By Jason Bove.
Recently, Sacramento Pipeworks hosted a group that joined us from Lutheran Social Services (LSS). For many years now, LSS has been instrumental in providing assistance throughout Northern California for individuals and families that have previously experienced homelessness and are now on-track to rebuild their lives. According to the LSS website, “Every year, LSS helps thousands of people with acute needs. These include the elderly, young families, people with mental illness or disabilities, the chronically homeless, victims of domestic violence, individuals fighting addictions, people living with HIV/AIDS, and young people struggling to transition from the foster care system to independence.”
LSS has been instrumental in providing assistance throughout Northern California for individuals and families that have previously experienced homelessness and are now on-track to rebuild their lives.
With their supportive outreach team, LSS hopes to establish self-sufficiency and maintain stability throughout the lives of those in need. In Sacramento County alone, the organization has thrived for over 50 years!
Erika Rodriguez, Employment Specialist at LSS informed us that, “the youth program works with ages 18 to 24, and anchor treatments around trauma-informed care. We are always looking at new resources to help empower clients in healthy ways, and help them to deal with difficulty more effectively.
Research has shown that rock climbing has significant benefits in coping with mental health struggles because of associations with emotional regulation, mindfulness, and physical activity.
Research has shown that rock climbing has significant benefits in coping with mental health struggles because of associations with emotional regulation, mindfulness, and physical activity. Also, due to a lack of resources, marginalized groups are traditionally underrepresented in rock climbing. These factors are some of the main reasons that LSS wanted to present an opportunity like climbing to clients that may not otherwise have the chance to do so. The staff at Sacramento Pipeworks offer a very encouraging and helpful setting to support the youth in further conquering their fears, building resilience, learning effective communication, and possibly even discovering a new hobby.”
On behalf of everyone at Sacramento Pipeworks, we want to extend our warmest appreciation and thanks to Erika, Zak, and the entire team over at Lutheran Social Services for giving us the chance to help facilitate the group. It was a pleasure to see the smiles, hear the stories, and help to pave a road of advancement for these up-and-coming climbers in Sacramento. We hope to see you again soon! CLIMB ON!
