Colorado Wilderness Trip 2023

Help a teen suffering from substance abuse and isolation by donating toward a life-altering wilderness trip this summer!

Summer is here, and with it, our students at Teen and Family Services (TAFS) are presented with many challenges. Recently published research indicates that the social isolation created by COVID-19 spelled disaster on the mental health of our local teens. In the September 2021 Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, researchers stated, “the social and emotional consequences of the pandemic have been profound. Social distancing, disruption in home and school routines, and masking have also contributed to negative effects on pediatric mental health and child development.” After three years of the virus, TAFS has seen evidence of this dilemma through a steady flow of teens in need of mental and behavioral health services.

TAFS annual trip to the beautiful mountains in Colorado is where our students camp, hike, and experience white water rafting for a week. Remaining sober when new to recovery is difficult during the summer. The amount of free time, combined with the months of being quarantined with family members, can make it very difficult to stay on the road to recovery.  For the past twenty years, TAFS has provided an opportunity for teens to find fellowship with their peers in this natural environment.  Doing so post pandemic seems more important than ever.

The experience gives them a real shot toward recovery, as they make new friends let their phone batteries die and focus on their spiritual growth.

Last summer, TAFS sent 20 teens on the trip, many from low-income areas such as Sunnyside, Kashmere Gardens, and South Park. TAFS is committed to providing the same recovery experience to all our students no matter what zip code they live in!

Please help if you can with a donation toward recovery in nature for our adolescents.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