Here is my testimony as a parent of a WinGate alum: I cannot say enough great things or begin to describe the impact WinGate made on my stepson, and our whole families lives. Dropping him off at the WinGate office in Kanab, we questioned if we were doing the right thing. We 100% made the right choice, and with out a doubt we believe WinGate saved his life. We quickly began to realize the amazing things Wilderness Therapy was doing for Aiden. The staff, his therapist, the office staff, and everyone we were in contact with over the 8 weeks Aiden was there really made us feel comfortable and reassured us that Aiden was in the best possible place he could be at getting the help and care he so desperately needed. My husband and I had the great privilege to visit WinGate for the parent visit when he was 5 weeks into the program. Seeing him for the first time at his campsite is something I will remember for the rest of my life. We were moved to tears at the progress he made in such a short time. He gained confidence he didn’t know he had, communication and leadership skills, and the wilderness skills he learned was incredible. We were blown away with the passion and love that came from the field staff and therapists. Our whole family is so sad about the news of WinGate closing. Aiden loved WinGate so much that he had plans to go back to work for them when he was old enough. As a parent, it is heartbreaking to know that teens who are struggling with mental health, trauma or whatever the case may be will not have WinGate as an option. We are incredibly grateful for WinGate, and the entire staff, and the incredible past students of WinGate for the courage to share their stories, stand up for what they believe in and fight for WinGate.
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