Rite of Passage

This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Barbara Ross, our General Counsel at ROP and a dedicated advocate for over 25 years! Barb's journey to ROP wasn’t conventional, but her impact has been extraordinary. She joined us in 1999 through professional mentorship connections, initially as a contractor. One of Barb’s first major contributions at ROP was helping with the purchase of Canyon State Academy, which has turned into a very successful program over 20 years later. From that moment on, Barb has been instrumental in the negotiations and agreements for facilities we've managed, including her proudest achievement: the addition of Silver Oak Academy. When asked what she values most about her time at ROP, Barb reflected on the people — whose passion for the mission shines every day. Those who not only talk the talk but walk the walk. She cherishes the close relationships she’s formed, including fond memories with our CFO, CJ Bower, and CEO, Ski Broman, amongst the many others she has worked with through the years. Barb chooses to continue her work at ROP because this work matters. Even if you're not on the front lines with youth, administrative roles and behind-the-scenes efforts make a real difference, and that has resonated with Barb since day one. Thank you, Barb, for your unwavering dedication, brilliance, and commitment to our mission. Your legacy and impact at ROP will be felt for years to come! 💙 #EmployeeSpotlight #ThankYou #RiteOfPassage #Leadership #MakingADifference

Closing out the year with a fun trip back to the 1920s, with my wonderful HR team. Rite of Passage PS: We’re hiring!!

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Calvin Kirklin, one of our outstanding clinicians, who has been recognized on the prestigious Marquis Who's Who list! Since 1898, Marquis Who's Who has honored individuals who demonstrate exceptional accomplishments, make significant community impact, and exhibit leadership in their fields. Dr. Kirklin embodies these qualities through his dedicated work in mental health care. Joining Rite of Passage in February 2024, Dr. Kirklin serves as Regional Clinical Director, overseeing clinical operations for five youth treatment centers in Arkansas. With seven years of experience in counseling, he has brought innovative perspectives, exemplary leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advancing therapeutic strategies aligned with our mission. His dedication to youth and continuous drive for excellence inspires us daily. Learn more about Dr. Kirklin’s well-deserved recognition here: https://lnkd.in/eA3c5eUV Congratulations, Dr. Kirklin — your work makes us all proud!

There is an immense feeling of purpose and responsibility when choosing to be a positive youth mentor. It's a daily choice, to be a role model that kids in our programs can look up to, and we are grateful for the many volunteers, community partners, and fellow advocates who make the choice each day to support the youth we serve. Jelly Roll and the Tennessee Titans, who visited during Thanksgiving, exemplify this commitment to make a difference and how it can make a long term impact for youth. Chatting about life, football, and music — and even challenging some of the Titans to a push-up contest — the kids created memories that they will remember for years to come. But you don’t need to be a chart-topping artist or a football star to make an impact. All it takes is a caring heart and a dedication to encouraging youth to reach for their dreams and never stop improving themselves. Because every positive influence matters, and every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. 💙

Three decades ago, Jamie Carlton joined Rite of Passage as a Food Service Manager at our very first academic model program, now he is taking a spot on our impactful individuals list. Little did he know, this would be the start of a lifelong journey dedicated to serving youth and transforming lives, one meal at a time. Through the years, as ROP expanded, so did the need for a strong food services department. Jamie was instrumental in launching programs at Canyon State Academy and Sierra Ridge Academy, developing food services that nourished not just the bodies, but the spirits of the youth we serve. In 2001, when Ridge View Academy opened, Jamie relocated to Colorado with his family to take on the role of Director of Food Services, where he served for 12 more years. After briefly working with the Division of Youth Services, Jamie returned to ROP as our National Director of Food Services, helping to open nearly 20 facilities across the country. For Jamie, this work is more than just providing meals; it’s about connection, growth, and making a difference. One of his most cherished memories is seeing his daughter wear an ROP uniform for the first time as she began teaching at Ridge View Academy. That moment reflected the heart of Jamie’s journey: being part of a community where colleagues become family, and every meal served supports a young person’s path to success. Jamie has always found meaning in the simple, everyday moments—chatting with youth in the lunch line, watching them grow from their first day at ROP to graduation, and knowing he played a small part in their journey. Whether they go on to college, the military, or the workforce, he feels humbled to have contributed to their success. Thank you, Jamie, for 30 years of dedication, leadership, and heart. Your work has nourished countless lives and continues to inspire us all. 🍽️💙 #RiteofPassage #YouthServices #EmployeeSpotlight #FoodService #MakingADifference #ImpactfulLeadership

Feeling thankful for moments like these at Rite of Passage! 🧡 For Thanksgiving this year, 3 of our programs came together in partnership with Zion Baptist Church to serve a classic turkey dinner to more than 500 residents in Colorado. This long-standing tradition--going on for 20 years now-- is in honor of a beloved member of the ROP family, Willie Peacock, who was a passionate youth advocate, steadfast in his care for both the kids we served and his local community. Moments like these remind staff and students alike that giving back to your community, with something as simple as a hot meal, can make all the difference for those who need it the most. #GratefulMoments #Thanksgiving #GivingThanks #WeareROP

