Wilderness4Life

SUPPORTERS: WHAT WE DO
PBJF’s mission is to serve young people & their families in-crisis by providing resources that promote hope, healing, & a supportive community that encourages a continued healthy lifestyle & connection with nature.
PBJF has created & is launching the first of its kind non-profit community-centered adventure-based after-care coaching program in the Northwest called Wilderness4Life.
Young people & their families who have completed therapeutic programs to address behavioral health challenges are all candidates to participate in structured adventure activities, facilitated by a trained coaching staff & developed & overseen by an experienced, credentialed program director.
Wilderness4Life addresses the significant lack of services available when young people return home from therapeutic programs.
Wilderness4Life’s purpose is to provide invaluable continuum of care that bridges the experiences & successes gained while away from home to support continued recovery, sobriety & healing.
PBJF partners with premier Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare programs across that match 100% of our generous grants for families.
PBJF has a robust support group for parents/guardians.
PBJF is a dedicated supporter of suicide prevention awareness, research & community services.

PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION
Wilderness4Life
Supporters Q & A
HOW YOU CAN HELP

“We are a local business in Oregon and understand the tremendous need for a program like this to uplift so many of our deeply struggling youth; we would like to become a sponsor of Wilderness4Life. How do we become an ongoing sponsor?”
Your commitment to helping our young people in-crisis is the life force behind everything we do. We appreciate your business family’s willingness to step forward to join us in this meaningful effort through your financial sponsorship.
Please visit the donation page and select your preferred sponsorship level.
To be an ongoing sponsor, please indicate frequency preference.
If you would like us to let others know of your company or organization’s generosity and commitment to PBJF, we offer sponsorship benefits at several levels. Click here to learn which level meets your goals and objectives.
Call us at 503-810-9100 to discuss how we can work together.

“We are concerned parents in Washington and would like to donate funds to support the launch and to help Wilderness4Life expand to serve more of our young people who need community based local in-person aftercare. How can my partner and I support this coaching program financially?”
Thank You! We can only offer this program with the support of our community and generous donors like you.
In order to achieve our goal of 100% accessibility for applicants who have financial need, we would like to humbly ask for your generous gift and encourage you to become a patron.
Please visit our homepage and tap the contribute button. Once on the donation page, select your gift level whether it be a Trailblazer, Trekker, Summitter or Sherpa or Sponsor a Participant and choose your amount.
Please feel free to call us with any questions you may have regarding our programming.
Your contributions are fully tax deductible as we are a 501c3 Public Charity. Please consult your financial advisor.

“Our family and son have come through our own challenges and we are now all doing great after attending an Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare program across the country and a transitional living program in another state. We received generous assistance from PBJF and want to pay it forward. May we sponsor a young person so they may attend an OBH program and/or PBJF’s Wilderness4Life Coaching Program?
Our hearts are singing, because paying it forward to help another is what it’s all about! Thank you. Yes, you may sponsor a young person or family by donating in their name or we can connect you with a family at the family’s discretion.
Simply send a check with the family or young person’s full name in the memo or go to our donation page and select sponsor a kid and donation amount. We will reach out to match you with a family or young person. You may also sponsor a family or young person anonymously.

“I don’t live in Oregon or Washington, but I would like to offer my skills and experience. How can I help from afar?”
We would absolutely appreciate your help and need it! We are currently looking for people experienced in grant writing. If you have no experience but are proficient in spelling and grammar in English, we can train you!
Or if you want to help raise money for this effort by planning a personal event, we can support you in that process.
It can be as simple as raising money on social media on your birthday or planning a personal fundraiser, or group fundraiser event or promoting an activity and asking for pledges.
Please fill out the Wilderness4Life interest form and indicate your interest and we will reach out to you.

“We own a guide service and know of someone else who does as well, may we call you to collaborate on planning some cool outings? Who do we contact?”
Yes, please, we encourage 3rd party outfitters and providers to reach out to us and work together to plan and implement enriching outings here in Oregon and Washington and even beyond the Pacific NW.
Please submit a Wilderness4Life Interest Form and indicate your interest(s). The program director will contact you. Thank you.

