FAQ
What is Hanna Boys Center’s mission?
Hanna Boys Center changes the lives of troubled, motivated youth through faith, education and caring, helping them grow into productive members of society.
As a “Haven of Hope” for troubled boys and their families, HBC’s mission is to provide a “home away from home” for boys who are underprivileged, troubled and seriously at-risk because of family crisis and who do not seem to fit into a foster home or larger institutional setting.
The boys who come to HBC often come from crisis-filled single-parent homes. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of boys who have been abandoned by their parents and are being cared for by extended family members such as, grandparents and elderly aunts and uncles – family members who cannot cope with boys who are emotionally and sometimes, physically out of control.
How many boys are in the Hanna program and where do they come from?
At any given time, HBC serves 119 boys ranging in age from 13 to 18 years. Most of these young boys come from eight Bay Area counties, however, we do admit a number of boys from southern California, as well as other states nationwide.
On occasion, some of these young men have come from as far away as Washington State and North Carolina. The majority of our boys come from the following Bay Area counties: Sonoma (31%), Alameda (11%), Contra Costa (11%), San Francisco (9%), Solano (6%), San Mateo (5%), Sacramento (4%), Napa (4%), Santa Clara (3%), Marin (3%), and other areas around the state and country (13%). Overall, Hanna has served boys and their families from 41 of the 58 counties in California—or 71% of the counties that comprise this state.
What is the ethnic mix of the student population?
The average ethnic mix of the student population is: 57% Caucasian, 30% Hispanic, 9% African-American, and 4% Asian.
Is the Hanna Program right for a boy I know?
I think my son may need your help. Who do I call to find out?
Call the Hanna Boys Center toll free number, 1-877-994-2662, and ask for the Admissions Coordinator. You will be connected with a caseworker that will be able to answer your questions.
Hanna is a volunteer program. Each boy must have the desire to come here. For more information, viisit our How To Apply page, or call toll free 1-877-994-2662.
Will my son receive counseling to help him with his problems?
Yes, each boy who enrolls in the program receives individual and group counseling. Additionally, boys and their families receive family therapy. How is the Hanna program structured? HBC provides residential, treatment and educational services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Our current capacity is 119 boys. The program at HBC is guided by the core values of Faith, Education and Caring with emphasis in the following areas: - Education - Residential Care -
Treatment/Counseling/Health Care - Spiritual Guidance - Physical Education, Sports and Recreation – Nutrition.
How long do boys stay at Hanna?
Boys are required to agree to stay one full school year. The average length of stay is 18 months. A boy may stay longer if it is best for him to do so.
Where do boys live?
HBC is located on 160 acres in rural Sonoma County. The program consists of 7 cottages for the younger boys (grades 8 through 10) and 3 group homes for the boys grades 11 through 12. In each cottage setting, there are private bedrooms (2 boys to a room), bathrooms, a living room, game room, study area, laundry room, and a kitchenette. For cottage residents, meals are served in the campus dining hall. The group homes include all the rooms offered in the cottages plus a kitchen and a dining room where boys prepare and enjoy their meals. Each cottage or group home has 3 child care workers and 1 supervisor. Staff members work 3-1/2 day shifts and sleep in the cottage or group home. One of the program coordinators is either on campus or on call at all times to provide additional support to the boys as needed. The food service program at HBC serves over 160,000 nutritionally balanced meals each year.
How large is the on-campus school?
The Hanna School includes grades 8 through 12 and provides special resource classes for the students. Most classes have less than 8 students. A few classes have as many as 10 students, but this is the exception. The school has a staff which includes a principal and 18 full-time specially trained teachers. The HBC on-campus school (built in 1949) is fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). A new wing has been added to the existing school buildings providing new classroom space and allowing HBC to expand the curriculum in science, computer technology, and music.
Is health care provided for the boys while they are at the center?
HBC provides a thorough medical and dental evaluation for each boy upon enrollment. HBC operates a Health Center staffed by one full time registered nurse and one part-time nurse and an on-call doctor. The Dental Clinic is staffed by a registered dental assistant and supported by 88 volunteer dental professionals who provide a full range of dental services.
WHAT IS THE TUITION?
Families are charged tuition relative to their ability to pay. No boy is turned away because of his family’s financial circumstances or the inability to pay tuition. Tuition is charged to each family on a sliding scale and ranges from $0 - $5,000 a year. 74% of families pay $3,600 or less annually.
Do I have to be a Catholic to attend Hanna Boys Center?
No. Hanna accepts boys of all faiths. However, spiritual life is an important part of the Hanna program. Boys are required to participate in Chapel services, Sunday Mass, group prayers and to study religion in the classroom.
Is there help for the boys after the Hanna program?
Does Hanna provide Follow-on for graduates? Follow-on Services are available for further guidance and crisis intervention as needed. A computerized tracking system helps us keep in contact with former boys. The Aftercare Specialist publishes and distributes an Alumni Newsletter and maintains contact with alumni through mailing Christmas Cards and other correspondence.
Does Hanna have a scholarship program?
The Hanna Scholarship Program provides financial support to boys seeking to continue their education after completing the program. On average, there are 25-30 boys a year receiving financial aid to attend christian and parochial high schools, trade schools, community colleges and four-year colleges and universities.
When was the Alumni Association established?
Established in 1974, the Alumni Association is a self-supporting service organization that elects officers, conducts business meetings, provides events for the boys and supports Hanna’s special events.
How is Hanna Boys Center administered and funded?
How is Hanna Boys Center administered? A 45 member volunteer board of directors governs and oversees the operation of the Center HBC is managed by an Executive Director (Father John Crews), a Chief Operating Officer (Mr. D. Scott Singer), a Clinical Director (Dr. Timothy Norman), a Chief Financial Officer (Mrs. Monica Clark), and a Chief Development and Community Relations Officer (Mr. Kristopher Van Giesen). Where does the money come from and how is it spent? HBC relies solely on private donations from individuals, private foundations and local corporations. Over 20,000 individual donors contribute to HBC every year. HBC does not solicit or accept funds from any government or public funding agency, nor from the Catholic Church.