Statements

Mission

WELLNESS IN THE WILDERNESS
Time in the wilderness heals. Trails Please Foundation creates and supports experiences that connect individuals, families and groups to that restorative nature. In the process, we help build foundations for healthier, more vibrant communities.

CHANGING LIVES
Study after study demonstrates the healing properties of outdoor experiences, from trail hikes to overnight camping to full-fledged, multi-day trips into truly wild lands.
People who spend time outside form stronger bonds with others, feel better mentally and physically and have a more favorable outlook overall. When they get back to the everyday, they positively impact their families, friends, co-workers and communities.

GETTING OUT
Trails Please Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with other civic, outdoor and therapeutic organizations to:
- Support and improve the health of people, families and communities through outdoors experiences and education.
- Spread awareness of wellness in the wilderness, i.e., the healing power of the outdoors.
- Inspire people to spend time outside.
- Educate people about wilderness issues and trail systems.
- Support groups that promote hiker mindfulness and personal wellness in the outdoors.

Background

The concept of Trails Please Foundation, came from the founder, Glenn Sweitzer, while filming a documentary about thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail which runs from Georgia to Maine. Through the production and meeting the people and organizations who utilize the trail for therapy, he became aware of the power of the wilderness in terms of providing wellness. it was during this film, that Trails Please Foundation was born, and the passion to give back became the number one priority.

Impact

Trails Please Foundation was born from an idea through a film I was working on. My drive to accomplish something that was originally just a thought, became reality in just 3 months. As a new foundation, I have focused on 2 main areas to begin. - First, create a program in the U.S. Prison systems, where nature is brought into the facility. This idea came from a study that is focused on in the film, where prisoners are shown nature/wildlife films on a daily basis. This lowers the aggression, medication and fights by 29%, as presented in the Oregon Study. I will be providing the audio/visual systems for this to happen in all prisons. - Presently in the works of providing 2 college scholarships per year, to students focused in the environmental studies.

Needs

Currently, the foundation will be run by Glenn Sweitzer (President) and its 2 other directors. The goal is to grow this foundation and hire staff to create a major impact in the outdoor sector. Finances will be key for this first year of operations, to help create the scholarships, and the equipment needed for the prison systems.

CEO Statement

This charity was created based on a need. A need for less medications and awareness that our nature... our own wilderness, can provide clarity and transformation. The charity was founded during the filming of a documentary, called, "Trail Mix", a film based on the wilderness providing a sort of therapy to people who soak in the outdoors in various missions. It is proven that the outdoors can mend peoples anxiety, addictions and grief. I want to provide the education for the future maintenance of our wilderness and help show there are other options instead of medications. - Glenn Sweitzer

Board Chair Statement

As a new charity, the challenges will be trying to re-educate the community about Wellness. We have options from medications. The outdoors provides wellness, not only physically, but mentally.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Environment  - Forest Conservation
Secondary Category:	Mental Health & Crisis Intervention  - Community Mental Health Centers
Tertiary Category:	Environment  - Environmental Education

Areas Served

Serving Middle Tennessee

TN - Williamson