Reform at Victory - A memoir by Michele Ulriksen

Child Abuse Bill goes to House Judiciary Committee

2011-02-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

HB2721 has been introduced in Oregon to repeal Oregon's religious defenses to homicide, manslaughter and ciminal mistreatment of children so that all laws will require all parents to obtain medical care for sick children, regardles of their religious beliefs.

The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on this bill on Feburary 21. Please urge your state legislator to vote for HB2721.

For more information, please contact "Children's Healthcare Is a Legal Duty" at 503-584-1455 and the email is: rita@childrenshealthcare.org

Thank you.

HEAL online - advocacy group for survivors

2011-02-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

HEAL Online is a nonprofit organiztion comprised of activits whose goal it is to promote compassionate change, stamp out abuse in the name of treatment, and empower survivors of abuse - including supporting those who have lived through illegal confinement in unclicensed reform schools.

Click on this link to learn more about HEAL and to read a survivor's statement who attended Victory Christian Academy in Jay, Florida.

www.heal-online.org/victory.htm

And check their home page for additional information on what they are currently working on and find out how you can help.

Thanks,

Michele

Web site is back up

2010-11-19T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Sorry about the site being down for a while. Technical problems with hosting company but all is well once again. I've received a lot of emails from women who have been in reform schools and have stories to share. POST THEM HERE on this blog! You are not alone.

I have also had a lot of people ask where they can buy the book. Amazon and Powell's are sold out of Reform at Victory so the best way to order it is through PIZAN MEDIA, the independent publisher. Just click on the yellow box in this home page. And you can always email me at: micheletresler@gmail.com if you need to talk privately about your experience. I answer all my emails.

Remember, power in numbers. Let's get the word out about these unlicensed reform schools. They are still in existence and thriving. More people need to speak out.

Peace,

Michele

Technical Difficulties...

2010-05-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

My web site was down for about a week due to technical problems with my domain provider. As you can see it's back up but missing some content as well as media/publicity links. Working to do a restore. Quickest easiest way to reach me is through: micheletresler@gmail.com

Link to TVO's A Night at the Movies in Toronto

2010-04-06T22:31:00.001-07:00

I was fortunate enough to be invited to Toronto, Ontario, Canada to talk about my experience at VCA in 1986. The interview went really well. Here is the link:

http://www.tvo.org/TVO/WebObjects/TVO.woa?videoid?74735468001

RAV on Canadian TV Program...

2010-03-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last night a TV program called A Night at the Movies aired an interview that we taped last summer about my experience at Victory Christian Academy, my book Reform at Victory, and my thoughts and opinions about unlicensed reform schools in general. TVO, the station located in Toronto, is on facebook where there is a link to the program.

I am thankful to the producers and editors for doing such a fantastic job and hosting me (and my daughter) last summer. It was a great experience to meet people who had a genuine interest in learning about these facilities and being willing to air a program that calls into question the procedures at such facilities. It didn't hurt that Toronto is a great city and one that I'll visit again.

Hope you can check out the show and post here to let others know what you think.

Book Reading and Lecure Tonight in Tigard, OR

2010-03-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

I'll be doing a book reading and lecture tonight from 7-7:50 pm.

The address is: 16880 SW 126th Avenue, King City, OR 97224. (King City is right next to Tigard, roughly about 12 miles outside of Portland).

This event is sponsored by the AAUW: American Association of University Women, and is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.

New Web Site for Former VCA Women

2010-03-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

I just received an email from a VCA survivor who has put together a web site dedicated to any women who were at VCA either in Ramona, CA or Jay, FL. I looked it over and it looks great. I was asked to post the link at my web site. Here it is:

http://girlsofvictorychristianacademy.com

I'm back...

2009-12-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

My how time flies. I've been so distracted with life, moving, school, work, hanging out and traveling with my teenager (no, she's not rebelling just yet) and enjoying my new life in the coolest city ever (Portland), that I just realized I have not posted here for six months. Shameful.

