DMI is Arizona’s premiere discipleship program for at-risk teens. DMI is one of the very few faith-based programs for troubled youth that offers true one-on-one mentoring and horsemanship with an exposure to the true west of Arizona. We believe in offering the highest standards to the families that we serve. DMI is a 10-month residential program that establishes character in the addicted teens we serve by biblical based teaching. We have been helping families and at risk teens for over 10 years in Flagstaff. We have found that it is a better investment to offer help to the entire family rather than focusing only on the troubled boy that enters our program. Therefore we provide spiritual coaching to the parents so that when the son returns home, they too will be able to further his progress and character of being a young man in today’s society.

We believe in bringing the troubled teen to the foundations and simplicities of the cowboy way of life and the western culture of Arizona through working on ranches with horses, livestock and cowboys. We have found that young men desire the attention that comes from a job well done. We will provide them with opportunities to work hard, whether it be on a working ranch, our ranch, or daily chores. We believe that every young man must learn how to work and receive the reward of having his work affirmed as a job well done. A good work ethic and integrity of Godly principles gives these young men a chance to learn leadership skills through submitting to the authority God has put over them. We have 3 different location of facilities, the ranch, the classroom and the home.

In our Christian youth recovery program, at risk youth are required to memorize Scriptures and go through character quality training. They also have several books to read and movies to watch, thus beginning the process of transforming the addicted teen’s mind into a healthier way of thinking. True transformation happens in the surrender of old attitudes and beliefs. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Please note that students need to finish all spiritual curriculum before they graduate our program, which may take longer than 10 months depending on their ability to comprehend and practice the things being learned. It is very important he finishes what he has started. So parents, please partner with us in making sure your son finishes strong so he may enter his next season (home) with the same motivation.

Academic

About half of the young men who come into the program are not actively involved in school.  We believe that providing the student a quiet working environment free of distractions will allow them to be successful.  This atmosphere offers the student the opportunity to work on character issues and helps train them to be motivated and successful. We know that behavior issues will surface in this environment which will give the staff an opportunity to teach the student new ways to tackle academics through the student’s understanding of their identity as the Word of God teaches. Once they begin to change their behavior, they will be ready for school. Our academic program is an accelerated online schooling source through Blue Print Education/Hope High School which is approved and accredited offering a high school diploma. We also have an Education Supervisor that will oversee all the work in the classroom.

Please keep in mind the spiritual curriculum is very important because it will challenge the student’s character to do the right thing in stressful situations. When first coming into the program, most boys aren’t at the point where academics are important to them. Our induction phase is an adjustment period that allows establishment of solid character necessary for academic work. Only if the student allows his character to be formed will he be able to motivate himself to consistently work hard on his academics.  His character must come first, which is why DMI stresses discipleship.  However, since many of the boys are not in school when they come to us, our goal is to get the student back into the flow of completing all of his academics so that he can graduate on time.   So please be patient, we believe his academics are very important.  But his character is more important during this time.  It is the student’s choice whether or not he will apply himself to this learning process.

Physical

We believe that the discipline of physical exercise is an important part of spiritual development. Through self-disciplining of the addicted teens’ physical bodies and fighting feelings of lethargy, the troubled young man is learning to train his spiritual person. Therefore, at-risk youth will be required to work out several times a week which includes the studying the art of Tae-Kwon-Do under a Christian youth program that teaches life skills and self-defense. The program teaches courtesy, self-control, integrity and perseverance so the troubled young man learns to honor what he is taught; we have never had a problem with a student using what they have learned in an inappropriate manner. The students also work out weekly at a local gym, where they are taught proper weight training and nutrition. Heb 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Spiritual

We believe in surrounding the addicted young men with other great men of God that are leaders in their fields. We do this by having weekly guest speakers who come and share the word of God and how to apply it to real-life situations. The students will spend evenings at local youth groups, Sunday mornings at church service, and week days working on our Spiritual Curriculum.

In our Christian youth recovery program, at risk youth are required to memorize Scriptures and go through character quality training. They also have several books to read and movies to watch, thus beginning the process of transforming the addicted teen’s mind into a healthier way of thinking. True transformation happens in the surrender of old attitudes and beliefs. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Please note that students need to finish all spiritual curriculum before they graduate our program, which may take longer than 10 months depending on their ability to comprehend and practice the things being learned. It is very important he finishes what he has started. So parents, please partner with us in making sure your son finishes strong so he may enter his next season (home) with the same motivation.

Horsemanship

Young men in the program have a horse throughout the length of the program. They learn to, shoe, trim, saddle, rope and ride. After training and consistency, they will be trusted to get a job done on working ranches around the state of Arizona as well as on the Navajo Reservation. They will eventually learn to rope steers, do round ups, doctor cattle and brand.

Horsemanship and work ethic go hand in hand.  We believe in returning each student to the simple life of the cowboy which involves a partnership with a horse and old-fashioned hard work.  Once a student has learned good horsemanship, he will visit a working cattle ranch where the student will be exposed to the western way of life.  Winston Churchill said “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of man.”  Horsemanship is a great teaching opportunity for the student because the horse-student relationship mirrors the student-God relationship. We believe that God uses the Horse as a tool to get the student to a deeper level of trust in Him.

The second phase of the business plan of  this program is the cattle ranch. We are looking for land to house more boys and to operate our cattle ranch. We are also interested in adopting problem horses, and working with them. If you would like to donate, come across land, or like to help in any other way, please email us @ bradyhaire@hotmail.com

Equine Therapy Weekends

Every two months there is a Family Emphasis Equine Therapy Weekend.  Parents or guardians are required to attend.  DMI focuses on the parents or guardian as much as the student in our program. We want each parent or guardian to have the tools necessary for your son to be successful when he transitions back into your home. It is wise as a parent or guardian to know your son will test your boundaries to see if you are living what you profess. Through the parental curriculum, the weekly coaching and the family weekends, we believe there is great hope for the transition when your son returns.  The focus of DMI is to return your son to you.  However, you have a responsibility in this too!