ANASAZI News
Young People and Parents Gather at Mesa Grand Opening to Share Their Stories and Help Other Families in Crisis
05/06/2005Teens and young adults who have overcome depression,
school failure, substance abuse, and other behavioral concerns to participate
with their families at an event benefiting ANASAZI Foundation
Mesa, Arizona (May 6, 2005)-Graduates of ANASAZI Foundation-including teens and young adults who have overcome depression, school failure, substance abuse, and other behavioral concerns-will gather at the Dana Park Village Square shopping center in Mesa from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, May 6, to share their stories and answer questions for families facing similar challenges.
The event is part of a two-day grand opening celebration hosted by five Dana Park businesses-Costa Vida, Marble Slab Creamery, Intelli-Bed, Kreative Home Furnishings, and Radiance Med Spa. Each has agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to benefit the children and families served by ANASAZI.
Those attending the event will have the opportunity to meet former ANASAZI "Young Walkers" like Lindsey Johnson, now Costa Vida's marketing manager, who participated in ANASAZI's 42-day outdoor behavioral health care program as a teenager.
"When I was 17 years old, ANASAZI helped me find the path to self confidence and worth-a path that led me back to my family and away from the dangerous choices I was making previously," Johnson said.
"ANASAZI's caring staff and the wilderness itself gave me a new appreciation for the little things, for the comforts of home, and for all that my parents had provided," Johnson continued. "By the end of my stay, I had grown to respect my own ability to overcome any obstacle. Everything seems easier once you've made fire without matches."
"My hope is that this event will help bring a little of the ANASAZI Trail to other families in need," Johnson said.
The former ANASAZI Young Walkers attending the May 6 event will demonstrate fire-making and some of the other primitive living skills they acquired while participating in ANASAZI's outdoor program. ANASAZI staff will be on hand to answer questions and help parents learn how and when to talk with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
The event will also feature two days of live music, product giveaways, prizes, face-painting, and other attractions.
Dana Park Village Square is located just south of U.S. 60 on the west side of Val Vista Avenue.
About ANASAZI Foundation
ANASAZI Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3), nationally recognized and accredited behavioral health care provider for youth and young adults with substance abuse, emotional, and behavioral concerns. The organization provides services to more than 200 families annually through a 42-day outdoor treatment program operated in the Tonto National Forest of south-central Arizona. Known as "The Making of a Walking," this family-centered program employs a caring yet clinical approach that teaches personal responsibility, accountability, and survival skills-for use in the wilderness and to succeed in everyday life. Family involvement is also integral to ANASAZI's primary preventive effort, a drug abuse prevention program co-sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America called "Take the Time to Talk." More information is available at www.anasazi.org.
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Contact
Sean Rourke
ANASAZI Foundation
480.892.7403 phone
480.206.7017 cell
sean@anasazi.org
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