LIFE EXPANDING ADVENTURE PROGRAM
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Mission Statement
To create empowering experiences for those facing adversity and trauma by providing wilderness programs.
About This Cause
Life Expanding Adventure Program (LEAP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to create empowering opportunities for those facing adversity and trauma by providing wilderness programs. We were founded in 2010 on the power of collaboration, augmenting the efforts of our nonprofit partners by delivering therapeutic programming on the remote rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Our innovative approach fosters renewal and healing through whitewater, camaraderie, and adventure. These wild waters are more than just a backdrop; they are the essence of our mission. Each ripple and rapid carries the power to heal, connect, and inspire, offering participants a chance to rediscover their strength and resilience. Through partnerships, shared experiences, and the unyielding beauty of nature, LEAP transforms challenges into triumphs, creating lasting impacts for individuals and communities alike. The wilderness is our classroom. The river is our metaphor. Kayaks are our toolkits. Specifically, we provide multi-day immersive whitewater kayaking programs on the Salmon River in Idaho and the Deschutes River in Oregon. We offer reflective programming, community building, and opportunities for connection for individuals who often have felt isolated within their circumstances. All of our programs are at no cost to our participants. We know that time in wild places, supported by peer connections, can heal trauma and strengthen the spirit. At LEAP, 50% of the people we serve have faced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, or living with family members struggling with mental health, substance use, or incarceration. The impacts of ACEs are severe and long-lasting, affecting relationships, emotions, and health, often leading to chronic conditions or mental illness. At LEAP, we harness the power of nature and adventure to disrupt trauma responses and foster resilience. The other 50% of those we serve live with post-traumatic stress from illness, injury, loss, or military service. Adventure therapy at LEAP increases self-efficacy, reduces distress, and enhances social connections. Our therapeutic programs provide a vital path to healing outside traditional therapy, offering innovative tools for mental health recovery.