“We know someone who has a gear library to lend sports gear and also has equipment to donate–can we assist your program in this way?”
Yes, we would be appreciative to have you gear resource support for participants who may need specific gear or clothing.
Please contact us by filling out and submitting the Wilderness4life Interest Form and indicating your interests. The program director will contact you. Thank you.

REFERRALS: PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION
Wilderness4Life
Referrals Q & A
CONNECTING YOUR CLIENTS

“I am a clinician practicing in Oregon, working with a family of an adolescent boy; I am interested in referring your program to this family as part of my client’s continuum of care plan when he returns home after completing a long term residential program LTR; can my client participate in your program?
Yes. The program director can work with you with the family and child’s consent along with the family to facilitate the application, screening and registration process.
The teen will be placed in a co-ed group session with other participants with whom have had similar length of time in therapeutic care.

“We are an Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Program in Utah and our client, a teenage girl from Oregon, is completing her program soon and is going home; Is your program appropriate for her?”
Yes, we invite all Oregon and Washington teens who have completed OBH programs from across the country to join our group sessions in their local area.
She will be placed in a co-ed group session with other participants who have attended wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding schools, long term residential programs, all of which may be approximately 30 days or longer.
Please introduce your families and their teens (and young adults), who are soon to graduate from your program and will be going home by directing them to the program director. We can work together with the family and your program staff to help create an aftercare structure to support a smooth transition home.

“I am an Educational Consultant from Washington and working with a family with a young adult who identifies as transgender; Do you allow participation for clients who identify as LGBTQIA2S+?”
Yes, we welcome all applicants regardless of how they identify.

“We are a detox program for young adults with in-patient stays of 30 days or fewer; We are interested in referring our sober clients to you as a supportive and healthful program that can provide some weekly structure and positive community for them; Do you accept young adults who have only had at most 30 days of treatment?”
Yes, we welcome applicants who have participated in programs of 30 days or fewer and placed with other participants with similar time in treatment.

“My client, an adolescent teen from Oregon high functioning on the autism spectrum, is completing a short term residential program soon and her parents are wanting to help her integrate when she is back at home; is she welcome to participate?”
Yes, we welcome applicants who have been identified as being on the autism spectrum. Enrollment will be at the discretion of the program director after completion of applicant interview and dependent on ability of applicant to participate in all session activities.

“We are a wilderness therapy program but not accredited by OBH Council; are our graduates eligible to register?”
Yes, we welcome applicants who have completed various wilderness programs. Placement will be at the discretion of the program director and determined, in part, by length of therapeutic time in prior programs.

“I am a member of a local church and we have a program to help struggling teens and young adults find healing from substance abuse and other hardships; our program involves families who take in young people for a year or more and the teen receives support, gains skills and guidance from our church family that includes bible-focused studies; Are our teens eligible to join your program?”
Yes, we welcome applicants who have completed or participated in faith-based programs. Placement will be determined based, in part, on length of therapeutic time in the faith-based program at program director’s discretion.

“I am an Educational Consultant from Idaho and I have clients who live in Oregon and Washington; May I work with you to refer clients even though my business is in neither Oregon or Washington?”
Yes, we welcome applicants who reside in Oregon and Washington but work with clinicians and service providers from other states.

“My client has attended a Wilderness Therapy Program in North Carolina, then continued to a transitional living program for young male adults in Arizona and he is from Oregon; May I refer my client to you? May I facilitate the process for my client?”
Yes, you may refer your client to us and our program director would be more than happy to work with you to facilitate the process with and for your client at their written consent and approval.

“As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW with clients in Washington, may I work directly with the program director to help assess the appropriateness of your program for my clients?”
Our goal is to provide optimal experiences for all our participants in the program. We welcome collaboration with our program director to assess appropriate fit–at the family and young person’s consent and approval.

