My name is Tatum, and I'm writing this to tell whoever will hear me that WinGate is capable of, and does change lives, everyday. I did the process. I even ended up asking to come back, and found myself begging to stay when my time was up. Even now, nearly a year after my first time in wilderness, I'm still learning from and living the things I was taught there. When you go through a journey like that, it doesn't end when you leave; it's something that will stay with you and forever impact your life. I've read the things people have said about WinGate online, and it angers me to tears, because not one word is true. I know girls who I was in the program with who I've heard cry out of gratitude to WinGate, who I've laughed with, who I've cried with, hiked with, slept next to. I've seen them grow in the wilderness, but some of them have gone on to relapse or forget their healing process, and place blame on others in resentment. Often, that blame gets tossed into the arms of people, places, and things you were/are closest to. I have seen this happen, and I have seen WinGate thrown under the bus for things they have no control over. It's true that not every single person thrives in wilderness therapy, just like it's true that not everyone likes pineapple on their pizza. That doesn't mean we should get rid of Hawaiian pizza all together, right? But I would swear everything on the fact that WinGate has saved more lives than it has had bad experiences. To me it is a no brainer that the hundreds of people who would not still be here today if it weren't for wilderness, their lives, my life, is all worth the discomfort and complaints of students who wished they didn't have to sleep outside for a few weeks. A single life saved is worth it to me. I can not begin to express my absolute disappointment and grief over the lives of kids in the future who need help- because they will not have a WinGate to save them. I feel beyond blessed that I had the opportunity and honor to be a part of your community, and I will do whatever I can to prevent losing this. WinGate, you will always be home to me. So, so much love,
-Tatum.
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