Upon completion, we expect students to:

• Make progress according to their individualized therapeutic treatment plan
• Develop the skills, self-discipline and motivation to become life-long learners
• Build the emotional skills needed to be successful participants in their communities
• Participate in service learning to experience making a meaningful contribution as a part of their recovery
• Deepen their comprehension and skills in a variety of academic areas
• Earn academic credits- both recovered and new- and complete a portfolio reflecting academic achievement
• Develop a skillful and knowledgeable approach to the wilderness

Santiam Crossing and the Catherine Freer programs are committed to continuous program improvement. Therefore, we will examine the clinical outcomes of our students utilizing the Youth Outcome Questionaire (YOQ). We will compare the progress of our students to youth completing other residential treatment programs, and we will also administer the YOQ during each phase of treatment (prior to trek, upon completion of the 21-day trek, upon completion of Extended Expeditions, and upon completion of Santiam Crossing) to track the progress of our students.

Hear What Our Students Have to Say

"So this goes out to all of the parents who missed their children dearly last weekend (Christmas). You needn't worry about us our Santiam family continues to grow stronger by the day, and our holiday proved to be no exception to that statement. I might be wrong, but in my belief, we all learned something over the holidays. We learned that family is not just defined by blood it's defined by the people who make our surroundings feel like home. It's defined by honesty and the connections that a group of people comes to have with one another. So in a sense, your children, and my close friends, weren’t at all separated from their families over the weekend we were just spending our holidays with extended family, and for right now that is exactly who we need to be with. - Alex, Santiam Crossing student (Jan. 2006)

"This year’s New Years was one of the better ones I’ve had. I can’t decide which activity I liked more - playing games or having a barbeque at the park. It was so awesome to have the entire community together. It’s definitely a memory I won’t soon forget." - Cassie N. (Jan. 2008)

"I can proudly say that I am a high school graduate. I came to Santiam expecting to make up a couple of credits. When I finished the Biology class that Santiam offers, I realized that with the teacher-friendly environment and the support from my peers, I had the capability to graduate high school at Santiam. So I set off on my journey. I have to say my favorite thing about Santiam’s school is that I have the ability to create and modify some of my classes. I have done this many times. For 0.5 social studies credit I read a book called Into The Wild, and then wrote a song on guitar, and a paper about the book. When I was done I watched the movie and then presented to the staff team what I learned and the song I wrote. All in all, my experience here was anything but boring. It’s all been hands-on and built to fit me." Tom G. (Jan. 2008)

"After being at Santiam for 5 ½ months, I am about to graduate the program tomorrow. Santiam has really helped me get along with my family better and has prepared me to go home with a positive attitude. After my last boarding school, Santiam has helped me to transition home and set me up for a good future." - Hannah S. (Jan. 2008)

Parent Testimonials

"Tyler left Santiam Crossing nearly 15 months ago. Wow!! We as a family are forever and ever indebted to Catherine Freer and Santiam. Thank you!! I could not be prouder of Tyler. He went to hell and back a couple of times....but he survived, and is now thriving. He fought hard, and you gave him the skills he needed to get his life back. He just turned 18 and he's holding a good job (they LOVE him), working hard, finishing school, getting his driver's license, being a great Uncle, and is NOT -- and I repeat, NOT -- doing anything he shouldn't be doing. I can honestly say that I trust Tyler now. I couldn't have asked for any more than we've been given!" – Vanessa S. (Feb. 2009)

"I just wanted to give you a long overdue update on Scott. I’m happy to report that he graduated high school on January 18 and began taking college courses at our local community college this week!...The lessons learned while at Santiam Crossing show themselves more and more each day as Scott shows himself to be personally, as well as, socially responsible. He has applied to the University of Redlands in California for fall 2008 and we are all wishing him success in his dreams to live and further his education in California. Many, many thanks to all at Catherine Freer and Santiam Crossing for helping Scott make his dreams become reality and especially for the loving support you gave our family." - Laura A. (Jan. 2008

I hope this letter conveys to you my absolute gratitude and heart felt thanks for the growth I have seen in my daughter since her admittance to Santiam Crossing and her recent graduation from your wonderful program. The change in her from this time last year is indeed incredible. We felt very welcome with the open arms you all provided and the professional confidence you exude as you go about your work on campus and off. The result of your endeavors is that Zoey has the tools and self awareness to live a full and happy life. …All of her relationships are vibrant and engaging like what I observed on my visits to campus amongst students and staff and I am sure that she will reflect upon her time with you as one of the most important in her life as she continues to realize her hopes and dreams. Thank you to every one of you on the staff." - Craig L. (Sept 2007)