This week we are continuing our year long celebration of impact by highlighting Kenny Hays, one of our 40 most impactful individuals! This week, we’re proud to spotlight Kenny Hays, and his deep impact at Rite of Passage since 1992. Starting as a Coach Counselor in the Desert, Kenny quickly rose through the ranks, driven by his passion for youth development and creating a thriving culture for both students and staff. In his first nine years, Kenny worked directly with youth in our RTC program, making a lasting impact through outdoor experiential learning and activities. As ROP expanded with programs like Ridge View Academy (RVA), Kenny adapted from activities in the dry lake bed to activities in the Rocky Mountains which he described as a perfect place to promote teamwork and rapport between the kids. Kenny highlights the start-up of RVA as a major career milestone and a time that holds many of his favorite memories. From training staff to riding on the bus from Nevada to Colorado on the day of the startup, his hands-on approach helped establish the robust 500-bed program emphasizing Orientation, Vocation, Athletics, Education, and more. Today, Kenny works to infuse the traditions and lessons from RVA into all our programs, ensuring their continued success. Now, as our Director of Operational Culture for Juvenile Justice Programs, Kenny continues to lead with heart and dedication. His focus on safety, health, and quality assurance ensures that our programs meet the highest standards, positively affecting students and staff alike. We’re deeply grateful for Kenny’s unwavering commitment to youth development and the transformative impact he’s made over his 3 decades of impact. Thank you, Kenny, for helping us shape brighter futures for the youth we serve! #ImpactfulLeadership #YouthDevelopment #WeareROP #EmployeeSpotlight

This week, we’re recognizing Dr. William Bruinsma as one of the 40 most impactful individuals in Rite of Passage’s history! Dr. Bruinsma joined Rite of Passage in the late 1990s as Director of Mental Health and Social Services, bringing a fresh perspective to enhance the care provided to youth. As Rite of Passage grew, so did our approach to treatment, and Dr. Bruinsma quickly became a key part of that journey. Not only did Dr. Bruinsma take on various program roles through the years but in 2011, he stepped into the Director of Treatment Services role, where he championed the integration of trauma-responsive care into every aspect of our work. During a time of transformation in youth services, Dr. Bruinsma led with a vision rooted in evidence-based practices and holistic, integrated care. His philosophy was simple: no silos. He saw treatment, education, and recreation as interwoven parts of each youth’s path to recovery. This approach laid the foundation for Rite of Passage’s continued commitment to comprehensive, youth-centered programs. Dr. Bruinsma’s unwavering dedication to delivering top-quality care extended beyond Rite of Passage and into his local community. Today, as the Executive Director at the St. Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center in Indiana, he continues to drive policies and initiatives focused on youth well-being. We’re honored to continue collaborating with him as he strives to strengthen youth programs throughout Indiana. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Bruinsma’s dedication and vision. His impact on Rite of Passage and the youth we serve reaches far beyond our organization, shaping the field of juvenile justice in Indiana and beyond. Thank you, Dr. Bruinsma, for your enduring commitment and the profound legacy you’re building for at-risk youth both at ROP and beyond. #WeareROP #Impact #Makeadifference #EmployeeSpotlight

Welcome to the new Silver Oak Academy! 🐏💙 With years of prior dedication to the mission of improving the lives of youth, SOA has reopened with a renewed purpose: to serve youth in the foster system who need mental health support and services. SOA provides youth with opportunities to thrive through education, vocational support, therapy, recreational activities and special opportunities to interact with the community. With this grand reopening, we are looking forward to welcoming community members on campus to work together to bring bigger and better opportunities to the youth we serve so they can have the bright futures they deserve. For more information about Silver Oak Academy, check out their website: https://lnkd.in/eXUaRWzg

The Monarch Academy for Girls recently hosted an inspirational Miss Congeniality Pageant, where the students shined in their finest attire and showcased the growth, resilience, and confidence they've developed. 🦋 In preparation for the big day, the girls dedicated months to building essential skills through coaching from Mrs. North Texas, who graciously volunteered her time to work with the girls. Mrs.North Texas taught the girls about public speaking, confidence, and presenting themselves with poise and self-assurance both on and off stage. For the pageant, each student was tasked with presenting on a topic that was important to them. From Substance Abuse Awareness to Neglect and Mental Health, these topics weren't just chosen for their significance but because they resonated with the girls' own experiences and journeys. The event drew a crowd full of supportive family members and county officials, all to see the culmination of hard work and dedication from the students. As each of the girls took the stage and delivered their presentation, they demonstrated not only the bravery it takes to speak in front of others but also the immense power of speaking out on issues that matter to them. When Miss Congeniality was crowned at the end of the event and all the girls received recognition for their efforts, it wasn’t just an award ceremony—it was a celebration of growth, resilience, and the strength it takes to face challenges. This event reminded us of the incredible potential in each student and the profound impact that the proper guidance and support can have on the lives of youth we serve! ❤️ #Youthempowerment #Misscongeniality #Youthservices #Confidencebuilding #Mentorship #WeareROP