Giving Back Honors Orchard Place's Impact on Family

The West Branch couple brought Dylan to Orchard Place to live 10 years ago to help with depression, Asperger's syndrome and anxiety.

"They taught Dylan coping skills so that he could handle things on his own," Chris says. "To be there on campus 24 hours a day, they could monitor him better with medication and behavior. We couldn't have done it on our own or even with local help occasionally."

Prior to coming to Orchard Place, Dylan had not been attending school.

"He was almost a year behind," Lisa says. "Orchard Place had smaller classes, they were able to get him up to speed. He graduated on schedule with his class."

Dylan benefited greatly from individual and group therapy, and Chris and Lisa appreciated the family therapy. Today, Dylan is in college, nearing completion of a two-year degree, and lives on his own.

Paying It Forward

To say thanks for Orchard Place's impact on their lives, the Kofoeds have named Orchard Place in their will.

"We realized that with all that we've been through, funding is hard with the state and such," Lisa says. "We feel this is our way to pay back. When things are good, you need to be grateful and pay things forward."

Lisa also organizes a monthly, community-based mental health and family support group in West Branch. Chris and Lisa remember how they struggled before finding Orchard Place, so the group shares information and resources.

"We appreciate all Chris and Lisa do to share their journey as a means to help others," says Amanda Fletcher, director of planned giving at Orchard Place. "The gift they have made through their will ensures that other families can have a similar positive experience at Orchard Place."