By David Lewis, Executive Program Director

As usual, we've been keeping busy here at Gray Wolf Ranch, working to give our residents the very best care and guidance possible. I'd like to give you an update on some of the latest happenings at the Ranch, from our new First Step Program to our recently completed Trek Center. We always appreciate your input and feedback and hope you're having a great summer.

The First Step Program

When residents arrive at Gray Wolf, they are now assigned to a First Step counseling group instead of jumping into the established group sessions right away. We've found that this gives newcomers a chance to settle in and adjust before joining the regular group sessions with residents who have been in the program for awhile. The First Step groups concentrate on A.A.'s "First Step" of admitting powerlessness over substance abuse. They also work on basic life skills, vocational skills, and education--providing a good foundation for the work they will do while at Gray Wolf.

The Alumni Services Program

Our growing Alumni Services Program is helping us to stay connected to our residents after they've left Gray Wolf, as well as giving our residents a sense of connection with our staff and with the friends they've made here. Since opening Gray Wolf, we've admitted hundreds of young men from around the U.S. Even those few who have attended but did not graduate are considered part of our Gray Wolf "family," and we encourage them all to keep in touch. This has been made easier through our website and our newsletter the pathfinder. Many graduates have returned to Port Townsend to visit and to participate in our Alumni Treks. We have been really pleased with the success of these trips, and we plan to add some new ones. (Look for more on Treks later in this newsletter.)

Wolf's Den Update

After two years as our weekend counselor at Gray Wolf, Tom Duke has moved to Outpatient Counselor and now oversees all of the clinical care at our Wolf's Den Sober house, an independent residence for graduates of our program who decide to stay on in Port Townsend. A Master's level therapist with 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Tom has lived in Port Townsend for the past 25 years. He has many good connections throughout the local community and knows the local "society and culture," enabling him to help the residents adjust to "life after Gray Wolf."

The Wolf's Den, which is a fully licensed outpatient program, helps residents to take the skills they've learned at Gray Wolf and apply them to independent living. Residents of the Wolf's Den must be graduates of the program, must have a job, must do their own shopping, cooking, and cleaning, and must attend two group sessions at the house each week, as well as one individual counseling session with Tom per week. The Wolf's Den has bee a very nice addition to our program and gives residents the option to continue their recovery in Port Townsend for a little bit longer in a less structured less supervised setting.

The Longboat Nears Completion

Last month, I was warmly invited to attend the Shutter Plank Ceremony for our new longboat at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. The traditional ceremony is held when the last plank is added to a boat that is under construction. It is certainly a cause for celebration for Gray Wolf, as the new 26-foot, traditionally built rowing and sailing vessel will be a welcome addition to our trek capabilities. For all the details about this project, look for the story and photos later in this newsletter.

4806 Foundation is Up and Running

A major accomplishment for us during this past year was the creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called 4806 Foundation. 4806 was created to provide financial and informational assistance to young adults seeking treatment for substance abuse, chemical dependency, and related disorders. Through 4806, information on treatment options will be made available, as well as a list of screened providers. For those young adults and their families who demonstrate financial need, scholarships will be available for participation in the private-sector treatment programs that have been approved by the Foundation. To receive the new 4806 brochure, call us here at Gray Wolf or on-line at www.4806foundation.com.

Welcome to Our New Staff Members

Lisa Hoebbel is our newest counselor at Gray Wolf. Coming to us from Illinois, Lisa brings a multitude of talents and experience to Gray Wolf, including twelve years working in the chemical dependency field as well as a great deal of outdoor motivational experience. Lisa is serving as a "floating counselor," working with our evening group sessions and our new First Step Program. We are excited to welcome Lisa to our dedicated team of professionals here at Gray Wolf.

Our New Trek Center

Our thanks go to Gray Wolf Trek Leader Alex Borton for planning and overseeing the design and construction of our new 1,500 square-foot Trek Center. Alex's experience in organizing our treks for the past five years gave him a great deal of insight into what we needed to make our trip preparations more efficient and pleasant. The result is a much-appreciated addition to our Gray Wolf campus. (See Alex's article in this newsletter for more details.)