Looking back, I can see that the seeds for the creation of Gray Wolf Ranch were sown in the difficulties I faced growing up in an alcoholic family. As a teenager, I also fell prey to the disease, becoming the second member of my family to enter treatment for chemical dependency. Although my first effort at recovery was unsuccessful, I returned to treatment one year later, followed by after-care at a halfway house. Although this was the one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, it has also been one of the most rewarding. From that point on I knew that one of my missions in life was to help young people who are struggling with addiction, and the concept of a residential recovery center became a strong vision for me.

After I completed the counselor training program at the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota, I was offered a job at the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families where I worked as a counselor and case manager. Watching young addicts move toward recovery was a powerful experience. I saw so much courage and strength in them, but I also saw the reality of the disease and the limitations of a one- or two-month program, especially for a younger population. My dream was to create a place that would combine traditional twelve-step recovery with the “Outward Bound” Philosophy, in a beautiful, respectful, nurturing setting. Gray Wolf Ranch would be a safe place to explore early recovery and learn how to apply the tools necessary to maintain long-term, quality sobriety; a place to live and work with other young recovering addicts who were dealing with the same kinds of issues and who would be able to help and support each other.

I wanted the program to provide a holistic approach to getting sober, where young people would learn that there was life after “using,” and that staying sober was worthwhile and rewarding. Although the process of recovery would require hard work and pose many hurdles, they would not be facing them alone.

As we celebrate our one-year anniversary at Gray Wolf, I can proudly say that we have accomplished what we set out to do. It has been a year filled with many challenges as well as many rewards and successes. There has been much growth. We have built very solid clinical and administrative teams. The quality of care that the staff provides is outstanding, and the dedication they have shown to the residents and to Gray Wolf Ranch is truly impressive. Our house is absolutely beautiful and is working exactly as it was designed to. The residents and families we have worked with over the past year have been exceptional individuals. The Port Townsend community has worked closely with us and with our residents. To all of these folks, I send a sincere “thank you” for helping me to realize my dream and for giving courage, strength, and hope to some very deserving young men.