Breaking the Cycle of Destructive Choices
Destructive choices in teens often begin with subtle behaviors like skipping class or isolating from family, driven by peer influence, lack of structure, or emotional pain. Emotional struggles such as guilt, anger, and hopelessness can trap teens in harmful patterns, making change feel overwhelming or out of reach. Supportive environments »
This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, August 2025
At the Paul Anderson Youth Home, we believe that character is not just taught—it’s forged through experience. Whether in the classroom, on the job site, or out on the athletic field, every moment is an opportunity to mold young men into leaders of integrity and purpose. One of the most powerful tools in this transformation is team sports, and more specifically, team building through sports.
LANDON
Landon entered PAYH lost in substance abuse and poor choices. Through the Fire Science course and holistic mentorship, he found direction—a passion for serving others—emerging as a transformed young man ready to contribute positively to his community. Hear his testimony in his own words below
Identifying and Addressing the Root Causes of Your Teen’s Misbehavior
Teen behavior can be confusing. One day, your child may seem calm and respectful. The next day, they are pushing boundaries and behaving in an argumentative manner. Sometimes, they just shut down. These sudden changes can leave you wondering what went wrong. But most misbehavior doesn’t happen for no reason. »
This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, July 2025
As we look forward to the celebration of our nation’s Independence Day, July 4, 2025, we are only one year short of the United States of America’s 250th Birthday, which will be July 4, 2026! We are truly a blessed nation to have enjoyed such a wonderful, democratic nation for so long.
Easily the Best Citizenship
By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 If you are a native-born American, you can easily claim that you were fortunate to be born into the greatest »
Great Communication Strategies for Parents of Troubled Teens
In Luke chapter 9, Jesus gives His disciples power and authority over demons and to heal diseases, and He sends them to heal and proclaim the gospel. They were to take no provisions with them; instead, they were to rely on provisions from others. Verse 6 confirms that the disciples did what they were sent to do.
This Month at PAYH: Monthly Newsletter, June 2025
In Luke chapter 9, Jesus gives His disciples power and authority over demons and to heal diseases, and He sends them to heal and proclaim the gospel. They were to take no provisions with them; instead, they were to rely on provisions from others. Verse 6 confirms that the disciples did what they were sent to do.
How to Foster a Positive Home Environment to Discourage Juvenile Crime
Parenting comes with many challenges, and one of the greatest is keeping teens on the right path. When young people feel lost, they are particularly susceptible to negative peer pressure, which can lead to unhealthy habits or even criminal activity. A stable and nurturing home plays a critical role in »
Love One Another
By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. “Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13: 34-35 My world is made up of me, myself, and I. As a self-thinking, self-absorbed human being, we tend to consider ourselves as a world unto ourselves. In a »
The Resurrected Christ’s Appearances
By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. “Last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared unto me.” 1 Corinthians 15:8 We are now in the period of the 40 days between Resurrection Sunday, Easter, and Jesus’ ascension into heaven. During that time, the resurrected »
God, Our Savior
By Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God, our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, our hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1 The Apostle Paul begins his first epistle to Timothy with what might appear to you a switch »
