Catherine Freer News

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• Freer Donations Help Flood Victims

  (Dec. 2007) - The recent storm that swept through the Pacific Northwest left numerous waterways brimming and in some cases resulted in flooding. Catherine Freer donated 200 pounds of bulk dried foods to a group of volunteers who headed to northern Oregon to aid those impacted by the flooding. At Freer, we are always focused on the weather and our groups in the field were aware that a storm was on the way, were well-prepared, and safely rode out the inclement weather.

• 1470 to US Forest Service

  (Dec. 2007) - The Willamette National Forest Service is again lauding the efforts of Catherine Freer's participants. This year 1,470 total hours of service work was completed. Participants, along with staff, helped to complete a new trail, maintained existing trails, and stocked ski shelters with wood. Learn more about our wilderness therapy expeditions at http://www.cfreer.com.

• Freer Successfully Completes JCAHO Review

  (Nov. 2006) - Catherine Freer just completed an onsite survey by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Freer was one of the first wilderness therapy programs to become fully certified by JCAHO in 2000. Joint Commission accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Catherine Freer is committed to upholding industry-leading standards and belongs to numerous national organizations that promote high quality throughout the industry. Learn more at http://www.cfreer.com/About/LicensingAccreditation.html.

• Satisfied Santiam Crossing Parents

  (Nov. 2006) - “Never before have I seen Tyler so confident and pleased with himself.. He’s making new friends and has shown no interest in reconnecting with anyone from before. At home, he still knows what buttons to try to push, and I think we are doing a good job… Share with the other students Tyler’s successes and tell them that Tyler said he misses them and wants to hear how they’re doing. Thanks for all your help!” - Karen S. (Oct. 2006). To learn more about Santiam Crossing School visit their web site at http://www.santiamcrossing.com

• Extended Expeditions Now Features Open-Ended Length of Stay

  (Nov. 2006) - Participants taking part in Catherine Freer's Extended Expeditions program can now have their stay extended to further accomplish treatment plan objectives. Originally clients would move from Freer's fundamental 21-day program directly into the Extended Expeditions program for a total of 51-days. Now the length of stay can be extended beyond the 51-days as deemed necessary. Learn more about the Extended Expeditions program at http://www.cfreer.com/Programs/.

• Freer Receives Recognition from US Forest Service

  (November 2006) - Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs has been awarded the Middle Fork Ranger District Forest Service Blanket Award in recognition of their volunteer service.

  One blanket is awarded each year to a volunteer group that has done outstanding work. Catherine Freer employees and wilderness therapy participants were recognized for their efforts. They built nearly one-quarter mile of the North Fork Trail and filled four cross-country ski shelters with wood this year.

  “Working with Catherine Freer has always been fun, easy and productive. Your crews are hard working, respectful, productive and well mannered. Even though the work is hard, your attitude is always great. Thank you for your contributions to the public and the Middle Fork Ranger District,” said Stacey L. Smith, Willamette National Forest Middle Fork Ranger District Recreation Supervisory Forester.

  “Service learning is a powerful component of our wilderness therapy programs. We believe that participation in service learning helps young people make meaningful contributions to the environment and to their community. This then becomes an important as part of their recovery,” explained Robert Cooley, Ph.D., Catherine Freer executive director.

  Catherine Freer operates wilderness therapy programs for at-risk youth. Each week, three staff members along with up to eight adolescent participants depart Albany for a wilderness therapy backpacking expedition. One staff member is a master’s level therapist. During the expedition adolescents hike approximately eight miles per day, participate in individual and group therapy, and learn new tools and healthy coping mechanisms for addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

  Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs serves approximately 350 adolescents annually. The employee owned and operated company was founded in 1988 and is licensed by the State of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) accredits the program.

  The company also operates Santiam Crossing, an outdoor therapeutic school, and Oregon Transition Homes.

• Santiam Crossing School Celebrating

  (October 2006) - Now entering its third year, Santiam Crossing School is celebrating. This year alone the school has had some noteworthy milestones: 28 students completed the program, 5 students met the requirements to graduate from their hometown high school, 7 students completed their GED, 4 students completed more than a full year of academics in nine months, and the remainder successfully transitioned to other academic settings. Santiam also received provisional accreditation from the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS). To learn more about Santiam Crossing call Sarah Mack at (800) 390-3983 or visit www.santiamcrossing.com/.

• Academics - Got You Covered

  (October 2006) - Each graduate of our 21-day wilderness therapy expedition receives an academic transcript. While in the field participants spend at least 30 hours on cooking skills, 40 or more hours on journal writing, 80 or more hours hiking, and more than 60 hours in formal individual and group counseling. Most local school districts grant credit in these areas. For more information contact our admissions office at (800) 390-3983.

• Top Marks From Parental Survey

  (July 2006) - Ninety-eight percent of parents polled from 2005 to date agree that they would recommend our wilderness expedition programs to another family. Ninety three percent indicate that they have seen positive changes in their children since completing one of our programs. If you have a client that would like to speak with an alumni parent, please call our admissions department at (800) 390-3983 for a referral list.

• Freer Quoted in Social Work Today Magazine

  (July 2006) - The nation’s leading newsmagazine for social workers published an article entitled “Mother Nature’s Medicine – Wilderness Therapy.” Catherine Freer Program Director Paul Smith was quoted extensively in the article, which offers an in depth look into wilderness therapy and the healing power of wilderness. Read the article ...more