| San Mar helped me succeed in life |
 I first came to San Mar when I was 12 years old, it was the fall of 1987. I was being bounced from foster home to group home and back again. My parents were unstable and not able to care for me. I was not doing very well in school and knew nothing about life. I spent 3 years learning to get control of my life. Mr. Anderson used to take me on wild rock climbing and caving adventures which gave me the confidence that I needed in life. I also soon started to take home all the prizes with all A's when we had the semester end banquets. I realized that when I applied myself in school I really enjoyed it. I left San Mar to live with a foster family and realized that I was the happiest with all my friends, who were my family. I still have all the pictures, rules and regulations and point scales. Even though I hated it when I was there, I realize now that it was the period of my life that I grew the most.
Today, I currently live in Denver, Colorado. Working as a Senior Financial Analyst for a large electric trading company and believe it or not got my BS in Accounting! My family is still a mess, but I know now that I cannot change them and it is not my fault. I did not grow up to be a product of my surroundings and with Mr. Anderson's confidence that he instilled in me I became my own successful person!
Thanks you so much!
Missy B.
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Hello! You may not remember me. I
was a very shy new girl 13 years ago around Christmas time. You
made that a very special holiday for me and you yourself made me
welcome. I was only at San Mar from Dec 1990 to June of 1991. I
left because I had issues with myself and tried to hurt myself.
This is 12 years later and I am doing great. But my best high school
grades was while I went to school from the group home. I even made
honor roll. My oldest is 10 and she just made the honor roll and
she asked me if I have ever did and I can honestly say yes - once!
I was there just a short time but I did a lot of positive things.
Hiking, biking, went in a cave and rock climbing. I had a rough
life as a child and when I got to the group home it was hard on
me and I went backwards for a few years, but now I am a very happy,
healthy woman who has three great girls - aged 5,7, and 10. I drove
pass San Mar today for the first time. I just saw the outside but
I also noticed the new things that you have built. I am glad the
Home is still there and doing well. I just wanted to say thank you
and sorry I was a problem child but you all did help me in many
ways.
Have a great holiday,
Patty B.
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San
Mar taught me a lifetime lesson.
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Hello and thanks for including me on the lights
on the Bull Roast program. As a alumni of San Mar Home from 1960
to 1968, then 1969, I feel it has taught me a lifetime lesson.
I enjoyed most of it while there and the staff
was a great teacher to help me form my future life. While there
I learned a lot of things as to be responsible with work and school.
I wish the best for all the children in your home and hope they
have a great experience while in your care. Terry L Hull
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I was the Tasmanian devil of San Mar. I broke
all the windows and doors and fought everything in my sight. Now
I'm a humble, sweet God fearing women. I have four children and
I married a wonderful man from India. I have worked a rewarding
job as a nursing tech. and currently I'm starting a new job working
with Down Syndrome children in Marietta, GA, where I currently
live. I'm drug free, anger free and I have a wonderful relationship
with my mother who was one of my abusers. Thanks to San Mar. San
Mar gave me much hope. With everyone's help who worked there in
the 80's I'm grateful for all your help and your patience. Mrs.
Dorsey and Mr. Anderson, I love you with all my heart. I think
of this home all the time. I hope everyone who comes through your
doors abused and confused will find the joy I found and prosper
in life. May God bless you all.
Yolanda S.
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Hello.
This time of year is one that reminds me so much
of San Mar and how everyone there does their very best to make
it a great one. I remembered the first year I was there and was
not allowed to return home for a holiday visit due to unfortunate
circumstances.
All who worked there and volunteered there made
it one of the most remembrance times in my life. I really do miss
a lot of things about being there. Mostly some of the girls who
I became very close to. I think about them quite often. If anyone
cares to contact me my email is sfroberts2@netzero.com.
Again I am grateful for the morals and discipline
you have instilled in me along with those of my parents. I realize
now as an adult the things you do and have already done; are for
the best for all involved. Thank you so much Mr. Anderson for
giving me the opportunity to change my life and for helping make
the person I am today.
Lynn L.
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A
huge influence in my life.
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Hello Mr. Anderson,
Hope all is well with you and your family. My
family and I are doing well, yes I got married and have a one
year old daughter named Nyah.
Chris, was a HUGE influence in my life. I really
wanted her to know that. So are there any staff members there
that were there when I was? What about at the Anderson House?
I got an email the other day from my class president,
we have a class reunion in June which I will not be able to attend
b/c of being in Okinawa Japan. I talked to Tracy and told her
about the site and she said that it was great that you guys are
trying to do the things you are doing. She said that the fact
that we could tell our stories and say how San Mar has really
changed our lives might give others some kind of hope.
I am trying STILL to help my brother, he is still
in jail. I wish that he could have had the help that I had. But
he sounds like he is going to try this time. Oh I also finally
got in contact with my real mother. At the time I first saw her
it broke my heart, she was in a wheel chair, couldn't carry on
a good long conversation, and was still smoking. I had picked
up smoking for a while until I had my daughter. I told my husband
that I would only quit if I got pregnant... then mysteriously
I got pregnant. It was good though I am glad I quit it is better
for my health.
I don't want to take too much of your time. Once
again hope all is well with you. Talk to you soon, Dawn D
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One
of my good memories of San Mar.
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Dear Mrs. Steinke,
Hi! Remember me?
My name is (well, used to be) Lily Wilburn. You
tutored me in a little hole in the wall office at the top of the
middle stairs in about '83 or '84, I believe it was, after I got
kicked out of Boonsboro High. I just wanted you to know that I
learned a lot more with that one-on-one tutoring than I ever did
in any public school. You were a very patient and forgiving teacher
and one of my good memories of San Mar.
Thank you for that. You may e-mail me back, if
you like, at the same address this is sent from.
Lily
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Hello,
Just a note to thank you for the lovely candle
and flag display you had on your lawn and around your property
this week. It was beautiful to say the least. I often think of
you when I drive by, but this week was especially touching.
Thank you for your effort and time in helping
people like me remember what life is all about.
Thanks.
Virginia Wilson
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