The emails still flow in about Reform at Victory. I am grateful to hear from each and every one of you, and I am always appreciative to hear the details of your stories that you choose to share with me. Thank you. Your emails and support of the book provides the strength I need to stand in front of people and talk about this, read from the book, and answer deeply personal questions.

This year, book events took me to many places and gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people, including in Washington and Canada (Toronto). I love going to new places but the best part is sharing this story to people who had no idea that abusive facilities for teens exist.

Some exciting news: I was flown out to Toronto earlier this year for a TV interview. The interview will be airing on March 20, 2010 in Ontario. The program is called A Night at the Movies. I will post the link when it comes available. My hope is that it will reach a lot of people so parents will be aware about these facilities and will be inspired to do research before deciding on a reform school for their troubled teen.

I get a lot of emails from people asking where they can find my book. Because Pizan is such a small press, larger mainstream bookstores/chains won't stock it. For now, the best place to order is at the Powell's web site, or through Pizan Media (email: info@reformatvictory.com). That will be changing soon though. I'll save that news for later :)

Please keep the emails coming. I love reading them.

Happy new year!

Michele

Use this link to order a copy of Reform at Victory...

2009-05-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Amazon is currently out of stock.

Please use this link if you'd like to order a new and signed copy of RAV:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615222536?ie=UTF8&seller=A3CACPQW0RSA6Y&sn=pizanmedia

Mission Accomplished...no, really

2009-05-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Lawmakers pass requirements for Anchor center http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/514714.html?nav=5010

Latest News on Unlicensed Facility in Iowa...

2009-04-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here is link to latest article about licensing of local facility in Fort Dodge:
http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/514104.html?nav=5010

UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS

2009-03-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

March 28th:
I'll be reading from Reform at Victory and taking questions at the Northwest Freethought Conference. The conference is at Portland State University, March 27-29.

See http://www.nfaconference.org/ There are several speakers and workshops. I will be speaking on Saturday, March 28th at 1:30pm. Please visit the site for more details.

March 31st:
I'll be at Reed College in Portland, Oregon giving a lecture on the Perils of the Faith Based Initiative. I'll then do a reading and take questions. This event starts at 7pm. For more, visit their web site: http://rsasecular.wordpress.com

At both events, I will discuss the recent developments going on in Fort Dodge, Iowa involving the man who owned and operated Victory Christian Academy, Mike Palmer. It should be a lively event.

Iowa writing licensing rules for unlicensed facility...

2009-03-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Here is more information about the recent discovery of an unlicenced Baptist facility in Fort Dodge, Iowa that journalist Abigail McWilliam stumbled upon while doing research for the articles that came out last month. The State of Iowa has taken action and is currently writing licensing rules for the facility. Good work Abigail! To read the other articles, scroll down, or go to the media/publicity link at the left of this web site's home page.

http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/513612.html?nav=5010

HOUSE PASSES TEEN RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION BILL

2009-03-15T21:01:00.001-07:00

It's a start:

HOUSE PASSES TEEN RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION BILL

On February 23, 2009, the House of Representatives passed under suspension of the rules, by a vote of 295 102, H.R. 911, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act. The bill, introduced by Rep. George Miller (D-CA), now moves to the Senate where no similar legislation has been introduced. In June 2008, the House voted 318-103 to pass the identical measure.

The bill, endorsed by the National Child Abuse Coalition, would set standards, with enforcement provisions, to prevent child abuse and neglect in teen residential programs, including therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness camps, boot camps, and behavior modification facilities. While residential treatment facilities designed to help children with extreme behavioral problems,
including substance abuse and mental health problems, may provide safe and effective services
to children and their families, many exist without any state monitoring or regulation.

The legislation would create new national safety standards for private residential programs enforced by HHS and the states, prevent deceptive marketing by residential programs, and hold programs accountable for violating the law. States, through provisions added to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), would be required to set similar standards of protection and investigate reports of maltreatment in these facilities. The bill increases the authorization for CAPTA to $235 million for each of fiscal year 2010-2014, to accommodate state responsibilities.

