In the sun-scorched expanses of rural Mohave County, Arizona, just northeast of Havasu Lake City, a bold vision is taking shape: Legacy Haven Academy, a transformative sanctuary for homeless and orphaned youth aged 10-18. Set to open its doors on October 1, 2025, under the leadership of Marine Corps veteran Mr. Cree Dalene, the academy promises to be a cornerstone of hope, blending rigorous academics with hands-on adventure to forge resilient leaders from lives marked by uncertainty. As cacti stand resilient against the desert wind, Legacy Haven aims to nurture young minds to thrive against all odds.
Founded by Dalene, whose faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints inspires the academy’s Judeo-Christian values of integrity, service, and compassion, Legacy Haven is poised to launch its inaugural cohort in the 2027 academic year. With 48 students and 11 dedicated instructors, the academy will offer a nurturing environment where curiosity drives learning. “We’re not just teaching subjects; we’re teaching kids to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ in a world that’s often overlooked them,” says a prospective instructor with a passion for mentoring youth. The curriculum will weave STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—into real-world challenges, envisioning students designing solar-powered water pumps or coding apps to monitor desert ecosystems.
The academy’s outdoor leadership programs will be a cornerstone, with plans for students to conquer desert trails and scale rocky outcrops, building trust and teamwork. “I imagine a kid who’s only known instability standing tall after a group hike, realizing they’re stronger than they thought,” the hopeful candidate envisions. These experiences aim to foster bonds as enduring as the Arizona sun. Personalized mentorship will pair each student with a guide—perhaps a local engineer or artist—for academic and emotional support, while counseling will gently address past traumas.
Legacy Haven’s vision includes sustainable farming plots where students might one day harvest vegetables for shared meals, fitness trails doubling as spaces for reflection, and art studios where murals will capture dreams reborn. “I see a future where a 16-year-old, once sleeping in shelters, discovers they can code or lead a team,” says Dalene, his eyes alight with purpose. “Maybe they’ll build an eco-filter for rural communities, sparking change beyond our campus.”
The academy aims for a 95% graduation rate, with hopes of sending 85% of alumni to college, trade schools, or meaningful careers. Plans for a “Haven Innovators” program could see students prototyping solutions for local challenges, perhaps earning grants to expand their impact. Yet, funding remains a hurdle, with aspirations for a tech lab and capacity for 300 students by 2035 relying on community support.
As Legacy Haven prepares to rise, Dalene envisions a campus alive with possibility: students gathered under starlit skies, sharing stories of hope. “These aren’t just kids; they’re future leaders,” he says. For families eager to enroll or support this mission, visit legacyhavenacademy.org. In the heart of the desert, Legacy Haven Academy is set to prove that with nurture and grit, even the most overlooked can bloom into brilliance.
