An Opportunity to Help Families in Need

Posted by Stephanie Lewis, Admissions & Outreach on December 18, 2017

Stephanie Lewis 63Four years ago, Gail Bramlet, our Office Manager at Entrada, approached me with an exciting idea. At the time, there were a fair number of alumni families looking to give back to the program in order to help other families with the sometimes burdensome costs of treatment. After a few discussions over coffee, we hatched the idea of the Second Nature Alumni Foundation. We decided rather than pooling money with the scholarships Evoke already offers that we should find a way to engage families that have been inspired by the healing power of wilderness therapy and have a desire to help others access the same experience. We also wanted to make the funds available to families looking at other programs as well, as we believe the right fit is of the utmost importance for effective treatment.

Due to our goal of inspired service, our board is made up entirely of volunteers – most of them alumni parents. So far, we have only accepted unsolicited donations and we are still defining goals for fundraising to see how we can expand our efforts. With the funds we have received, we have already been able to help a number of families, as well as build a small reserve for future support.

After building a solid foundation (no pun intended), this year we are looking to expand our reach and capacity considerably. There is great potential to help families with not only their wilderness stay, but also with their next steps. It is our hope as a board to do just that! We have set new goals for the coming year to have a website, to expand our board, and to raise funds to help with next steps for families in need. Our initial growth was steady but slow and now we are prepared to take a big leap forward. We feel like we have gotten over some of the learning curves that comes with forming a new non-profit organization, and as such are ready to tackle our large but attainable goals.

As the end of the year approaches, we are asking those of you who would like to donate to consider doing so. Not only will it support a family in crisis but it is also tax deductible!

Alumni parents interested in participating on the board or volunteering as we look to future fundraising opportunities – let me know! We would be glad to have you.

Please let us know if you would like to hear about what is going on with the board throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook – Second-Nature Alumni-Foundation. We will be changing our name in 2018 to reflect our new direction so stay tuned!

I would like to thank Gail Bramlet for her service as Board Director for the past few years. Her dedication and vision have built the foundation to what we are today and prepared us for the future. Gail will stay on the board as our treasurer. I will be taking over as Board Director and know that with your support I will be able to continue her great work!

Donations can be mailed to:
The Second Nature Alumni Foundation
1150 W Red Hills Parkway Unit 169
Washington, UT 84780

 

Comments

Thanks for sharing this information Stephanie. I had no idea that this was happening behind the scenes, but I know how much work a non-profit can be. This is very important work. I feel strongly that it is important to bring wilderness therapies to more people, and you and the foundation are making that happen. The best of luck as you assume the helm.

Posted by Tim Mullins

Hello Friends! I'm inspired by this article! Good for you!!
As a Mom of a struggling young adult who desperately needs a wilderness intervention, I'm wondering how I might apply to the foundation for a grant? I"m at: tjensen1952@gmail.com; 541-778-8273. Many blessings coming your way.

Posted by Theresa Jensen

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