Asking for help is never easy, especially when you’re in the business of helping other people and places. Yet, here we are asking for your support to HELP the Mt. Adams Institute (MAI). We’ve got a goal to raise $25,000 by the end of the year to support MAI programs that strengthen the connection between people and the natural world.

Why support MAI? Because we’re making a positive difference in our communities, in the lives of participants and on the environment. Here’s how we’re doing it:

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VetsWork is a career development program for military veterans interested in securing employment in the natural resources/public lands management sector. Participants spend 10.5 months in a VetsWork AmeriCorps Internship with agencies like the Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service and National Park Service where they learn new skills, develop professional connections and explore career possibilities. VetsWork is part of the solution that addresses some of the challenges that our military veterans face as they transition back into the civilian world, including the highest unemployment rate of any measured demographic for young men ages 21-25.

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Wilderness Stewards support the conservation and preservation of wilderness throughout the Pacific Northwest. Participants spend 17 weeks over the summer educating wilderness visitors, maintaining wilderness trails and monitoring the quality of wilderness. As 2014 is the 50 year anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the work of our Wilderness AmeriCorps Stewards will be even more prominent.

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Education Programs inspire and inform people about the natural world. This past year, we worked with local schools to get kids outdoors exploring via boots and boats. We also partnered with Cascade Mountain School to deliver top notch STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs for middle school and high school students.

Ready to help these great programs? Donating is easy! Check out our Support Page. You can give online, in person or via mail. We’ll make sure we utilize your support efficiently and effectively.

Thanks!