Broken Chains Scott Sims graduated Eagle Ranch in 2007. Today, he is a successful, up-and-coming shift manager at a local restaurant. He is happily married, has a beautiful nine-monthold baby girl, regularly attends church, and is grateful for the life he has. However, Scott’s life was not always so bright. Adopted by his grandparents when he was two-years-old, Scott grew up as an only child. His life—both at home and at school—was filled with turmoil. Constant arguments filled the home, and Scott’s gang involvement and daily fist-fights consumed his days at school. After being expelled from school at the age of 12 and facing jail time, Scott’s school counselor gave him an ultimatum: military school or Eagle Ranch. His family chose the latter. Scott had difficulty adjusting to his new way of life at Eagle Ranch. When he first arrived at the Ranch, he continued to cause disruptions at school and at home, trying to do whatever he could to get out. Casting judgment on everyone he came in contact with, Scott had difficulty making friends. Scott Sims with wife Jennifer and daughter, Venadee. “For the first six months I was there, I hated the Ranch. I fought tooth and nail to get out. I was either causing a problem at home before we left, or I was causing a problem in the Hope Home as soon as we got to the Ranch. At home, I didn’t have any rules or any structure, so the whole Eagle Ranch environment was foreign to me.” Six months into the program, Scott finally came to the realization that he didn’t have to fight anymore— at home, in school, or in the program. Through the counseling he and his grandparents received, Scott gradually was able
5 Publizr Home