Find Healing & Hope

Who Is PWA?

Pierceton Woods Academy is a qualified residential treatment program offering placement for young men* with substance abuse issues or sexually maladaptive behaviors. PWA offers a holistic approach toward healing through therapy, education, vocational training, and aftercare.

* substance abuse program is licensed for ages 15 – 21

sexually maladaptive program is licensed for ages 13 – 21

Pierceton Woods Academy is a QRTP (Qualified Residential Treatment Program) Certified facility.

Eligibility

Boys With One or Both of the Following Needs:

Needing to complete the Sexual Health & Relapse Prevention (SHARP) program (Boys ages 13 -21) or Substance Abuse, Behavioral and Emotional Regulation (SABER) program (Boys ages 15 – 21)
Needs to learn independent living skills

Experience

On-site facilities include an alternative school, counseling center, dorms, cafeteria, gymnasium, athletic fields, and a chapel.
The campus also provides a vocational program that includes woodworking, small engine shop, horticulture, and beekeeping to teach work ethic, confidence, and leadership.

Setting

Nestled between South Bend and Fort Wayne in Pierceton, Indiana, the 94-acre PWA campus rests in a peaceful, wooded setting.

How to Enroll A Student

1

Does the student match our Eligibility criteria stated above? Contact us if you need help.

2

We’ll let you know what information we need.

3

We’ll get back with you in 1-2 business days.

PWA Programs

PWA Programs utilize a Stages of Change model.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral & Emotional Regulation (SABER)

Sexual Health and Relapse Prevention (SHARP)

Stabilizing High-risk Intensive Emotional Learning & Development (SHIELD)

Education

Vocational Program

Celebrating our Students' Hard Work

Through our Vocational Program, the students at Pierceton Woods Academy are learning about and seeing the process of farm-to-table cooking and eating unfold.

Our Vocational Program helps equip our students with tangible skills and work experience to provide a greater opportunity to find employment after leaving our campus.

Good work, PWA students!

Stay In Touch

Keep up with our latest Projects and News!
We appreciate your support.

Get Help for Your Student Today

Contact Deb Johnson at djohnson@lastingchangeinc.org

Blog and news

Building Stability Through the SABER Program

SABER (Substance Abuse, Behavioral and Emotional Regulation) serves males ages 15 to 21 through a structured residential treatment environment focused on recovery, accountability, education, and personal growth.

August 13, 2026

The Power of Giving Back

Bernadene Boggs shares how partnering with Pierceton Woods students at the Heirloom Tomato Festival gives young men real second chances through community, purpose, and volunteer work.

November 24, 2025