“As part of the therapeutic community working with adolescents and young adults here in Oregon who suffer from mental health challenges, addiction, substance abuse and other issues, how can we work with you to support this much needed program for our young people in-crisis?”
We agree with you about how much this program is needed. We invite local community organizations and businesses to collaborate with us for the benefit of our Pacific NW families. Bring your ideas and resources and we can come together, share and work toward supporting one another to create community.

“As a therapist, I work with clients on a sliding scale and many do not have the financial means to afford a program; If I have a client who meets your registration criteria but cannot afford the participation fee, is there financial assistance available and what do my clients need to do to qualify?”
We will not turn away anyone based on their ability or inability to pay for the program. Families and young adults of all socio-economic levels may apply and if financial assistance is needed, we provide the opportunity to apply for available grants.

“I am a middle school psychologist in the public school system here in Washington and would like to know if your program offers an after school program for students in our classrooms who are struggling with behavioral and academic challenges?”
We wish we could accept everyone to our program, however, applicants must have attended a therapeutic program of 30 days or fewer to long term residential programs of one year or more to participate. And all participants must be seen regularly (minimum of once per week) by a clinician such as a licensed therapist, licensed social worker, or licensed family counselor to attend.

“My colleagues and I are employed by the state of Oregon with DHS and work with families to find and receive services. How can we work together to qualify youth for your program?
The program director and your team can work directly together to support the application process and advocate for families at the family’s written consent and approval. Your families may be a great fit for Wilderness 4Life.

“As a local clinician who works with families of youth and young adults, I need to ask if your program qualifications include requiring each participant to see a licensed counselor on an ongoing basis–in addition to your coaching support.”
No, it is not a requirement that all participants enrolled in the program be engaged with a licensed therapeutic professional.

JOBS: PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION
Wilderness4Life
Jobs Q & A
HOW, WHEN AND WHERE TO APPLY

I have extensive experience, education and training in the field of experiential education, psychology, social work with strength in outdoor program development, coaching, staff development, working with adolescents and young adults with a passion to serve my community and help support others by creating a supportive culture for growth and healing. I would like to apply for the program director position. Where do I apply?”
Job applications for program director will be accepted beginning Fall 2022
Please visit our home page at pbjf.org and click on the Wilderness4Life button and once there, you may complete and submit the interest form, or
Complete the application and send resume and references to info@pbjwilderness4life.org and include your full name and position for which you are applying in the subject line.
We will contact candidates to schedule interviews beginning First Quarter 2023.
Target hiring of W4L Program Director early Spring 2023.

“I have experience working with adolescents and young adults as well as experience and training in the field of experiential education, I have certifications in various skills, I have credentials in various outdoor activities and I would like to apply to become a coach. Where do I apply?”
Job applications will be accepted beginning Fall 2022 to Spring 2023.
Please visit on the Wilderness4Life page and once there, you may complete and submit the interest form checking the appropriate interest box, or
You may complete the job application and send resume and references to info@pbjwilderness4life.org and include your full name and position for which you are applying in the subject line.
The program director will contact candidates to schedule interviews beginning early spring 2023
Target hiring date of W4L Coaches by Spring 2023.

“I am a senior at an Oregon College and am getting my degree in Social Work–does PBJF have an intern program where I can use my education as a coaching assistant for Wilderness4Life as a way of completing my thesis and graduation requirements?”
Yes, we encourage you to fill out and submit an interest form on the W4L page expressing your interest in becoming an intern.
We will be accepting applications for intern positions beginning Spring 2023.
The program director will contact candidates to schedule interviews beginning Spring 2023.
Target selection date for W4L Interns by late Spring 2023.

“What are the degrees under which a candidate would qualify for an intern position? What compensation is there, if any?”
Qualifying degrees for intern candidates include senior year degree-seekers in Experiential & Outdoor Education, Psychology, Social Work.
PBJF will provide interns with reasonable compensation per semester.

“This program sounds awesome and I would love to be a part of PBJF’s mission to help provide hope and continued healing to young people and their families in the Pacific NW–what are my next steps?”
Fantastic! We can’t wait to meet you! The best way to begin is to go to the Wilderness4Life page and complete and submit the interest form and select your areas of interest. We will reach back to you as soon as possible.

