Things began to change for John when he met some men in Young Life, a Christian outreach to kids. Through these men, John was exposed to the Christ of the Gospels and to the meaning of Young Life principles such as "tough love," and "earning the right to be heard," "the impact of a life on a life," and "walking your talk." Gradually, John became aware that his innate love for kids, especially troubled kids, could be a signal as to what he should do with the new life he had experienced at Young Life's Christian camps in the Colorado Rockies. Perhaps working with kids who had been hurt and troubled, as he had, was what he was supposed to do with his life.

As John began to explore this work with kids seriously, with the Bethany House ministry in Northview Heights, the Circle C dream began to evolve. Why not give kids an alternative to the institutions in which many were failing? Why not a real home? Why not a place where kids who were labeled "losers" could experience some of the healing relationships, excitement and purpose in living that Young Life had given to John?

The challenge was issued to other men: Judge Maurice Cohill and later, Judge Patrick Tamilia, formerly of the Juvenile Court of Allegheny County. "Let us try with the kids who have failed everywhere else, the toughest kids you have - what have you got to lose?" Thus, Circle C was born, and the dream became a reality. The Court accepted John's challenge and sent the first kids to live with John and his wife, Christine, at their home on Island Avenue.

What took place in the years that followed has been described as a cooperative effort between Circle C and the Juvenile Court. The Court was attempting to decentralize by putting its probation officers closer to the kids' neighborhoods. The Circle C concept was a natural tie-in, with its homes based in the community where kids could keep in touch with their families, probation officers and friends while working out their problems. Thus, "community-based" treatment for the juvenile offender became a reality through Circle C's Island Avenue and Beech Avenue homes and the North Side Community Probation Office of Juvenile Court. Probation officers and court staff, as well as Children and Youth Services and Juvenile Court Judges have consistently and steadfastly given their support to Circle C and its philosophy.

From the home on Island Avenue, John Patak's dream began to grow. Others caught the dream from John, people who knew first hand what John was about and were willing to commit part of their lives to kids and to a dream. Two houses began on Beech Avenue in 1972, one for boys, one for girls, and Circle C grew from a "foster home" to an organization. There were Bible studies on Wednesday mornings, staff meetings on Thursdays. There were picnics, parties and kids - always kids.

Today, Circle C continues its commitment to its primary mission of serving at-risk kids and their families. And it maintains its goal of providing community-based alternatives to institutionalization for troubled youth and reuniting them with their families whenever possible.