- A Legacy of Hope and Recovery
The Johnny Bear & Jaywalker Lodge Scholarship Fund
John O’Sullivan was a very special person to all those who met and knew him, a cherished son, brother, and friend. His continued commitment to his recovery and his significant influence on those around him left a lasting imprint on the Jaywalker community, as well as on his family and many friends.
The path to recovery can be long and challenging for our alumni and their families. Many, like John, have undergone multiple treatments, achieving success in recovery for a time, only to experience relapse. For many families, witnessing their son’s return to treatment and recovery brings a renewed feeling of hope. However, this hope can be shattered when their loved one succumbs to substance use again. This cycle can create a tumultuous wave of hope and despair for both the individuals and their loved ones.
The burden of guilt and shame often weighs heavily on our alumni as they acknowledge the lengths their families have gone to support them. They may perceive themselves as failures or burdens to their families, greatly reducing their sense of self-worth and belonging. This emotional burden can pose a significant barrier to feeling truly connected and validated and can complicate long-term recovery.
Recovery is not a journey that anyone should embark on alone. The Johnny Bear and Jaywalker Lodge Scholarship Fund is designed to empower our alumni community to act and provide resources in that critical moment when a fellow alumnus needs help or additional support, without having to rely on the family. This also empowers the individual to seek the help he needs without fear or hesitation. The Johnny Bear Fund was established to ensure that every alumnus who has completed the Jaywalker program and has proven to be a valuable member of that community has a much-needed safety net to ensure his best outcome for recovery. It is equally intended to change the conversation from stigma and shame to connection and affirmation with community investment.
Join us in our mission to provide hope, support, and a brighter future for all Jaywalker alumni and their families. Together, we can break the cycle of addiction and foster a community where recovery is always possible.
Our Mission
- Providing Financial Assistance: We offer support to Jaywalker alumni who need help with treatment costs, housing, and other essential expenses related to their recovery without burdening their families.
- Creating Opportunities: We ensure that every Jaywalker alumnus has access to the resources he needs to build a strong foundation for his future.
- Elevating Community and Connection: We provide a supportive network that reinforces the values of hope, affirmation and self-worth to optimize real opportunity for recovery.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Your financial contributions directly impact the lives of Jaywalker alumni in need.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support our initiatives and events.
- Spread the Word: Share John’s story and the mission of the Johnny Bear Fund with your network to help us reach more people in need. Be honest with your own stories and share our commitment to changing the conversation.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Supporting Recovery: Ways to Give
You can conveniently make a one-time or recurring gift through our secure online portal. Click here to donate now.
If you prefer to donate by mail, please make your check payable to “A Way Out – The Johnny Bear and Jaywalker Lodge Scholarship Fund”. Include a note with any special instructions and mail to:
The Johnny Bear Jaywalker Scholarship Fund c/o A Way Out, Inc.
PO Box 1124
Carbondale, CO 81623
Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in contributing or requesting assistance. You can reach our Alumni Department at ( 866) 445-1269, or email us at alumni@jaywalkerlodge.com. A Way Out can be contacted at (970) 340-4505 or director@awayout.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a scholarship or grant?
The Johnny Bear and Jaywalker Scholarship Fund, through A Way Out, provides financial assistance to Jaywalker Lodge alumni and to men seeking treatment at Jaywalker who need but cannot afford, treatment for substance abuse, mental and emotional health issues, or trauma. If you would like to be considered for a grant of assistance, we need to collect some information from you to confirm your eligibility and financial need. All details of this application will be kept confidential. Click here to download the grant application.
Is this donation tax deductible?
Yes, your donation to The Johnny Bear and Jaywalker Lodge Scholarship fund, through A Way Out, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your email donation receipt as your official record for tax purposes. We’ll send it to you when your donation is received.
Is my online donation secure?
Absolutely. We prioritize the security and confidentiality of your information. We use industry-standard SSL (secure socket layer) technology to protect your information and provide a safe and secure environment for online donations. We will not sell, trade or share your personal information with anyone else, and we will only share personal information if you have given us specific permission to do so.
Do I get a receipt?
How does The Johnny Bear and Jaywalker Lodge use these funds?
How can I mail my donation?
To make a gift by mail, please make your check payable and send to:
The Johnny Bear and Jaywalker Scholarship Fund c/o A Way Out, PO Box 1124, Carbondale, CO 81623