PARENTS: PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION
Wilderness4Life
Parents Q & A
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
“Our son is graduating from his Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare program and he is coming home soon. When does your coaching program begin and where?”
PBJF is launching its first sessions beginning in Summer 2023 in Seattle, Bend, Portland, with plans to launch in Eugene, Tri-Cities, Ashland, Everett as determined by need and staffing.

“My daughter has attended a wilderness therapy program in another state and it isn’t one of your OBH program partners listed on your website. Can she still attend your coaching program?”
Yes, participants from any wilderness therapy program from any state are qualified to apply.

"Will PBJF accept my teen if they have only completed a 30 day in-patient rehab or out- patient program?”
Yes, we will offer sessions and placement with participants who have similar therapeutic experience and time in programs.

“If my child is 12 to 26 years old, lives in Oregon or Washington and completed any treatment program or attended a therapeutic boarding school, a short or long term residential program, or even just rehab–anywhere in the US or another country, for 30 days or longer, are we really eligible to participate in Wilderness4Life?”
Yes, simply go through our application, interview and placement process with the program director and coaching staff and we will determine which program group is your best fit and help you and your family make a plan for additional support as needed.

“Will your program groups be inclusive to all participants with their chosen identifiers?”
Yes, our sessions will be inclusive of gender identity, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation and socio-economic level.

"How much does Wilderness4Life cost?"
Price will be determined prior to participant enrollment date. Families will pay for each 12 week session. We will offer an introductory price for first time enrollees for the first year.

“May we enroll in continuing sessions throughout the year and if so, are discounts available for multiple session enrollment?”
Yes, we will offer a 10% discount on the second session enrollment and 15% discount on the third and subsequent sessions off the standard price.
10% discount off standard fee will be offered for second session enrollees.
15% discount off standard fee will be offered for 3rd and subsequent session enrollees.

“What does the enrollment fee cover?”
The fee covers coaching staff wages, program director wages, staff health benefits, insurance costs, programming gear and supplies, 3rd party agreement fees, program development costs, costs of fundraising, marketing costs, legal fees.

“Is the program offered year round and can my young adult son join any time of year?”
Yes, the sessions will be offered year round with rolling enrollment with announced time off for recognized holidays.

“How will I know if my child will qualify and if the group session is the right fit?”
PBJF will have a thorough application, interview and registration process with the applicant and family by the program director to determine qualifications and appropriate placement.

“Is financial assistance offered if we cannot afford all the program fees and if so, where do we apply?”
Yes, PBJF will offer grants to any family or young adult who qualifies for financial assistance based on need.
No young person will be denied participation on the basis of financial status.
Please visit the Wilderness4Life program page, complete and submit the interest form and indicate your interest for financial assistance.
Upon registration you will be able to complete the grant application for W4L Program and submit all requested supporting documents at that time.

“Do you provide appropriate gear and proper footwear and clothing for all activities and what if my child does not have them?”
The program and 3rd party providers will provide appropriate equipment for activities.
Your child will need proper footwear and clothing appropriate for session activities as we are outdoors year round.
If your child does not have adequate clothing for the weather or activity, it is the participant and/or family’s responsibility to let the program director know if assistance is needed.

“What if I am a young adult with a criminal record, will I still be able to qualify to apply to the program?”
Yes, we will carefully review your situation and determine if the program is an appropriate fit for you. Your safety and the safety of the other participants is our number one priority.
Eligibility will be determined by the program director and team upon screening and a clinical review and be evaluated as a team on a case by case basis.
We understand that having a criminal record does not define you and does not determine who you will and can become.

“Will this coaching program be a good substitute for individual and family therapy with a licensed therapist or will we still need to keep our therapists?”
We will recommend each participant to be actively engaged with a licensed therapist, clinical social worker or credentialed psychologist but it is not a requirement to participate.

