved in with the Brinkman's I had just finished a stay at Juvenile Hall and an impatient substance abuse rehab. I was ready to change my life and start living within societies terms, but not ready to move back to the San Francisco bay area with all the same people who I had gotten into so much trouble with. The Brinkman's gave me a great opportunity to transition back to a functional life. I learned to be responsible for my actions and the direction of my life while I was living with them. It took time but when I was ready to leave, I was graduating with a 3.6 G.P.A (brought up form a 1.1 G.P.A. my freshmen year), a part time job, and a whole lot of friends I have to this day. I got to become part of a great community. Today I am an independent adult and I owe much of that to the Brinkman's.

-Dan A.

David and Melinda are two people that i can honestly say are committed and passionate about the well being and progress of the teens they assist. During my time with them, i was treated as a member of the family, and was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of such a loving household. As with any program, there were standards of behavior that were expected of me, and structure to help ensure progress in my path towards wellness, but with the supportive atmosphere they provided for me, it was not hard to WANT to progress to a better way of life. That is what David and Melinda want to do, provide a path towards a better way of life for troubled teens, and they did for me. I am happy to say that i still keep in contact with both of them, and keep a photo of our family at the time on my desk to remind me of the work i did, and the love they provided.

--Ian L.

I entered David and Melinda's home partly due to my parent's request and my need for a change of lifestyle.  While living there I was introduced to a lifestyle that allowed me to transition from a troubled teen to a responsible adult.  Their guidance helped me become successful in my studies, my peer interactions, and my integration into society.  While living in their house I raised my GPA from under 2.0 to 4.0 and eventually graduated valedictorian.  I was introduced to other several positive and supporting peers who have become life-long friends.  I was even given the opportunity to play football again and eventually became team captain.  My life has changed dramatically due to my time spent with David and Melinda and has made me the successful adult I am today. 

--Tyler S.