Freshman Senator Introduced to Northwest Passage

WEBSTER, Wis. -- Northwest Passage welcomes State Senator, Patty Schachtner, to their campus to tour programs and learn about mental health residential treatment. Schachtner visited both residential treatment programs, Prairieview and Riverside, the assessment program, and the In a New Light art gallery.

Program director, Ellen Race says of the visit, "We appreciate when our elected officials stop in and see our programs in person. It is imperative that those making the rules governing our work truly understand what’s at stake and the importance of residential treatment services like ours."

The Senator was impressed with our innovative approach to treatment, incorporating the arts, nature, and recreation into our care for starters. She echoed the importance of treatment options like ours. “Many of these kids have experienced multiple traumatic situations and have been in multiple foster homes. Innovative programs like the ones provided by Northwest Passage help invest in our kids to be successful human beings. It helps them address trauma so we can move kids away from the pathway to prison and toward living lives of their creation.”

Executive director, Mark Elliott was impressed with the Senator’s appreciation of the programs. “It isn’t hard to care about kids; when we talk about what we do and the kids we serve, people show compassion, but Senator Schachtner exemplified the kind of commitment and enthusiasm we need to see at the state level.”

The Senator has shown support of many mental health initiatives aimed at issues critical in Northwestern Wisconsin; from suicide prevention to pushing to collect vital data to fight the meth crisis. Race thanked the Senator personally and said, “We’re grateful to have an advocate and champion representing our district.”

For more information about Northwest Passage call 715-327-4402 or visit us at nwpltd.org.