“Is Wilderness4Life safe for my son?”
Yes, our coaches will lead using industry accepted safety protocols and standards created, implemented and monitored on-going by the program director.
Our coaches will have experience working with youth and young adults in the field and be trained in wilderness first aid, wilderness first responder, de-escalation and coaching skills. We will conduct all weekly sessions within cell service range.
There are always inherent risks associated with physical activities and with being out in nature. It is important that each participant conduct themselves in a safe manner at all times, follow their coach’s instructions and communicate if they feel unsafe or are concerned about the safety of others.

“What if my child has a medical condition and needs her medication during a session?
We will consider safety first for your child and the other participants. It is important that your child can safely participate in all planned activities.
Eligibility will be determined by the program director and team upon screening and a clinical review. Any medical issues will be evaluated as a team on a case by case basis.

“How will my child get to and from the different meeting locations?”
Each family or young adult is responsible for getting to and being picked up from each session. We currently are not able to provide transportation services. due to the high cost of owning and operating a vehicle and the associated insurance.

“Are meals provided for my child during the 3 hour sessions?”
Participants are asked to attend after having eaten or come prepared and bring their own snacks, water bottles to each session.
If any participant has a hardship and has difficulty providing adequate sustenance for herself or himself, it is the responsibility of the family or participant to communicate this to the coach and program director.
PBJF will help families reach out to community services for support.

“How long is each session and how often will you meet and what about sessions during the holidays?”
We will meet each week for 3 hours on Sunday at each meeting location predetermined in the session schedule by each coach and approved by the program director.
We will encourage participants and coaches to enjoy time with family and friends to rejuvenate and connect with loved ones during holidays.

“What kind of activities may be offered by Wilderness4Life in sessions?”
We will offer activities based on the preference, skill-set and experience of each coach and selected contracted 3rd party outfitters/providers.
These activities may include any of the following: hiking, biking, challenge courses, ropes work, rock climbing, SUPing, kayaking, meditation, yoga, rafting, surfing, equine, golf, disc-golf, snow shoeing, nordic skiing, fire-busting, cooking, baking, arts and crafts, painting, music, dance and survival skills.

“What if our child and family needs additional support services beyond your group coaching program, do you offer one-to-one and family coaching?”
Yes, additional individual or family coaching services with coaches will be available through PBJF for a separate fee, TBD based on availability of coaching staff and donations raised.

“Our family has waited for a program like this for so long. Our son graduated from his program and is an alumnus now and 25 years old. Can he participate?”
Yes, we accept alumni from any program in the country to apply and join our young adult groups.

“What if we wanted to have Wilderness4life come to our city that is not listed as one of your selected geographical areas?”
We base our selected geographical coaching areas based on need for that area. If there is a need that we can staff and economically fulfill, we can come!

“We as parents would like to meet other parents and families of other participating children in the program. How can we connect with them?”
PBJF has a strong parent support program currently in the Portland area led by compassionate and experienced parents.
Our Mom’s and Dad’s groups meet separately in person once per month in a parent led relaxed and supportive gathering.
If you are interested in joining this group and are in the Portland area, please let us know and we will connect you with our parent volunteer leaders.

“There is no parent group in my geographical area. Can I start a parent group in my city?
Yes, we will support you to start, maintain and grow a parent group in your area
Please let us know you are interested in becoming a parent group leader by completing the interest form on the Wilderness4Life page.

“This sounds like an awesome program! How do we let you know we are interested in having our child participate?”
Thank You, we are so excited and honored to be able to offer this much awaited service to the families and individuals in our community. It has been a long-imagined dream that is coming to fruition by the generous support of our local patrons, valued PBJF volunteers and team.
Please visit our website at pbjf.org, click on the Wilderness4Life button on the homepage, read the detailed outline and scroll to the interest form, complete and hit submit.
Enrollment and Registration begins Spring 2023.
Sessions commence Summer 2023.
Please feel free to call us directly with any other questions at the listed number on the page. Leave a detailed message and we will return your call as soon as we can. Thank you.

