“Everyone is here because they want to change lives,” Hepler says. “What’s interesting is that our work often ends up being life-changing for the staff as well.”
For nearly 20 years, Pierceton Woods Academy has provided the young men we serve with education, counseling, and other rehabilitative services.
Our work is guided by one central goal: returning students to their communities with a strong foundation for building brighter futures. We believe this work is critically important because many of these young men lack the support of engaged adults in their lives, and some have been victims themselves. Breaking the cycle of abuse and offering hope for the future makes it far more likely they will remain resilient, capable, and successful long after they leave Pierceton Woods.
While this mission is our primary focus, we also serve our home community in two other important ways.
First, we are a proud employer of more than 80 men and women. Although the work can be challenging, it is also deeply fulfilling. Abe Hepler, Vice President of Residential Services at Pierceton Woods Academy, says his focus is on uniting everyone around a shared mission.
“Everyone is here because they want to change lives,” Hepler says. “What’s interesting is that our work often ends up being life-changing for the staff as well.”
Bob Jones, who has worked at Pierceton Woods for 23 years, says the organization’s values-driven approach provides daily inspiration.
“I get the chance to positively impact people’s lives, and the camaraderie of working alongside others who feel the same way is why I stay,” Jones says. “God can do incredible things.”
In addition to its role as an employer, Pierceton Woods Academy contributes countless hours of volunteer service to organizations in Pierceton, Kosciusko County, and the surrounding area. These efforts provide students with valuable social and vocational experience while also supporting local neighbors and community events.
One example is PWA’s long-standing partnership with the annual Pierceton Heirloom Tomato Festival. Bernadene Boggs, who has been involved with the Festival for nearly 15 years, says PWA students have become essential contributors. They assist vendors with loading and unloading exhibits, help set up stages, and keep the Festival clean throughout the event. Pierceton Woods has also participated as a vendor, raising awareness of its woodworking products and culinary arts programs. Boggs sees the partnership as a true win-win.
“From their hands-on experience at the Festival to the vocational and culinary classes they take at Pierceton Woods, students gain skills that benefit them now and can support future employment,” Boggs says.
While Hepler is proud of PWA’s community involvement to date, he is even more excited about what lies ahead, with plans for increased engagement and deeper community connections.
“Our willingness to help and support the community around us is still a bit of a well-kept secret, but I hope to change that,” Hepler says. “We want to build more partnerships that demonstrate the good work and service our students are capable of.”
