As a Royal Oak Schools educator, parent and graduate, being involved with a program that has no agenda other than directly helping our kids has not only impacted me professionally but also personally. Professionally – by proactively intervening with students that are struggling on a regular basis. Personally – by enriching my life as I have witnessed the positive impact that ROYA has had on families in our community. – Sam L.

I was first referred to Royal Oak Youth Assistance (ROYA) when my son was in 2nd grade. He had issues in class and was referred to ROYA by the principal. At first, I was sure the school was profiling my kid, but as it turns out, getting this referral was the best thing that could have happened to us. That counseling ran its course, and my son’s behavior vastly improved. Several years later, my husband was diagnosed with ALS. Those years were very, very difficult for our family, and we went back to ROYA and asked for help. We went back to ROYA counseling, and as a family, and ROYA service helped us through his illness, and ultimately through his passing.

ROYA has helped my children attend Camp. They have both attended Camp Copneconic, and my daughter has gone to the Tim Horton’s camp multiple years, all at no cost. I can tell you I would not have been able to send my kids to summer camp without ROYA’s help. My children were both assigned Mentors when my husband became ill. At first, it gave them a place to go to get away from the horror that was watching their father deteriorate, and then both mentors became amazing family friends. My children have gained confidence, and experiences that I could not have given them, via their mentors.

During my son’s senior year of high school he wanted to go on the Orchestra trip to Chicago. The SAME year, my daughter wanted to go on the Choir trip to New York City. I wanted to give my kids these experiences, but the cost was extreme. So, I applied for a Skill Building Grant for each of the children for their trips, and once again, ROYA came to our rescue at our time of need.

My kids are happy, and they are healthy, both physically and emotionally. They have common sense, and they are both doing their best to be their best. I can take some of the credit for this for sure. But I cannot take all of it. ROYA has stepped in when we needed them to – as I’ve said – whether I thought I needed them or not and have helped push us in the right direction along the way. This resource has been fundamental to our family, and has helped us build into stronger, healthier people than we would have been without their aid. – Amy C.