Whether
we want to admit it to ourselves or not, those of us who are obsessed with
trout fishing are generally fairly well off financially. Rich? Wealthy? No.
But, we have the ability to buy that new rod or pair of waders
from time to time, we pay $3 or more every time we visit a trout park, and we
certainly can figure out how to come up with the money to spend on motels and
eating out during our weekend fishing excursions. We are blessed, even if it
doesn't always feel like it.
What has
trout fishing done for you? Self-esteem? Friendships? Excitement? A sense of
accomplishment? Fun? Did you know that a recreational obsession is highly
effective at helping you cope with stress and anxiety? How would your life
change if you were told you couldn't fish anymore?
We are trying to help non-profit organizations that work directly with troubled or
delinquent kids, even though these kids are sometimes difficult to care
about. They are often drug users and criminals -- not to mention the fact
that they are often teenagers!! But they deserve a chance to
enrich their lives and change their ways. And NOW is the time to try
to reach them. Whatever legal problems they've gotten themselves into will be
washed away by adulthood. If they've dropped out of school or been kicked
out, they can still earn their GED and learn a trade that pays well. But, if
they don't learn how to have fun in a healthy and legal way, they simply will
not make it. Of course, not all of these kids are criminals. Many come from
abusive homes and are dealing with trauma and loss. Some suffer from serious
depression and anxiety. Some have been abandoned by worthless parents. Some
are wards of the state. Some of the kids are simply at risk. Is it even
arguable whether learning new leisure skills will benefit these kids?
These non-profit organizations cater to kids coming from families in crisis. The
family's income is often so small that they cannot afford a car or even a
telephone. And the organizations that serve them, since they rely on
donations and state funding, are usually poor as well. They are staffed by
committed and dedicated people who are justifiably frustrated by their lack
of funding. They want the best for these kids, but they must rely on
community donations to make much of it a possibility.
Currently, we are focusing on efforts on helping Pathways Adolescent
Substance Abuse Treatment in Rolla, Missouri. They work with teenagers
struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and various abuse
issues. They are doing some great things, but they need help. You can reach
them at 573-364-0469 (ask for community support) or email the program director
by clicking here:
. Missouri Trout Hunter pledges to donate a portion of our profits (if there are any!)
to Pathways in the form of trout fishing equipment and tackle. Please join us in our efforts.
So, here's what you can do to help.
Make a donation by contacting Pathways directly (see above);
Make a donation of $1 (or more, if you like) through Missouri Trout Hunter by clicking the Amazon
Honor System banner below;
We donate from the amount on our bottom line, so helping us pay the bills will also benefit the kids at
Pathways. You can help by visiting our advertisers, buying your trout flies from
Trout Hunter Flyshop, and spreading the word about our Guided Trout Fishing
Trips, our Custom Rod Building Service, and our Taxidermy
Service. In fact, just spreading with word about Missouri Trout Hunter will be huge.
Special Thanks:
Thank you Walmart of Rolla, Missouri for donating four spin-cast fishing rod combos
to Pathways Adolescent CSTAR
Thank you Carmen Nelson of St. Robert, Missouri for donating a spinning rod and reel to
Pathways Adolescent CSTAR.
Thank you Scott Aemisegger of Belle, Missouri for donating a $100 sporting goods gift
certificate to Pathways Adolescent CSTAR.
All we need to make you a trout reproduction is a photo of your fish!
