Gray Wolf Ranch didn’t exist back in '89, but the
idea of it was forming in Peter’s mind. We knew that
he was in the training program in part to learn the art of
chemical dependency counseling but also to learn the skills
that would be needed to establish a quality intermediate-care
program for young chemically dependent men.
I have been watching and cheering on the sidelines all along
as this idea came closer and closer to becoming a reality.
It wasn’t long before I began hearing about “Gray
Wolf Ranch” and seeing some really attractive promotional
materials about it. Knowing Peter’s appreciation of
quality, I could see that this fledgling program was headed
in a good direction.
Little did I know that I would someday be involved with
Gray Wolf myself. As addicts sometimes do, I had begun to
think that I’d been in recovery long enough to have
a good feel for what my Higher Power is thinking and planning
for me, and I was pretty comfortable with my HP’s plan
for me to be a "lifer" at Hazelden. I can honestly
say that not many opportunities could have enticed me away
from there, especially one that involved picking up my entire
life and moving it to the West Coast. But I was only unsure
about the decision until I came to Gray Wolf for the interview.
The quality of the entire program was immediately apparent
in the lush landscaped grounds, the comfortable, creatively
designed and furnished campus, and the warm feel of the place.
As I met the staff, I began to realize what a talented group
Peter B. and David Lewis had put together. Then meeting and
interacting with some of the residents pretty much cinched
it--what an incredible group of guys! I got to witness firsthand
the courageous work that they do here on their recovery.
Several of the residents commented to me that they felt fortunate
to be at Gray
Wolf and appreciated what a high-quality program they were
participating in.
That’s when it became a no-brainer for me. On my way
back to Minnesota, I knew that I really wanted to join the
team at Gray Wolf and was hoping that the interview team
would consider me a good fit and qualified for the job. You
can imagine how excited I was when Peter called to offer
me the position. Now that I’m here, I regularly encounter
the quality, talent, and dedication that have earned Gray
Wolf the excellent reputation it enjoys so early in its history.
I feel privileged to be part of a great facility doing such
noble work--and doing it well--and I am always asking my
Higher Power to help me do a good job for Gray Wolf and for
our residents and their families.
A special word to Gray Wolf alums: You are always welcome
here. The staff and residents alike benefit from seeing our
graduates doing well and succeeding in their recovery. Whenever
you can make it, drop in to refresh your recovery, renew
old memories, and enjoy some great outdoor time as well.
I welcome your calls and e-mails and hope to meet many of
you personally. If I can be of service to you in any way,
feel free to call me at Gray Wolf at 1-800-571-5505 or email
me at woody@graywolfranch.com.
