Benefits & Testimonials

AHA! offers teens and their families the following benefits:

Improved family relationships
Renewed zest for life
Authentic caring for others
Conscious and fulfilling friendships
Focused and engaged attention to learning
Increased respect for differences
Increased respect for adults in general
Increased emotional intelligence and awareness
Desire to be helpful and to contribute to society
Developing life goals
Activated plans for self-growth
Self -acceptance
The spark of unique self-expression awakened

Testimonials
“The program has been life-changing for me.” – Lindsey, age 15

“If I hadn’t come to this program I wouldn’t know who I am. Now I believe in myself.” – Debbie, age 16

“I thought the instructors were all cool, and I love them all.” Brandon, age 17

“This program is a great supplement to school. It builds our emotional maturity and communication skills.” – Gabe, age 19

“It’s fun and you can hang out with great friends.” – C.J., age 14

“This is a great place to be heard, no matter what you have to say!” – Neil, age 17

“It adds fun and originality to the classroom, which helped me stay in school.” – Reyes, age 17

“I wanted to share my job with you. I just love it when students are given a chance to grow and develop in positive ways. And I like seeing teachers rejuvenated when they are given the resources to do things for students that are essential for life but are usually not provided for by the schools with their limited budgets and test-based curriculum.” – Lee B., School Liaison

“For once in my 30 years of teaching I felt I truly was learning as much as I was teaching, and I know from comments volunteered by the students,that the students found themselves in a new role of their own: They too were teaching and sharing as a fundamental part of the class; they saw that we were all learning together.” – Alex C., Classroom Teacher

“Listening to the thoughtful and intelligent questions and answers from the members of AHA! makes me feel more optimistic about America’s younger generation.” – Beryl Kreisel, MSW, LCSW

“AHA! is one of the rare environments where teens are treated with love, tenderness and respect. It is definitely a model for how we as humans can be with one another–loving, respectful and caring–a place where everyone’s hearts can be open, acknowledged and accepted for their beauty and uniqueness.” – Tia Masako Crosland, M.A.

“It was an honor to be part of a group committed to young individuals. I was inspired and filled with joy witnessing the depth of expression and creativity that these kids had. I saw and felt a sense of freedom to be unique and be different . I was so touched and moved by the appreciation every\ne had towards each individual for being part of a group, the trust and openness to be outrageous and have fun. If I helped one child to feel loved and empowered, it’s a wonderful feeling, I am so grateful that Santa Barbara has such a program that gives these kids the tools and awareness of the importance of community and self-worth that school class rooms do not have . Thank you, AHA!” – Love Aman