Life Skills

The Life Skills program at Gray Wolf Ranch is a key component of our residents’ recovery and aims to equip each resident with the maturity and tools to handle the day-to-day challenges of life. We offer classes in nutrition, stress management and personal finances providing the information, training and guidance they’ll need to return to the wider world. We find that many of the residents use this program to make positive changes in their lives that support their ability to stay clean and sober. All of the classes provide the residents with resources for getting more information and for getting help with specific concerns.

Life Skills classes are optional but strongly encouraged. More than 75 percent of our residents take advantage of one or more of the offerings. Classes are taught by Gray Wolf instructor, Jill Christenson, who has a background in psychology and sociology as well as experience in alternative education and in working with adolescent males. All courses are taught at Gray Wolf and are offered once each month. Residents enrolled in Port Townsend High School can earn high school credit for the classes.

Nutrition—4 class hours

Good nutrition is particularly important in helping the body heal from damage caused by chemical dependency. This class provides instruction on basic nutrition concepts as well as specific information on the link between how you eat and your ability to stay sober. Topics include: Being Aware of What You Eat and How it Might Affect You; How to Eat to Support Recovery; Controlling Your Blood Sugar; Planning Menus; Reading Labels; Choosing Healthier Snacks; and Links Between the Way We Eat and Our Ability to Handle Anxiety and Depression.

Stress Management—1 class hours

This class gives background information on stress as well as techniques for stress management. Topics include: What is Stress; Stress and Addiction; and Ways to Handle Stress. An optional meditation class is also offered once a week.

Personal finances—4 class hours

Topics include: Consumerism; Financial Values; Using Credit Wisely; and Budgeting. Residents learn how to open a checking account, balance a checkbook, evaluate credit card offers and calculate the true costs of interest payments.

Job Skills

As part of the Life Skills program, the Gray Wolf instructor also offers individual help with job searches, resume preparation and interviewing.