The mission of the non-profit ANASAZI Foundation is to prepare parents and children to turn their hearts to one another, begin anew, and walk in harmony in the wilderness of the world. “At ANASAZI, the children come first. We come second. To free themselves from worldly cares, I counsel our people to ‘drop their burdens at the gate’ and tend to the needs of the YoungWalkers on the trail. We strive to remind ourselves that the ANASAZI Way is not to change the behavior of the YoungWalker or the Parents, but to provide opportunities for the heart to be touched, so the change can come willingly from the ‘one who stands within.’ Then the Change of Heart, like clear water, will flow without compulsion.” -The One Who Stands Within by “Good Buffalo Eagle”, Ezekiel C. Sanchez
ANASAZI also encourages the consideration and exploration of the spiritual component of one’s life as a part of treatment. The choice to include spirituality is purely voluntary. ANASAZI does not endorse or favor a particular religion or belief system. Founded by wilderness therapy pioneers Larry Olsen and Ezekiel Sanchez, the nurturing approach at ANASAZI summons introspection and personal responsibility-it powerfully invites a change of heart that promotes a lasting change of behavior. Treatment is individualized and provided by a licensed and credentialed staff specializing in child and adolescent psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, nursing, and experiential education. Staffing ratios are 2:1, and group sizes range from 3-8. Outpatient, aftercare, and alumni services are available to support and sustain changes made while at ANASAZI. Fees may be covered by insurance, and financial aid is available for families in need. Admissions occur continually, year-round.