During debate on the bill, Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA), ranking Republican on the Education and Labor Committee which sent the bill to the floor, expressed regret that the legislation being considered under suspension of the rules barred an opportunity to offer amendments. He cited a particular interest in including provisions which would protect parental rights by ensuring that parents are fully informed of and involved with medical decisions made at these facilities.
McKeon said that he supported the bill, but he was disappointed that the process has been short-circuited.

Website Exposes Baptist Predators

2009-03-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

check this out: http://stopbaptistpredators.org/index.htm

Recent Media Coverage for Reform at Victory

2009-03-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

Fort Dodge, Iowa reporter Abigail McWilliam, who works for The Messenger newspaper, released four stories (see links below) in last Friday's paper that cover facts associated with unlicensed reform schools, among other things. In her search for information she found that there is a Roloff Home, similar to Victory, in Fort Dodge from which many teens have run away to escape abuse. Fort Dodge is also home to Mike Palmer, the man who owned and operated Victory, and is Brother P in my book. Thus far, the community has been very supportive of Reform at Victory and in seeing that Palmer does not open another reform school in their community. They are now aware of his checkered past. It pays to speak out.

These links are also posted at the Media/Publicity link at the left of this home page.

Reform at Victory: Michele Ulriksen, former student of Palmer's speaks out
http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/513244.html?nav=5010

Troubling Legacy: Unlicensed reform school found in Fort Dodge, Iowa
http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/513243.html

Ramirez: "He Said it was God's Will" Rape victim of Palmer's speaks out
http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/513246.html

A Common Thread: Scandals associated with Brother Lester Roloff and Roloff Homes
http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/513245.html

Upcoming Author Events

2009-02-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

* March 28th, 1:45-3pm -Reading and lecture at the Northwest Freethought Conference.

The conference is at Portland State University, and runs from March 27-29.
See http://www.nfaconference.org/

* March 31, 7:30pm - Author reading and lecture: "The Perils of the Faith-Based Initiative: The Survivor of a Religious Boot Camp Speaks Out." This event is located at Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

Upcoming Author Events for January...

2008-12-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

January 10, 3pm - In Other Words Books and Women's Recources, Portland
Mid January-exact date TBA-Portland State University
January 27, 7:30pm - Powell's Books on Burnside, Portland

Reform at Victory is now available at Powell's on Hawthorne, as well as the Burnside store, and online at www.powells.com

Visit me in the Red Room...

2008-12-13T14:03:00.001-08:00

I was recently invited to become a Red Room author. It's a place where writers and book lovers from all walks of life can connect and share. Here's the link to visit my author page:

http://www.redroom.com/author/michele-ulriksen

Feel free to post a message at the blog, either here, or in the Red Room.

Michele

Problems getting emails...

2008-12-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

I have had trouble recently with getting my emails, as others have who have their domain through GoDaddy. I am not even getting spam so I know there's a problem. I answer ALL my emails so if I have not answered yours, it means I didn't get it. Until I get this sorted, feel free to write to me at 4803 SE Woodstock Blvd., # 258, Portland, Oregon, 97206. Thanks.

Link to Powell's:

2008-11-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780615222530-0

Reform at Victory sold out at Powell's...

2008-11-26T15:54:00.001-08:00

I've received some emails from folks who have tried to get the book at Powell's but could not find it. If you are in Portland, the book is also available at Broadway Books and In Other Words Books and Women's Resources. And on Amazon, of course. Powell's will have more copies by this Friday, which will also show on their web site. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Author Event at Powell's Books in Portland...

2008-11-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

I'll be doing an author reading and book signing at Powell's City of Books in downtown Portland on Tuesday, January 27th at 7:30pm. The address is 1005 W Burnside. Hope to see you there.
www.powells.com 503-228-4651

Reform at Victory can be purchased online through Powell's and also at the downtown store on Burnside.

Read this if you are going to order from Amazon...

