WORK AS SERVICE

When the time comes to begin the serious business of embarking upon a career, many young people today find themselves personally and professionally adrift. After years of study and course work in high school-often with no other goal in mind than a good grade, a good school, or a good job-they have difficulty viewing their work as anything more than the effort necessary to provide financial support for a life of comfort and security.

Tenley's programs provide young men with the vision that they need to take a broader view of their current studies and future professional work, seeing them in terms of service to God, service to others, and service to society. Hard work well done, inspired with the ideals of service and sacrifice, can thus become a noble adventure.

Our more than thirty years of experience show that young men benefit greatly from meeting and collaborating with older, professional men who are willing to pass on advice and insight gained in the course of their life's work. Many of Tenley's programs are designed with just that in mind; inspiring young men with the example of dedicated, professionals who view their work as an opportunity to serve.

FORGING MEN OF CHARACTER

Parents get precious little re-enforcement these days when it comes to instilling the values and virtues their children need to become thoughtful, responsible adults. Even the most conscientious parents and young adults face significant obstacles from the prevailing materialist environment on many campuses and in the popular culture at large. A large dose of maturity is needed to successfully navigate the difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood.

The classes and the activities offered at Tenley aim to re-enforce the efforts of responsible parents and teachers in preparing today's young men for the many challenges of adulthood: the talent of forging lasting and deep friendships based on the ideal of self-giving; the ability to deal ethically and effectively with superiors, co-workers, and customers in business; the need to grow in personal character strengths such as in sound judgment, sincerity, responsibility, perseverance, and self-control; and, most importantly, the skills of raising a family with the generosity and self sacrifice so necessary for the devoted parent.

CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY

Young people today often lack the opportunity to exercise their innate generosity and idealism in concrete services to their community. Tenley offers a variety of ways in which high school and college age young men gain valuable life experience by attending to the needs of others, especially those less fortunate than themselves. Only when presented with the challenge of giving of their talents and experience to others will these young men realize their potential.

These programs often open new horizons for the young men who participate, leading to growth in maturity, responsibility, and, above all, self-knowledge.

A BENEFIT TO FAMILIES

As a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, the overall purpose of Tenley's various services is to help young people become competent, responsible, considerate, and generous men who are committed to live by Christian principles. This is the goal of conscientious parents, and Tenley is pledged to the same long-term ideal.

The Tenley Board of Directors is responsible for the programs of the Tenley Study Center. The Board entrusts the organization and administration of the programs to the Center's Executive Director, who in turn supervises the participation of all other staff members and residents in the programs. The Board of Directors entrusts the spiritual foundation of Tenley's programs to Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church. A priest of Opus Dei is always available to provide individual spiritual guidance to any staff member, resident or student who may want it.