Happy Birthday, CCBS … 23 Years of Growth, Gratitude and Impact
Happy Birthday to Us!
This year, we are proud to celebrate 23 years of Cherokee Creek Boys School (CCBS).
23 years of showing up for boys and families …
23 years of learning and growing and …
23 years of believing in what’s possible when the right support meets the right moment.
There’s something special about this milestone.
While 20 years marked a major turning point, year 23 is where the story deepens.
It’s where a vision becomes a legacy.
It’s where consistency, credibility and care truly stand the test of time.
And most of all – it’s a moment to pause and say …
Thank you.
To every family who trusted us …
To every student who did the hard work …
To every staff member who showed up with heart …
This celebration belongs to all of you.
A Celebration Rooted in Real Stories
Birthdays invite reflection. And when we look back over 23 years, what stands out most isn’t just growth – it’s the people and the stories.
We think about the boys who arrived unsure of themselves …
And left with confidence, direction and a sense of who they are.
We think about families who came to us feeling overwhelmed …
And found connection, communication and hope again.
We think about alumni who return years later to say,
“That experience changed my life.”
That’s what 23 years really represents.
Not just time – but transformation.
From a Small Beginning to a Lasting Community
When our co-founders, Beth and Ron Black, opened our doors in 2003, Cherokee Creek Boys School began with a simple but powerful vision: To create a place where boys could be understood, supported and challenged to grow.
We started small – with just a few students and a passionate team.
Today, we’ve grown into a trusted, accredited therapeutic boarding school for boys ages 10 – 15, serving families from across the country and around the world.
Over the years, we have:
- Helped over 600 families
- Welcomed students from 40+ states and 13 countries
- Built a strong, mission-driven team
- Grown into a program known for its longevity, credibility and heart
As our Executive Director, David LePere, shared:
“It’s amazing how one family’s vision, determination and dedication can be multiplied into so much good for so many. It’s a real-life miracle. In 23 years, we’ve helped more than 600 families. And we’re still learning and growing every day.”
That sense of gratitude – and continued growth – is at the heart of this celebration.
Looking Back
A Milestone That Still Inspires Us
It’s impossible to celebrate 23 years without remembering a major moment in our journey – our 20th anniversary celebration in 2023.
That week brought together alumni families, current families and staff from across the country and beyond. It was filled with laughter, reflection and powerful reminders of why this work matters.
Revisit the 20th Birthday celebration HERE. And explore more from the 20-year milestone HERE.
We gathered around the fire circle.
Shared stories by the lodge fireplace.
Celebrated graduates stepping into their next chapter.
It wasn’t just a birthday party – it was a living reflection of 20 years of impact.
And now, three years later, that same spirit continues.
Why 23 Years Matters
In today’s world, reaching 23 years as a therapeutic boarding school is meaningful. It reflects:
- Staying true to a mission over time
- Earning the trust of families year after year
- Adapting through challenges while maintaining core values
- Continuing to grow, evolve and improve
It also means something deeper. We’re now seeing the long-term impact. Some of our earliest students are now adults – building careers, relationships and families of their own.
That’s the kind of ripple effect that reminds us why this work matters.
What We’ve Built Together
At Cherokee Creek, we often say we are more than a school – we are a community. And that community has been built on a few simple but powerful ideas:
- That boys deserve to be understood
- That families should be part of the healing process
- That growth happens through connection, not pressure
- That learning looks different for every child
Our mission continues to guide us:
“We challenge boys and their families to discover what is real and true about themselves and the world around them.”
If you’d like to learn more about how that comes to life in our program, you can explore HERE.
A Place Where Boys Can Be Boys
One of the things families often notice first about Cherokee Creek is the feeling.
We’ve created an environment where boys can step away from the pressures that may have been holding them back – and begin again. They reconnect with:
They are supported academically, guided therapeutically and encouraged to grow socially – all within a structured, caring environment.
And yes – there’s room for fun, laughter and being a kid again. Because sometimes, that’s exactly what boys need most.
Gratitude for the People Who Make It Possible
If 23 years has taught us anything, it’s this: People are everything.
We are deeply grateful for:
- Our dedicated staff who bring passion and professionalism every day
- Our families who trust us during challenging moments
- Our students, who do the brave work of growing and changing
As one parent shared:
“Cherokee Creek was a life-changing experience for my son and our family. I will be forever grateful for the nurturing, the new skills and the wise support my son received there.”
That kind of feedback is the true meaning of this milestone.
Could Cherokee Creek Be Part of Your Family’s Story?
If you’re a parent searching for help for your son – whether he’s struggling academically, emotionally or socially – you’re not alone. And there are options.
Cherokee Creek Boys School is designed specifically for boys ages 10 – 15 who need a different kind of environment – one that combines structure, support and understanding.
You can learn more HERE … or reach out to us to start a conversation about what your son – and your family – might need next.
Still Growing, Still Learning, Still Celebrating
Even after 23 years, we are still learning … still growing … still refining how we support boys and families in the best possible way. That commitment is what allows us to continue doing this work with energy, purpose and optimism.
Happy 23rd Birthday, CCBS!
23 years of showing up.
23 years of helping boys grow.
23 years of supporting families.
And 1 incredible CCBS community that continues to make it all possible.
Here’s to the Next Chapter!
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