About: Why We Do What We Do

In the years prior to this horrific tragedy, the Baisdens tirelessly struggled trying to figure out just how to best help their daughter find her way back to a full and happy life, as they could see some of her choices were leading to a life that was destined to bring the opposite. Heartbroken and desperate, they tried everything they knew possible. They tried counseling, making adjustments in their own parenting approaches, soliciting help from extended family, and the list goes on. At the time, they had no idea that schools for struggling teens even existed, and so, for them, it seemed they had exhausted all the possible resources. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, time was against them, and their daughter’s life was cut short before she could get the help she needed.

The impact of this incident changed the lives of the Baisden family forever. After a time of deep mourning and serious reflection, a great passion began to emerge, and John and Charmaine were determined to dedicate their time, indeed their lives, to help other families in similar situations, find a way to save their children before it was too late. In process of time, John, Sr. was able to make a career change that took him from the entertainment business to working with families with struggling teenagers.

TWAI was born of that great passion and desire to help. When John’s oldest son, John Baisden, Jr. completed his higher education studies, they partnered together to start this institution envisioned to bring hope to as many families as possible. Less than a year later they were joined by Owen and Carl Baisden (Two additional sons of John and Charmaine) and together they have helped nearly a thousand teens from across the globe work through their challenges and build a life of purpose and well-being in order that they can be reunited with their families with greater love and functionality.

Although no longer involved in the day to day operations of the school John Sr. still enjoys participating in school events and working with families who are contemplating the Turning Winds therapeutic boarding school option. Today, Turning Winds has built an amazing diverse team of talented and experienced individuals who have partnered together to provide the best treatment possible for struggling teenagers and their families across the world. Whether you are losing your teen to depression, behavior problems, addictions, academic underachievement, poor decision making, low self-worth, or any other problems, we understand and can partner with you to help your daughter or son get her or his life back on-track.