Catherine Freer News

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• Knight to Lead Oregon Transition Homes (OTH)

  (July 2006) - Darcy Knight has been appointed director of Oregon Transition Homes, an adolescent transition program operated by Catherine Freer. Knight replaces Sarah Mack who created and has been successfully running this program for more than 10 years. Mack chose to hand over the reins so she can focus on referral development and on her role as an executive team member. Learn more at http://www.strugglingteens.com/.

• Freer Participates in New Outcome Study

  The Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Cooperative (OHHRC) is conducting another study on adolescent wilderness therapy. This time the researchers will examine family involvement in adolescent wilderness therapy. The research will result in new data on adolescent outcomes, family outcomes, and therapeutic relationships over time in wilderness therapy. Catherine Freer was one of two programs selected to receive a personal site visit from University of Minnesota Researcher Nevin Harper. For more information on outdoor behavioral healthcare research, visit http://education.umn.edu/kin/research/OBHRC/.

• Freer Client In the News!

  Four year’s ago Cody Traub arrived at Catherine Freer suffering from depression and behavioral issues. Today, as he graduates from high school, he is being recognized for his role in updating the Washington state high school curriculum and student leadership roles statewide. He even has a personal letter of recommendation from Washington Gov. Christine Gregorie. Read more about Cody in Longview, Washington’s The Daily News at http://www.tdn.com/articles/2006/06/03/area_news/news07.txt.

• OTH Alumni Returns for Annual Mule Endurance Race

  Oregon Transition Home (OTH) alumni Chas Biederman returned to join current OTH participants in the Winnemucca Mule Days Marathon. Biederman completed his stay in the OTH program in 2004, but returns annually to participate in the mule marathon. Biederman created lasting relationships while at OTH and explains, “my Freer trek and my time at OTH were definitely life-changing experiences.” Today he is living with sobriety and with the values that he established at Catherine Freer. Chas will spend the summer helping on the OTH mule ranch. In August he returns to Warren Wilson College to complete his junior year. To learn more about OTH visit http://cfreer.com/Programs/OregonTransitionHomes.html or call Sarah Mack at (800) 390-3983.

• Freer Nominated for Excellence in Family Business Awards

  Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs was nominated by West Coast Bank to receive a 2006 Excellence in Family Business Award. These prestigious awards recognize family-owned or closely held businesses that excel in their professionalism, commitment, and innovation. Oregon State University’s Austin Family Business Program presents the awards. For more information on the adolescent treatment programs offered by Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs visit http://www.cfreer.com.

• Oregon Transition Homes Client Wins Endurance Race

  No, it wasn’t a foot race. It was a 50-mile endurance horse race in which 14-year-old River, an Oregon Transition Homes (OTH) client, competed. But it wasn’t a horse he was riding. He rode a mule from the OTH ranch where he has been living for the past six months. His mule was far from stubborn as he helped River to come in first place in the junior level and fourth place in the overall race. Prior to enrolling into OTH, River had no horseback riding or mule experience. Nor did his parents who joined him in the race, also riding upon mules.

  Upon completing a Freer wilderness expedition, River needed more time to assimilate his therapeutic experience. He didn’t require the intensity of a residential treatment program and he also wasn’t ready to return home. Through the OTH program, he is living on a mule ranch with a highly qualified and trained family. Here he is benefiting from living in a nurturing home environment, where there are clear and consistent rules and expectations. For more information call Sarah Mack at (541) 928-2749.

• Cooley Presents at JCAHO Conference

  (December 2005) – Freer Executive Director Rob Cooley, Ph.D., presented at the second annual JCAHO Behavioral Health Care conference held this month in Chicago. The conference focused on bridging the gap between scientific theory and practice by incorporating outcome research and results into an organization’s systems. Catherine Freer was the first therapeutic wilderness program to be endorsed by JCAHO, a not-for-profit health care accreditation organization, and has taken part in numerous outcome studies. To learn more visit http://cfreer.com/long-lasting-results/.

• Freer Therapists Top of Their Game

  (November 2005) – Few, if any, other programs offer the depth of staff training that Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs provides to its employees. Weekly clinical trainings are held for therapists and field staff. Moreover, all therapists are required to complete 40 hours of certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) training annually. At Catherine Freer, we have created an innovative learning environment that fosters unique opportunities for personal and professional growth for our employees. This creates a healthy work environment that permeates the company, contributing to our outstanding client service. For more information on Catherine Freer’s staff team visit http://cfreer.com/Staff.

• Santiam Students Swept Away By River Expedition Experience

  (November 2005) – Negotiating difficult situations, learning tools to help them handle unforeseen obstacles, and facing challenges – this is not the description of a typical group therapy session, but rather the details of the exhilarating rafting experience from which the students of Santiam Crossing School recently returned. The academic block break on the Deshutes River was lead by Catherine Freer Founder and Executive Director Rob Cooley, Ph.D., and Program Director Brian MacInnes. The students returned invigorated from the adventure. Learn more about Santiam Crossing School at http://www.santiamcrossing.com.

• Shimmeal Presents at Wilderness Risk Manager’s Conference

  (November 2005) – Experts in risk management from around the country gathered recently in Utah at the Wilderness Risk Manager’s Conference co-sponsored by NOLS, Outward Bound, and the Student Conservation Association. Catherine Freer’s Wilderness Program Manager Kirk Shimmeal gave a training entitled “Risk Management in Therapeutic Wilderness Programs.” Kirk discussed the unique risk management issues inherent in working with clients who have mental health and/or substance abuse problems and other issues. Kirk has managed Catherine Freer’s wilderness department and has been responsible for the company’s risk management for nine years. The four years prior he worked with Freer clients as a lead wilderness guide.

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