Wilderness4Life
Outdoor Adventure Coaching, Non-Profit, Aftercare Program
"Bringing Wilderness Home"

Who

Teens & young adults ages 12 to 26 are welcome.
Alumni of 90+ day Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare, wilderness therapy, long term residential treatment, or therapeutic boarding schools are welcome.
Alumni of short term residential treatment programs up to 30 days in concurrent outpatient treatment are welcome.
Enrollment of participants under age 18 requires their verbal & written consent. This is separate from parent or guardian agreement.
Wilderness4Life is inclusive of all gender, sexual orientation, race, faith, ethnicity & socio-economic status.

Why

Participants benefit from community based resilience & relapse prevention. Positive peer interaction provides structure, reinforces learning & growth & creates real connection.
Nature based outdoor settings support experiences of wellness & healing.
Youth & young adults return to their families & local communities often from highly structured therapeutic settings & often there are limited opportunities for any type of structured support. This poses a long recognized challenge of recidivism & relapse.
Involvement with those who have had similar extensive treatment time in therapeutic growth & self reflection encourages safe & supportive relationships.
Group members are generally more comfortable in a non-therapy coaching setting.
Youth & young adults completing thirty days or fewer residential treatment programs need reinforcement of their experience of stabilization & assessment.
Wilderness4Life will be the first non-profit program in the Northwest providing in person, outdoor adventure based aftercare services!

What

Wilderness4Life provides coaching, not therapy.
Weekly sessions are offered year-round in a 12 week program cycle. Rolling enrollment is not limited to a current cycle.
Participants engage in experiential & adventure based activities primarily in the outdoors. Program elements adhere to accepted best safety practices
Sessions include adolescent groups for ages 12-17 & young adult groups for ages 18-26 for alumni of 90+ day treatment programs, 3 hours/weekly session.
Group size of eight participants are coached by two staff members certified in all aspects of activities offered. Size of groups may be modified depending on activity & participation demand.
Separate groups are provided for youth & young adults limited to experience of 30 day or less residential treatment. Enrollment requires concurrent participation in outpatient therapy such as partial hospitalization (day treatment), intensive outpatient, or weekly outpatient therapy.
Enrollment by those with 30 to 90 days of residential treatment experience will be placed at discretion of the program director. Concurrent therapy may be required.
Family involvement occurs once every four sessions.
Families pay for a 12 week commitment. Coaching services do not qualify for reimbursement by insurance. Financial assistance will be available based on need through a grant application process.
Additional individual or family coaching services can be provided for a separate fee.
Contributions to research & outcome assessments will be ongoing.

When

Program launch Summer 2023 funding is acquired & qualified staff members are hired.
Timeline:

Fundraising begins Fall 2022, Winter 2023
Accepting job applications for Program Director now, Hire program director by Spring 2023
Accepting job applications for Coaches Fall 2022, Hire coaches by Spring 2023
Accept applications for internships Spring 2023, Hire interns Summer 2023
Participant enrollment Spring 2023
Launch first sessions Summer 2023

Where

We are focusing our efforts in communities throughout Oregon & Washington starting in Seattle, Bend, Portland. Additional areas based on participant enrollment & staffing.

How

We are asking for donated funds to support & hire a program director to build, oversee, promote & lead Wilderness4Life.
We are seeking donations to hire coaches who are experienced field guides, wilderness instructors &/or adventure-based therapists.
We are engaging in referrals through programs, families, therapists, educational consultants & more.

Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation is a 501(c)3 Public Charity based in Oregon. Our mission, inspired by Co-founders Liz Bounds' & Dan Johnson's son, Parker, is to serve at-risk young people and their families by supporting hope & healing through "Wilderness" & beyond. In the past four years nearly 90 families have been supported with grants to attend accredited Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare programs. Many of the 100+ families in the PBJF Northwest community participate in the monthly in-person parent support groups.

To support Wilderness4Life contact Liz Bounds: info@pbjwilderness4life.org or 503-810-9100.

Please read “Parker’s Story” to understand the heart behind our mission.

Thank You.

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PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION