TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - There's a program that promises to give parents some hope in re-shaping disobedient children, and it's right here in Toledo.
It's supposed to be a shock to the kids' system, moving them to better behavior and a better life. It's a boot camp for troubled kids called "A Dose of Reality," and it's presented by the group Young Men and Women for Change (YMWFC).
A Dose of Reality is an overnight program. Terri Brown, executive assistant director for YMWFC, put her three children through it.
"I was at the verge of losing my mind, or they were going to be behind bars," Brown said.
Brown's son Aaron Davis turned his life around with help from the program.
"If we can show your child tough love before the streets show them tough love, then guess what – this love is going to be a lot better," said Executive Director Shawn Mahone, Sr.
Mahone says this is the only program of its kind in a 250-mile radius. They break the kids down, and build them back up with positive reinforcement.
"To help them become those productive leaders for tomorrow's future," he said.
Brown says they're looking to buy a facility that will house problem children.
"Where we can have these children who are making those unhealthy choice like my children were," she said. "And we're going to call it Aaron's House."
Her son Aaron died in a tragic accident in February, but before that, he was well on his way to being a leader. The house was part of his dream.
"I think he would be saying, 'Mom, keep doing what you're doing,'" Brown said.
