ANASAZI Foundation

In the Native American tradition, life is a “walking.” One’s walking is determined by the state of one’s heart toward all that is around him. “Anasazi” is a Navajo word commonly interpreted as the “ancient ones” or “wise teachers.” According to legend, these wise teachers taught that the Creator placed man on the Earth in order for him to learn to “walk forward”—in harmony with man and all creation.

For years, ANASAZI Foundation—a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Arizona—has served families by introducing them to the wisdom of the lives led by these ancient ones.

Founded in 1988 by renowned wilderness pioneers Larry Olsen and Ezekiel Sanchez, ANASAZI gives young people an opportunity, through a primitive living experience and a philosophy that invites healing at the hands of nature, to effect a change of heart—a change in one’s whole way of walking in the world. ANASAZI’s licensed and nationally accredited outdoor behavioral healthcare programs are non-punitive—its caring and patient staff is focused not on bad behaviors, but on helping young people discover and nurture the “seeds of greatness” which lie within. To those at ANASAZI, the wilderness is not a harsh place to break youth down, but rather a safe place—a place free from distractions where one can learn, ponder, & build.

ANASAZI’s family-focused intervention programs (for youth 13-17 and young adults 18-25) are recognized worldwide for their unique and caring approach to treatment. ANASAZI’s preventive efforts—including parenting workshops and community drug awareness/education forums—have inspired two international best-sellers (Leadership and Self-Deception and The Anatomy of Peace), an Emmy-nominated drug abuse prevention campaign, and peacemaking techniques used as far away as the Middle East.

Admissions Contact Name: Michael J. Merchant
Email: michael.merchant@anasazi.org