HISTORY

When Steve and Carol Mertens opened Oakendell in 1980, they had a vision of providing troubled teens with the "opportunity for growth" by creating within their 124-acre tranquil valley
a very special environment. The Mertens designed and built their rural facility to be an alternative to traditional treatment and urban, institutional settings.

Today, Oakendell includes a 12-bed Main House, a 6-bed Transition/Emancipation House, a school, a shop, a small gymnasium, an outdoor basketball/tennis court, a sand
volleyball court, animals, gardens and miles
of scenic trails.

Oakendell has evolved, and will continue to evolve, to meet the needs of society's troubled youth. Oakendell is a non-profit corporation, licensed by the California Department of
Social Services.

To make a tax-deductible donation to Oakendell
please mail your check to:

Oakendell
P.O. Box 1144 • San Andreas, CA 95249
or call 209-754-1249

Tax ID # 94-2621063