Whale Foundation News

The Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship
Please join the Whale Foundation in congratulating the first round of the Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2003–2004 academic year. These three individuals were selected from a group of exceptional applicants. We compliment them on their commitment to excellence and wish them well in the pursuit of their goals. This year the Whale Foundation will present three $1000 scholarships to the following Grand Canyon River Guides:

Michael Caifa
High Desert Adventures
Working towards a Nursing Degree

Rick DuCharme
OARS
Nursing School

Jill Dassing
AZRA
Updating Nursing License in USA

With continued support, the Whale Foundation will award The Kenton Grua Memorial Scholarship on an annual basis. The deadline for the 2004–2005 applications will be April 1, 2004. Please think about your educational goals and apply next year.

AzRA Sets The Pace
The Whale Foundation would like to commend azra as being a leader among the Grand Canyon Outfitters in providing health services for its employees. They are now offering employees the choice of receiving services through the Guidance Center and through the Whale Foundation. Through either provider azra is footing half the bill for their employees. Of course, billing is submitted with no reference to the person receiving any such service. The Whale Foundation has already begun receiving calls and working through this program. Thanks azra, and we hope other outfitters follow your lead!

The Boatman Hotline
So far in 2003 we have been able to serve over fourteen guides in need with over forty hours of service. The Whale Foundation has a variety of service providers. We now have specialists in the mental health field, physical and massage therapists and medical specialists. We are also expanding into career and financial counseling. If you need help in any way please contact the Whale Foundation at our confidential hotline. Toll free at 1-866-773-0773.

Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the second annual Whale Foundation Wingding, February 7, 2004. If you were there last year, you know it is not to be missed. If you werent there...come find out what all the talk was about!

Q: What happens when you call the Whale Foundation Hotline toll free at 1-866-773-0773?
A: You will reach a confidential message machine or a trained triage specialist. This person will answer your questions, determine who will best be able to assist you and schedule an initial appointment.

Q: If I leave a message on the Whale Foundation Hotline, how soon will the triage person return my call?
A: We answer our calls within 24 hours. We know leaving a message may be hard but PLEASE do it so we can back to you as soon as possible.

Q: Does the Whale Foundation only have specialists in the mental health field?
A: That is not the case at all. The Whale Foundation has professionals in the physical health field, from massage and physical therapists to a variety of medical specialists who may assist you. We are currently working on refining and expanding into the career

Q: Do I have to pay for the services provided through the Whale Foundation?
A: We ask that each person pay what they can. Many of our providers will work with you on an individual basis.

Q: Who will know that I have called the Whale Foundation?
A: No one except the intake counselor and the persons providing service. The service portion is entirely separate from the Whale Foundation.

Q: What if the Whale Foundation doesn’t have a provider who can help me?
A: We have many professionals who are providers. This situation probably will not happen. If it does, we will endeavor to help you find an appropriate source of help.

Q: Can you just give me a list of providers so I can contact them directly?
A: No. The list of providers is confidential and the Whale Foundation needs to keep it that way. Please use the procedures herein to obtain services through the Whale Foundation. The professionals that are supporting the guiding community are working in conjunction with the Whale Foundation. You have to talk to the Whale Foundation first, this way we can match you with the service provider that meets your needs the best!

We ask that all of you that are in need please call the hotline at 1-866-773-0773. So far this year we have had the opportunity to serve over fourteen individuals. If you need help, please call the hotline. That is what we are here for!