Jacob was getting into trouble: a series of bad choices, ignoring his curfew, and sneaking out. Becky had gone so far as to put locks on her son's windows.

Finally, one incident threw her over the top.

"I got absolutely fed up.  He borrowed the next door neighbor's care," Becky says, "and he didn't even have his license, only his learner's permit!"

That's when Becky called Open Inn for help.

She and Jacob met with a counselor named Anthony.  The first step was for mother and son to draw up a contract of what they expected of each other.

Jacob wanted more freedom, to be able to come and go when he pleased.  Becky had specific rules she wanted him to follow.  "I told him I had three basic rules:  1) Ask permission; 2) Do your chores; and 3) Stay out of trouble."

The contract was signed and dated.

But what if Jacob didn't follow the rules?  His mom told him, "Three strikes and you're out!  You will stay at the Juvenile Detention Center."

Strike one. Strike two. Strike three. Jacob spent the night in Detention Center.

"I really think it scared him," Becky says.

But the tough loved worked and Jacob is getting back on track.  He's in counseling now, and for the 17-year-old junior at Flowing Wells High School, things are finally looking up.

Becky told her son, "Jacob, you need to know I'm doing this because I love you."  She says that the love that led the two to Open Inn has changed their lives forever.

DODGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
(formerly Gump School)

$113,300

During that same year,$113,000 was donated by Angel Charity for Children to Gump School, which serves children with cognitive disabilities.  These funds were used to provide a sensory course on the school grounds, and purchase three vans which serve the needs of more than 5,000 special education students in Tucson Unified School District and other schools.

Adapted from Tucson Lifestyle
December 1998
Portrait Photos by David Fox