New Horizons Youth Ministries’ first overseas academy, Caribe-Vista Youth Safari, was established in Haiti. In 1974, they moved to the Dominican Republic. They changed their name to Caribe-Vista. (Five years later, after a 1979 Congressional Report alleging abuse, it would become Escuela Caribe…today it is known as Caribbean Mountain Academy).Various rumors were given for the…
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Abusive Tactics at Escuela Caribe Featured in 1979 Congressional Report
On January 4, 1979, Congress began a hearing on the Abuse and Neglect of Children in Institutions. Escuela Caribe, then called Caribe Vista, was condemned for its abuse of children.Children’s Advocate Kenneth Wooden delivered the following testimony: “I would like to share with you my 1976 observations of the facility that is currently charging…
1988 Escuela Caribe Promotional Video
Julia Scheeres, author of Jesus Land and A Thousand Lives, uploaded this 1988 Escuela Caribe* promotional video. I attended E.C. from 1990-91. I knew many of the staff and a few of the students in this film.In it, founder Gordon Blossom speaks of “youngsters who come from nice neighborhoods and good families” who are negatively…
Recipe for Press
This morning I met with Amy Flurry. She’s the author of Recipe for Press, one of the best books I’ve read about creating publicity for your product. It’s an invaluable resource to help any artist develop a media platform. I’ve given myself a two week deadline to finish UnReformed- we’re crafting a plan to help me sell…
Kidnapped for Christ
In December, I flew to Los Angeles. I was interviewed by Kate Logan, the director of the forthcoming expose about Escuela Caribe, Kidnapped for Christ. Since I began writing UnReformed, I’ve had lots of people ask about Escuela Caribe. Kate knows more about the school than anyone I’ve met—alumni included. Talking with her was very strange,…
Excerpt Published in Marco Polo Arts Magazine
Happy Day! An excerpt from UnReformed was published in Marco Polo Arts Magazine. I read this selection last Friday night at the Kids Are Alright. Enjoy!
The Kids Are Alright
This Friday, May 25th, @ 7:00, join your favorite folks at the Kids Are Alright, a reading sponsored by the Marco Polo Arts Quarterly,* at Avid Bookshop on Prince Avenue in Athens. All your favorite local authors (plus me) are reading. Fun, fun, fun!!!Find more information here. *The piece I am reading, Danzas con Lobos en…
Natasha Trethewey in Athens
Went to the Georgia Review‘s Earth Day celebration tonight at the Botanical Gardens. Saw fellow Mississippian Natasha Trethewey read from Beyond Katrina. Stunning…