Male student from Arkansas—“Oneida has changed my life, and not just in a little way. It has had one of the biggest impacts on my life. It has forever changed me for the better, and Oneida will always have a special place in my heart.”

Female student from Frankfort—“I am grateful for OBI being my home away from home. Without OBI, I don’t think I would have made it this far.”

Female student from Oneida—“I have grown up at OBI and became a part of the family here. I am very thankful for my time here. Thank you to my parents for supporting me, but mostly I want to thank God for putting me here.”

Female student from Ethiopia—“Other than the first week at OBI, each and every day has been a different blessing, a different obstacle to go over, and a new lesson to learn day by day. My time at OBI has been beyond what words could ever express. It has also been bittersweet. Sweet for what I have done in my time here, a place I have loved, bitter for having to leave another place of paradise.

“I am very honored to thank God for always allowing me to do anything I set my mind to, for giving me a mother and father that have given up so much of their happiness and life so I can have mine. I would love to thank God for blessing me with amazing friends that I will forever treasure in my heart. I also want to thank God for showing me the beauty in life, for seeing the sunrise and the stars at night. I thank God for giving me the support that I needed to get here today and most of all I would like to thank God for all of the people that have molded my life.”

Female student from California—“OBI has been a place of hope where I found friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. I found out how unconditional God’s love is for each one of us. In this place, I’ve become a better version of myself. OBI has impacted me in so many ways that can’t be described. Along the way I’ve made so many changes that have impacted and encouraged younger people, and most importantly I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason. I want to thank each and every one of the house parents and staff at OBI for their time and dedication.”

Male student from Texas—“My time at OBI has been a great experience. I’ve learned to be a leader with great responsibilities and trust. It’s an experience that you can’t get anywhere else. I would like to thank my mom and dad for sending me to Oneida.”