Volunteer Spotlight
Michael Vanover exemplifies what Pierceton Woods Academy makes possible.
Today, he’s a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, a husband, and father of five. He’s a leader who describes himself as “strong-minded and resilient.”
But twenty years ago, his prospects were uncertain at best.
Michael came to Pierceton Woods was he was just 13. He started at PWA a year before the current facility was opened and stayed until he was 17, eventually transitioning into the program now known as Spencer Home. Reflecting on his experience, he says he was like a lot of PWA residents in that he was “poorly guided, raised wrong, and never taught how to live.”
“Most of those young men, like myself, were abused, forgotten, and cast aside,” he adds. “All we want is help, guidance, and to be taught.”
That guidance is exactly what he found at PWA. Vanover says he received what most people get from their families—and that many of us take for granted.
“They truly care,” he explains. “They made me feel like I was one of their children. The ideals, views, and leadership skills they teach are all awesome things.”
Along the way, Vanover learned several important skills and even completed high school a year early. He got his own apartment, a job, and applied what he had learned at PWA and Spencer Home. But best of all, he received support, including from Pierceton Woods Facilities and Vocational Director Bob Jones.
“Mr. Jones was my main mentor for most of the time I was there. Hands down, I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the guidance I received from him. I can’t say enough good about him.”
It’s clear Vanover has come a long way. His life in the military has taken him to Afghanistan and Europe, and he’s now serving in the 10th Mountain Division, Light Infantry, based at Fort Drum in upstate New York. He has cleared roads of Improvised Explosive Devices in Afghanistan and trained alongside NATO forces across multiple countries in Europe.
But aside from his experience in the Army, the most remarkable aspect of Vanover’s journey may be how typical his life has become.
“I enjoy video games as a great way to relax and unwind after a hard day. I enjoy wine and date nights with my wife. And one of the most important things for me is spending time with my kids every evening after I get off work. No matter how hard the day was, that time with my kids is everything to me.”
Vanover says the lesson in all this is that what he experienced is possible for nearly every young man at Pierceton Woods Academy—if others understand their potential.
“We are moldable and teachable, and most importantly we seek acceptance and love. Remember, these are kids, not adults They are not monsters or bad kids. Most will learn and change and become great members of society. And that’s what PWA does. It gives young men the chance to learn, develop, and eventually become leaders in life.”
