Several emotionally and/or behaviorally-challenged boys throughout South Carolina have experienced a remarkable turnaround over a period of four decades thanks to the care provided amid the serene environs of a 110-acre farm in Awendaw.
Founded in 1985 by real estate mogul Jody Tamsberg, Windwood Family Services features a residential treatment facility and a psychiatric residential venue on a vast rural estate catering to male children — ages 6-16 — in custody of the Department of Social Service (DSS). Those who aren't referred by the state agency are placed in the program by their families.
The youngsters presenting conduct concerns are impacted by varying levels of abuse, neglect or trauma.
To address these obstacles, the professional team at Windwood imparts life skills to their guests, who live in a group setting for anywhere between a few months and a full year or more, according to the organization's Community Engagement Coordinator Kelly Stafford.
The goal, she stated, is to have the children learn how to manage their anger and ultimately put them in position to be adopted or move in with a foster family.
"A lot of our boys come to us and they can't even read; it's just been educational neglect or sometimes the school system just passes them on," detailed Stafford in describing Windwood's on-location schoolhouse. "We actually have an education coordinator ... to make sure they're on the right curriculum."
Boys who advance past the lesson plans put forth by the special-education teachers on the farm are afforded the opportunity of attending nearby traditional schools, as was the case of three boys who recently attended Wando High School. The scholars in question did "very well" at the Mount Pleasant school, reported Stafford, with one of them playing on the football, another joining the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) and a third resident becoming involved in student leadership.
In addition to the program's educational component, the boys are also treated to recreational activities on the farm, which includes two ponds and opportunities to learn about working with on-site animals. Groups, such as the Rotary Club of Charleston and Coastal Expeditions partner with Windwood Farms to help the boys get into nature or invite them on fishing trips.
To the end, Stafford encourages community members to donate their free time to introduce the young men to specific skills and/or vocations.
"You have a lot of kids, they already know what they want to do when they grow up, or maybe they did it at home with their parents or family originally," continued the Spartanburg native. "We try to set up as many activities as we can. Our clinical staff has a recreational person as well, and he makes sure they get time outside to exercise ... play basketball or ride bikes."
In the case of an individual aging out at 16 with no foster or adoptive family to go to, DSS steps in and help the teen enter an independent living facility. The state agency will also help the older kids go on to college if that's their preference, said Stafford.
In the meantime, the public relations specialist is looking forward to helping the kids celebrate annual festivities on the farm, including Windwood's St. Patrick's Day party.
"They love for volunteers to come out, they love to play games, they love to show us stuff ... and so, we've had amazing support from the community."
Those interested in learning more about Windwood Family Services and potential partnership opportunities are invited to visit www.windwoodfarm.org.
