Annette Pelletier, a social worker at the Austin Shelter for Women and Children, applied for an Austin Awesome Foundation grant to kick-start a new adventure therapy program for shelter residents.

Adventure therapy uses activities such as hiking, geocaching, and rock-climbing to work towards positive change. Research shows this type of therapy can help participants develop trusting relationship with others in addition to boosting self-confidence, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.

Says Annette: “The use of adventure therapy could be the key to helping women and children experiencing homelessness develop new skills that will help them achieve healing and self-sustainability.”