I Wanted To Build A Facility Like the One That Changed My Life
Buying the ranch that was to become Burning Tree was just the start as he spent a year designing the program, formulating policy and procedure, hiring a staff, and getting licensed. And all along sticking with the lessons he learned in Tucson, strict but supportive, Burning Tree Ranch would be a place where men and women would learn how to live with integrity, a safe place where clients would learn how to live rather than just surviving. His program would teach integrity, excellence and authenticity, in addition to a working knowledge of the 12 steps.
That the Burning Tree Ranch was a success quickly became obvious. From 20 clients in the first few months, the Kaufman, Texas facility was soon operating at capacity. Elliott says that he felt bad when they were too full to accept additional patients. And so, another seed began to grow. This time the seed would become Renewal Lodge by Burning Tree. Located in Elgin, Texas, the new facility doubles the capacity of the Burning Tree programs.
While the land and the beds have doubled, the program remains untouched. David set out to re-create the very program that he went through. And this program would be molded after the concepts of integrity, excellence and authenticity.
Now almost 20 years since his moment of clarity in 1991, David Elliott insists that he’s had help all along.
If I had thought about it too long, I never would have done it.
I just pray every day, and ask God to guide Burning Tree.