> Community Commendations

"I want to thank the Youth Program Committee of the Parks Commission and Neighborhood Youth Services for their work in making a difference in the lives of youth in our city everyday. Not only does it keep our kids safe and give them an opportunity to participate in our community, it’s been proven that after school involvement is key in reducing juvenile crime.

I grew up on the Hillside here in Duluth and was lucky to be involved in activities after school. My family couldn’t afford fancy camps or lessons, but the park was nearby and there was always quality programs taking place.

I commend Neighborhood Youth Services and all other non-profits and community centers in Duluth for their good work in keeping our kids safe and I look forward to working in partnership with them in the coming years."

Don Ness
Mayor of the City of Duluth, Duluth, MN

"Woodland Hills is unique as a model of best practices in peer group treatment. Behavioral scientists have described the process by which anti-social youth train one another in delinquency. Woodland Hills turns this around by creating groups which teach pro-social values of caring for one another. I know of no other program that has made more contributions to the treatment of troubled youth than Woodland Hills."

Dr. Larry K. Brendtro, Ph D
President, Reclaiming Youth International

"Woodland Hills is a nationally recognized program that offers outstanding prevention, intervention and rehabilitative services to youth in Duluth and across the upper Midwest. Woodland Hills provides at-risk youth with the tools and resources they need to grow into strong productive citizens by motivating them to achieve, to excel in education, and foster healthy life styles. As a former board member of this outstanding program, I am proud of the impact that this program has had on our youth and our communities. Without a doubt, this program has given thousands of youth a second chance at a productive, successful and healthy life."

Yvonne Prettner Solon
Minnesota Senator, Licensed Psychologist and former Woodland Hills Board Member

"Woodland Hills is a nationally recognized program in youth treatment and development. Over the past decade, they have distinguished themselves in taking the most troubled kids and making a real difference in their lives. There are no throw-away children in our world and Woodland Hills uses the most sophisticated treatment methods to assure this does not happen. I am extremely proud of the work Woodland Hills has done in our community and as a national leader in youth treatment."

Scott Lyons,
Law Enforcement Program Coordinator, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College, Former Duluth Police Chief and former Woodland Hills Board Member

"I had worked with your staff in my capacity as a juvenile probation officer for nearly 10 years. I have also worked with the staff of many other facilities in Minnesota during that time. I have consistently been very satisfied with your staff and their work on behalf of my clients from intake through aftercare. Thanks to all of the Woodland Hills staff for being there for my kids."

Bill Moe,
Probation Officer, Winona County