Dynamite Youth Center

My cousin, who is more like a brother to me, has been to DYC more than once. While he is no longer there today, that is not because of any shortcoming on DYC’s part. This place is truly a diamond in the rough.

DYC is one of the very few long-term treatment facilities available for youth, a rarity that in itself makes it invaluable. But beyond that, what makes DYC extraordinary is the people: kind, compassionate, dedicated individuals who consistently go above and beyond not only for its members but also for the families who walk alongside them in this difficult journey.

From the Fallsburg residence to the Brooklyn program and beyond, DYC offers so much more than treatment. It provides dignity, holistic care, and the life skills, introspection, and tools needed to break free from addiction’s grip. It is a place that treats people as whole human beings, worthy of love, healing, and hope.

Although my cousin is no longer a member due to his own circumstances and decisions, DYC has never left me behind. For over a year, I have been attending the family groups virtually every Wednesday, and in that time I have been heard, understood, guided, and supported. These groups have profoundly shifted my beliefs, my approach, and my ability to support not only my cousin but also myself as I navigate the long and painful road that addiction weaves into families.

I especially want to recognize Jen and Scott, who lead our Wednesday meetings with such care, wisdom, and compassion. Their ability to hold space for every single person in the group - through laughter, tears, and honest conversation - has been life-changing. They embody the heart of what makes DYC so special.

I have cried with this community, laughed with them, and learned from them. I have been humbled by the strength of other families and, in turn, found strength of my own. The gratitude I feel for DYC, the staff, the families, and the space they create together, cannot truly be captured by words. But I can say this: DYC has given me hope, perspective, and a community when I needed it most. For that, I am forever thankful.

I Was there for at least 18 months or so. I Stayed at the Fallsberg facility then at their Brooklyn facility. Going to leave an honest review. There is a ton of work & cleaning daily, it can be a bit much. Punishments for breaking rules are cleaning even more & doing chores for staff. I had pretty long stretches of sobriety during my time there. It is very intense and can appear cultish especially at first. It is more intense than 28 day programs, much Stricter than Phoenix house. No cell phones until you transfer to Brooklyn. No going out on your own for over a year. Severe addicts may need this but can be overbearing. I watched this place work for some, not work for others. Rod C. was a great counselor. Food was good. The upstate director is a bit intense and authoritarian, but treats the parents well. I’d say this place is the last stop when all else has failed.

An oasis of human being-focused possibility in the desert of quick turn-around, short-stay corporate rehabs that statistically serve as a bandaid with little long-term success. Our son was at the end of his rope, hopeless and helpless to stop the cycle of self abuse. A day program he attended provided little and treated him along with clients twice and three times his age. He could neither hear nor meet my/our suggestions, support nor demands. After speaking with someone at Dynamite, I was sure that we’d found something unique. Our son spoke (without commitment) to a young member there, then to a counselor and together we were able to persuade him to consider it, which he did cautiously. Getting him there was not easy but once we did he was immersed in a culture of healing, accountability, and self reflection. Young people living and growing together. The changes are mind blowing and have altered the trajectory of his life and ours. We remain committed to his potential and have grown as a family. Can’t say enough about this unique program.

DYC is a special place that helps at risk youth and young adults, not only a second chance at life, but a brand new lifestyle. It is completely covered by insurances and government subsidies that the program helps get the members on so cost cannot be an issue.

On top of that the length of treatment is so key to getting people off of drugs. DYC is amazing, keep it up.