Healing the Wounds was chartered to honor our nation’s fallen heroes by empowering the children they left behind.
Our summer program is structured to be educational, inspiring, and enjoyable. All participants are also exposed to a variety of career opportunities that may serve as gateways for their future success.
VISION:
To mentor a critical segment of America’s youth through experience, education and support. As is often quoted, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”. Hence, all participants will leave with life-sustaining skills that will help them persevere through the most challenging of times. And yes, they’ll have fun in the process – hiking, fishing, archery, boating, wildlife photography, exploration and enjoying what may prove to be the most extraordinary adventure of their lives in Alaska.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Wilderness survival training by seasoned professionals, to promote self-confidence and leadership skills. Introduction to seamanship, coastal navigation and safe-boating skills.
First aid/CPR certification
Exposure to land-based wildlife and marine life in natural settings under the supervision of knowledgeable experts and professionals.
Introduction to career opportunities in food processing, education, healthcare, aviation, the armed forces, maritime services, law enforcement, and the sciences.
Networking opportunities, with peers and mentors, for the promotion of long-term friendships.
EXPOSURE TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN:
Manufacturing, culinary arts, food processing, healthcare, aviation, maritime services, the armed forces, law enforcement, education, sustainable resource management, and marine sciences.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS:
- To support those who need it most – the often forgotten children of our nation’s fallen heroes.
- To heighten public awareness of our country’s responsibility for mentoring these children.
- To reinforce core values, instill accountability and elevate the confidence of all
participants. - To educate participants as to current environmental issues and sound conservation practices.
- To establish a permanent call-in center that will accommodate immediate access to mentoring support for all participants.
- To channel 90 percent of charitable donations directly to the mission, minimizing overhead.
- To develop an internship program that will provide participants with marketable employment-related skills and experience.
Jeffrey M. Epstein, founder and President of Healing the Wounds, spent over thirty consecutive summers in the Alaskan wilderness. As the owner and founder of Outback Kodiak – Alaska Wilderness Adventures, he professionally guided dozens of experienced sportsmen and novices alike. Mr. Epstein’s maritime experience exceeds 45 years. He’s an experienced Captain and maintains a Master credential from the United States Coast Guard. Mr. Epstein’s fondest memories involve introducing children and teenagers to nature’s true magnificence.
Healing the Wounds is an educational and charitable organization that sponsors numerous programmatic activities aimed at supporting and honoring our fallen law enforcement and military heroes, and their families. Healing the Wounds is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a public charity organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.