2008-11-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

Pizan Media is selling copies of Reform at Victory now on Amazon.com. Amazon takes a whopping 55%, more than book stores take. However, if you order from the "Collectible" link below Amazon's link, this will be far more beneficial to me and Pizan Media, and you'll get a new 'signed' copy. There are only a few copies left from the first print run. You can also order from the Powell's Books web site; I signed those copies as well at their request. Thank you!

Reform at Victory at Powell's Books!

2008-11-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Reform at Victory is now available at Powell's City of Books in Portland at the Burnside store. And also at their web site. Address is 1005 W. Burnside Street.

On air at KBOO Radio Friday, November 14, 9am

2008-11-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

FYI...I've been invited to go on the air Friday morning at 9 on KBOO radio in Portland.

Here are the stations in Oregon if you want to listen: Portland: 90.7 fm; Corvallis: 100.7 fm; Columbia Gorge: 91.9 fm.

I get to rant about my lovely reform school experience for 25 whole minutes! Wow, I've never done that before...ha ha.

Also, the book is now available at 'In Other Words Books and Women's Resources' located at
8 NE Killingsworth in Portland.

Sweet!

Grass Roots Reading...a Memorable Event!

2008-11-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you for showing up and packing full the cozy loft at Grass Roots Bookstore in Corvallis on Sunday! The turnout of support was awesome. It was great to see some familiar faces and meet new people. The afterparty at Block 15 was a blast.

Many thanks also to Theresa at the Gazette-Times for her great article:
http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2008/11/01/news/community/2aaa04_reform.txt

Reform at Victory now available at Broadway Books

2008-10-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

RAV is now available for purchase at Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway Street in Portland.
Their phone number is 503-284-1726. I'll be doing an author event there in February or March.

More Portland locations to come soon.

Event at Grass Roots Bookstore in Corvallis: Nov. 2

2008-10-14T21:03:00.001-07:00

The date has been set! I'll be at Grass Roots on Sunday, November 2, at 4pm. I'll read from the book for about 30 minutes, take questions and sign books. Reform at Victory is now available and in stock at the store. The address is 227 SW 2nd Street. Hope to see you there.

Upcoming Author Events - and other stuff...

2008-10-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say thanks for the many emails of support I have received since the launch of the web site. The book's publication is right on schedule and pre-ordered books will be shipped from amazon in the middle of October. Amazon will have copies on hand after that initial shipping for future orders.

Thanks also to the large crowd who showed up for the event in Portland recently (Humanists of Greater Portland). It was great to meet all of you and have lunch after the event. I love Portland! Thank you for taking the time to come hear me talk about the book and my experience.

There are now excerpts of chapters one and two posted here on the site. Happy reading.

Now, for the events:

I'll be at Grass Roots Bookstore in Corvallis at the end of October or early November. Exact date is TBA because they are still working on their fall event schedule at this time. Stay tuned for the exact date (I will send out an email letting everyone know who lives locally).

November 4/10: Radio Interview taping with Barry Lynn of Americans United on the 4th. This interview will air on November 10th. His radio show is called Culture Shocks and addresses social, political and cultural issues. Please visit their site at www.cultureshocks.com for more info on how you can hear the interview. I was told today by the producer that you'll be able to hear the interview at their web site if you don't reside in a state that airs the program.

November 5: Author reading at Linn Benton Community College at the Albany campus at noon. For more info, please email info@reformatvictory.com You don't have to be a student at the college to attend this event. It is free and open to the public.

More to come soon...

Michele

Author Events

2008-07-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your interest in Reform at Victory.

Here is what I have going on so far in the way of author/speaking/signing events:

* Sunday, September 21, 2008 - At 9:30am I'll be speaking about Reform at Victory at
the Humanists of Greater Portland. Please email info@reformatvictory.com if
you'd like to get more info about this event.

* I will be at Grass Roots Bookstore in Corvallis sometime in October. Date is TBA. Will post more info soon when it's confirmed.

* I'll be at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany for an author reading sometime in October. Exact date is TBA. Please check back.

More to come over the summer.