One Great River

The current program focus of One Great River is to respond to needs of youth caused by the COVID Pandemic, such as isolation from peers, increased levels of anxiety and stress, loss opportunity for social development, sedentary life-style and a disconnect from nature.

Youth, ages 13-17, are involved in three related program activities designed to mediate risk factors caused, in part, by the COVID 19 pandemic.

BELONGING 

We engage youth, from diverse cultural backgrounds, in an experiential workshop series to Build Trust, Team, and a Sense of Belonging. In doing so, we collaborate with other local, culture-specific, non-profit organizations.

HEALTHY LIVING

We connect youth to nature and provide experiential education in trail running, hiking, and healthy eating.

MINDFULNESS 

We teach youth a proven life-skill to effectively manage risk factors, such as anxiety and stress, that contribute to problem behaviors, such as illicit substance use.

COLLECTIVE IMPACT 

We involve key leaders from collaborating non-profit organizations in coalition building, learning about science-based prevention practices and advocacy for collective impact on positive youth development.

Testimonials

Brandon :

 One Great River has impacted me in a tremendous way. It taught me how to work together as a team with people of very diverse backgrounds. I learned to eat healthy foods. The biggest influence on me was an adventure trek in Grand Teton National Park. As an inner city teen, I had never been out of the south. I had no idea what to expect. I saw mountains, elk , streams and forests everywhere. And learned to love the outdoors.

My future goal is to be able to get more diverse children in the program so that they can learn and have the appreciation to healthy eating, teamwork and the outdoors.

Myra: 

One Great River was an amazing experience; and to this day I incorporate what I learned about living a healthy lifestyle and exploring nature with my own children. My family and I go camping, bike riding, and take frequent nature walks. 

Jennifer: 

One Great River was one of the best experiences of my life! It taught me so many life skills that I still use to this day! It changed my life and opened my eyes to a whole new world I never knew existed!! Thank you One Great River for teaching me the morals and values I needed to get through life.