By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
The Whitmore mansion is more than the Inn, a
bed-and-breakfast, it is also the Whitmore Academy a place
for troubled youth to find strong foundation, much like the
home which was built in 1898.
Mark Sudweeks and his wife are the owners of the Whitmore
and still use the second floor for a bed-and-breakfast
however, the home has also become a place of learning.
"In order to meet the state requirements, we need a
business license that is more appropriate than as a bed and
breakfast," said Sudweeks.
Currently there are 12 students living at the home and
under the care of the Sudweeks.
The couple have been providing opportunities for youth
who have trouble at home and in school for the past 25 years
and have four such locations known as "Who Am I Discovery"
residential treatment center.
The other locations are in Kleena Kleene, British
Columbia, Canada; Baja California, SUR, Mexico; the Whitmore
and the Ridge Equine Center in Levan.
Sudweeks told the council that they do not need to be
concerned about the young people who stay at the home being
trouble-makers in the community because they are youth who
also recognize that they need to make a change in their
lives.
In addition, they are not adjudicated, or required by a
court to attend a court-approved facility.
Nevertheless, said Sudweeks, in order for the center to
meet the requirements of the state, a different type of
license is needed. That is where the city can assist.
"I had a conversation with the state and we will be
prepared to offer the different license upon our hearing,
officially, from the state," said Chad Brough, mayor.
Students who live at the center earn the schooling from
the Nebo School District.
"We tried to work through the Juab School District but
they did not have the program we needed," said Sudweeks.
"Therefore we are working with the Nebo School District
because they have the Landmark School which is just what we
needed."
A typical city business license allows the pursuit of a
business, such as the bed and breakfast, on the premises of
the establishment and that will do fine for that part of the
business.
However, said Sudweeks, it is important for the
residential treatment center, in order to be approved by the
state, to have a different sort of license that will allow
young people to be housed for the purpose of therapy.
"Our curriculum is fully accredited and accepted by most
schools and university's" he said. "Independent learning, at
an individual pace, promotes confidence within, as we
achieve educational goals as they relate to specific
graduation requirements."
The teens in the Utah program, at the Whitmore Academy,
have the benefit of the home, with 12 beautiful rooms, a
swimming pool and Jacuzzi. In addition, they can enjoy the
majestic mountains and the nearby beauty of Little Sahara
Sand Dunes, Lake Powell, Canyon Lands National Parks, Zions
Park and many other natural wonders.
"It is not our goal to take the kids out of the slum,
rather we want to take the 'slum' out of the kinds," he
said,
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