George Junior Republic, Grove City PA

I was a youth here in 2004-05 wasn't a bad place one of the better places for boys that I've been to.

A place where you will work 12 days straight! Often times 16 hour shifts. With no breaks! No nothing! A place where you are told to protect yourself but if and when you have to protect yourself the company will not stand behind you. A place where if you don’t lie or tell everyone’s business you will not move up the ladder (which I don’t know why you would want to) HR and administration are the complete opposite of what a companies HR department and administration should be! They lie so much you don’t ever know what is right or wrong… and the whole covid situation… made us work while we ourselves didn’t have symptoms but the youth did. Or vice versa.it’s really just a horrible company that doesn’t care much about anything but money! Save yourself the hospital trips, the heightened anxiety and stress from wanting to help the youth but not getting anywhere! The judgement from others and the lack of respect from the supervisors, other workers and the youth at times.

Disclaimer: 110% Biased Review. I was there for eight solid months as recent as 2021, and I can objectify that this resembles a juvenile detention center rather than any sort of, "rehabilitation center. " During my average length of stay I transitioned throughout each all of the different unit types, (ISU, CIU, SN, Cottage) and even progressed through the, "behavioral level system. " While I was there I witnessed violent, inconsistent, and incompetent staff, (as well as a few good ones.) I'm not exactly sure what the requirements for really any of the staff positions are, but there were clearly minimal to none. Staff were very unprofessional often seen swearing or screaming at youth.
The education here was also seriously lacking. I was sent there for online truancy during the pandemic and was told that this place had an, "exceptional education department. " I did graduate my sophomore year there with high honor roll but admittingly that is because the course work was far below appropriate grade levels. If you have any regard for your youth do not send them here.

I was there in the late 80s. People talked like this was a prison for kids. It was cool. The food was great! We swam and played basketball. We aged Monopoly until fights broke out and it got taken away. Word was my grandfather got sent there for punching out a teacher. It was a great transition for me to go to another placement. No complaints. Today I'm a therapist with a master's degree. Imagine that!

Not somewhere I’d overly recommend working. I worked there 5 years and I never broke $10 an hour. I did multiple things there to make money. The management doesn’t seem to care much about their people & have been very comfortable letting good talent leave because they spoke up. They sweep things under the rug when it’s convenient for them. There’s a massive outflow of career people in high power positions who left after 20+ years because they just couldn’t take it anymore. If the high people don’t like it, what does that do for the little people?

Having worked here for over 17 years, I can say that in the last 5 years it has gone down hill fast. GJR did a lot of great things for my family and I over the years. I can say that we used to help the clients. But, over the last 5 years, support for staff has been declining, and in my opinion, some warehousing of clients that should have been removed, if for no other reason, the safety of staff and other clients. I would not recommend working here.

The infirmary leaves a lot to be desired but the staff otherwise we find to be sufficient enough for our son’s needs and most of the staff that works directly with him are phenomenal individuals

I miss deb I think she was the best staff that ran a cottage there idt she's there any more but my love goes to that lady and house.

I was here when I was a kid. Eric and Misty were my cottage parents and they became the foundation of the man I am today. I was sent here as a kid. I always wonder how the parents I wish I'd had have turned out but I guess I will never know. This place made me who I am today. Thank you GJR! And thank you Eric and Misty!

Visited with my son. We had a really good visit.the staff was nice and responsible because we were a little late gave us extra time to visit. They have picnic tables where you can take stuff to eat and drink. Very nice visit.

I'm Thankful for what GJR has taught me! I was sent there by the courts in 1985. I started out in Schram West Line Cottage. I went there with anger issues and a bad attitude. Couple of trips to ISU staring at a wall for 16hrs a day got me focused on the real problems. I worked my way up the point system to the point that I went to a group home (F) on campus. I got a job working on the farm with Buck. Joined 4H and FFA I learned about animals and caring for other things in life besides me. I went to Vo-Tech and school on campus and still remember my 3 basic skills to this day! I worked hard and allowed GJR to Help me Help Myself. I ended up at an Off campus group home in Gbg where I graduated HS. I was released on my 18th birthday to start my adult life on my own. I have always wanted to visit GJR and tell My Story! I'm 51 now and a proud business owner for the past 25 years. I can't say that it was the best thing that ever happened to me, but I will say I'm glad I went through the program and allowed them to show me the way!

I spent 22 months of my life at GJR I made terrific tiger 3 time was the most growing experience of my life and enjoyed all activities and staff are amazing rode horses did adventure club got my license what a amazing facility for youth cottage G bill and Debbie Williamson love them with all my heart

Cottage d in this thang I’m from San Francisco ca my life changed in this place I have to say thank u I haven’t been in jail since then I got out class of 2013 we going into 2021

Went there November 14,1975. Got out Jan 24,1977. Was in a cottage called the Inn. I was 15 when I went there. Had some good times and some bad. Mostly fond memories.

I was extremely pleased with the service. Being nervous about moving day was something that I did not need to worry about. They came in and were professional and efficient! The move went without incident. It was the best money that I have spent in a long time!

Was there as child. Horrible place. They did nothing to help my situation and didn’t care, Staff was untrained unprofessional, and physically abusive. The facilities were unclean. When I turned 18 I was literally dumped out in the streets. I stayed in a homeless shelter. They never followed up. Terrible place! I’ve ended up very successful despite that hell hole. Wouldn’t wish it on anyone

Very well structured facility. Staff kindly allows relaxing visits. Thank you kindly for all you do for my grandson.