History and Mission

Our History

Founded by an underachieving student who found purpose in life through service in the Marine Corps, the Becket Family of Services has been educating youth experiencing difficulties since 1964. Described by others as "comprehensive" and "holistic," the Becket approach encompasses services that address all aspects of our students' lives, not just their intellectual and emotional needs, but also their physical, spiritual and vocational needs, as well.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire our students to achieve, in their own unique and personal way, meaningful success. We do not define success for our students; they must do this themselves - with our guidance, and the guidance of others whom they love and respect. For this reason, we encourage the involvement of others in this process of guidance and support.

In many ways, our mission is defined by what we do. Through our academic programs, we seek to provide students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they will need to achieve success. Through our counseling and treatment services, we help students identify and overcome obstacles that have been placed in their path to success. By emphasizing the formation of character, we instill the basic values of industry and honesty, each of which we believe to be essential components to success. Through our emphasis on health, nutrition and physical well being, students are provided the endurance needed to work hard to achieve success. Through adventure programs, students are taught the spirit of accepting a challenge through the thrill of achievement. Through our vocational programs, students are taught the basic ethic of the workplace.

At Becket programs, you will not generally find our students slouched in front of the television, playing game-boy, endlessly surfing the net and eating junk food. Instead, you will find them in an activity requiring discipline, physical exertion, social interaction or intellect. This is why Becket, despite its gradual shift to clinically oriented programs, continues to emphasize habit forming chores, school, the farm, wilderness adventure and vocational awareness programs. This is our backbone. Through the simple process of getting things done and finding, within themselves, meaningful rewards, our students develop character and confidence. As their confidence grows and their character develops, so does their "zest for life" and, hence, their ability to accept new challenges, not just the challenge of treatment, but all the challenges of life. It is through this process that they will find their own and unique happiness and success. They will be prepared to continue their education, to start a career and to be good citizens.

This is our mission. It is not a mission to memorize. It is a way of life.

Jay T. Wolter, President

Our Promise

We promise to provide our students with;

• Vocation Programs, so that they can learn the basic ethics of the workplace.
• Adventure Programs, so that they can learn to accept challenges and experience the thrill of achievement.
• Academic Programs, that will provide them with knowledge and critical thinking skills.
• Clinical Services, that will help them overcome obstacles in their life.
• Character Education, that will instill the essential values of industry & honesty.
• Health & Nutrition Education, to give them the knowledge and endurance needed to work hard every day.