Springing Into Connection

As the snow begins to recede, fresh new blades of grass begin to rise alongside a few delicate purple crocus. Unrestrained and resilient, these first shoots and blooms peek through the slabs of ice and snow just before the daffodils open and raise their gaze to the warming sun. Just as the chilly breezes of spring begin tickling the senses, hints of tender green start to coat the tip of every fir tree as far as the eye can see. With all the stirring colors and brightness of spring surrounding us, we are also facing toward the sun at WHMB.

Like the first rush of spring growth, our community is emerging from shadow, taking the next step beyond fear and uncertainty, to move into connection. In March 2022 alone WHMB received 18 new referrals for our Therapeutic Mentoring Services—nearly 4 times our typical monthly referral rate! In addition to our Therapeutic Mentoring program, our Clinical Services team added 10 new clients, bringing the total number of youth on our active caseload to 55. As these individuals are facing unprecedented challenges in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, impulse control, increased substance use/abuse, suicidal ideation, lack of connection, and loss of hope, their families are also seeking support and assistance with what we know to be our most valuable resource: the future generation of leaders, policy makers, earth shepherds.

WHMB has also increased our efforts in recruiting qualified paraprofessionals with the experience, heart, and passion to serve in the role of Therapeutic Mentor. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to hire, train and work alongside these amazing, dedicated individuals. The single most common response to the question of why they want to work with Gateway Mountain Center, “I want to do something at this stage of my life that has meaning and purpose.”

We are so blessed to be surrounded and supported by a community that has such unified and concerted efforts toward helping the hurt to heal. With the support of amazing people, an amazing partnership with our community, and the healing support of nature, we continue to turn our faces to the sun, and walk side by side in expanding the health and horizons for our hurting youth.

I send a heartfelt THANK YOU for your generosity and support of Gateway Mountain Center and our Whole Hearts, Minds & Bodies Program.

Crystal Milless, Whole Hearts, Minds & Bodies Program Director