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Posted September
23, 2003
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Possibilities
Jim & Lorraine
Craik
Trout Creek, Montana
406-827-4604
Possibilities is a group home for "high school-aged young
people" that offers a "dynamic, structured home atmosphere
where young people can grow emotionally, mentally and physically
in a safe environment. The facility is part of a working ranch
located in Western Montana." Appropriate candidates for this
small program are males who either have some form of addiction
or chaotic dysfunction in the family, have suffered neglect or
abandonment, have grief/loss issues and/or have physical/emotional
abuse issues. Often they are kinesthetic learners or have a history
of ADD or ADHD. If a potential candidate has violence, self-harm,
suicidal ideation, eating disorders, drug addiction or conduct
disorder in their backgrounds, they are usually not appropriate
for this program.
The local high school in Thompson Falls, Montana provides the
academic component for the students at Possibilities. In addition,
each student receives a "customized experience based on his
needs, interests, experience and abilities. This lifestyle modification
program is located on a 165 acre ranch surrounded by timber, meadows
and streams. It is adjacent to a national forest and also includes
a 3,500 foot turf airstrip. This nurturing, Christian environment,
combined with the daily routines and responsibilities of ranch
life helps to build confidence and self-reliance." The students
live in a "structured, family setting in a large, chalet-style
home. This rural setting lends itself to many outdoor activities
such as canoeing, backing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, camping
and mountain biking, along with the typical snow sports that occur
in the winter months."
Lorraine Craik has been an office manager with the Loren & Penny
Riddell's Explorations program in Trout Creek, Montana for several
years now. Lorraine and her husband, Jim have worked with young
people since 1983. In addition to operating a remote camp for young
people in Southeastern Alaska, Jim also directed a mission boarding
school for disadvantaged adjudicated students ages 12 to 20. Lorraine
has worked in various aspects of these programs. They both worked
at a facility for special needs students, where she was a classroom
teacher. "Jim has a B.A. degree from Walla Walla College in
Theology with minors in industrial education and psychology. He
also holds a commercial pilot's license and is a certified flight
instructor. Lorraine has an associate degree in Dietetics from
Walla Walla College."
A trained family therapist,
Franny Gryl, also works with
their program. She holds
both an M.S. in Family and
Child Development and an
Ed.S. in Counselor Education.
She has worked in a variety
of clinical settings including
schools and wilderness-based
programs for youth-at-risk. |
