Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Winter 2004)

When Carlene Grandin was 16, she left her foster family in Arizona and moved in with her older sister in Fort Collins. Angry, bitter, hurt and into drugs, Grandin recalls, “It was a scary time in my life. The thought of dying entered my mind all the time.”

She says Wingshadow saved her life.

Steve Bolton, a Larimer County social worker, and his wife, Shirley, established Wingshadow in 1993 as a safety net to catch youths who were “falling through the cracks” and help them acquire tools that would enable them to live as responsible community members.

Reaching out to kids in the streets, the Boltons found that many came from broken homes, were abused or neglected, had histories of crime, substance abuse and gang activity, and were no longer in school. Most said they still wanted a high school education.

In 1994, the Boltons opened Frontier School, an alternative school for students in grades 7-12, and Sheltering Wings, an on-site early childhood center, for teen parents completing their high school education.

What began as a night school serving 11 students is now a daytime school serving up to 110 students.

During their first six weeks, Frontier students spend part of their time in the Quest classroom learning character building, conflict resolution, and other life skills.

“They learn, for example, that quitting is not an option, and that success is based on commitment and courage,” explains Quest teacher Sarah Osgood.

Carlene Grandin was one of Frontier School’s first students – and graduates. She attributes her success to the staff and their caring attitude.

“The first thing I noticed at Wingshadow was an incredible sense of family,” she says. “These people really care. They go out of their way to help you.”

Wingshadow staff worked one-on-one with Grandin to help her get off drugs and understand subjects she had previously failed. When Grandin became a teen mom, they helped her learn mothering skills while she continued working toward her diploma.

Today, Grandin, 26, lives in her own home with her 9-year-old son, Boston, and has a massage therapy business.

“I now have a good life,” she says. “I thank the people at Wingshadow for helping me become who I am today, as a mother and as a person.”