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Speaking on Business
Fred Ball Speaking on Business
Each weekday on KSL Radio 1160, Fred Ball of Zions Bank highlights a Utah business -- from small home based businesses to large Utah based corporations. Access the latest "Speaking on Business" report below. More info on Speaking on Business
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West Ridge Academy -- October 3, 2007
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
The late Lowell Bennion, former administrator at the University of Utah, is remembered as a humanitarian for his tremendous community service work. One of his many legacies in this arena is the West Ridge Academy, a residential treatment center focusing on troubled youth ages 9-18.
Lowell founded West Ridge Academy in 1964 as the non-profit Utah Boys Ranch. The school has expanded over the years to its present size of 150 students. Three years ago when the campus began offering a girls' program, the name changed from the Utah Boys Ranch to West Ridge Academy.
Youth enrolled at the center struggle from various problems including depression, drugs and negative life choices. Typically, they stay at the West Jordan center for a year, participating in academics, counseling, therapy and self-esteem building activities such as music or sports.
Executive Director Ken Allen tells me that West Ridge works to help youth discover activities in which they excel, thus improving their self images. Students' families are also crucial to the process, participating in weekly counseling and therapy sessions.
The school's guiding principles are work, service, gratitude and spirituality. With a student-to-staff ratio of one-to-one, youth receive the personalized attention they need.
Ken says community support has made it possible for West Ridge to continue its treatment program over the years. This month, the Academy will hold its annual Scarecrow Festival Oct. 11-15 at Thanksgiving Point. The event helps raise funds to fulfill essential needs at the school.
Ken says the most rewarding thing about West Ridge Academy is watching the transformation of troubled youth. He sees this time and again as families in chaos seek help. A year later, as treatment is complete, families reunite and lives are improved.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
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