Heart-J ELEVATE

About the Program

Heart-J Center’s ELEVATE Program is a nature-based mental health support program that combines the healing power of nature with memorable experiences in the outdoors, facilitated by a team of educators and therapists, and customized to address the unique mental health challenges of underserved communities. It starts with a one-day outdoor experience 15-30 people per session. Each day will look a little different, with activities including:

Archery Hiking
Solo time in Nature
Connecting with Horses
Art Projects - Watercolor, Writing Time, Music
Basic Yoga Techniques, Breathing Exercises, and Mindfulness Tools
Healthy and Nourishing Lunch
Group Conversations Working with Therapists

We provide the space and skills for self reflection and assessment, work with professionals to identify and develop coping strategies that work for you, emerge with more positive sense of self, and come away with a Mental Health Field Guide that has tangible resources for helping with your mental health.

We meet you where you are, no expectations, no rush, just being.

About the Place

Sylvan Dale is a guest ranch that has been family run since 1946. Located 15 minutes from the town of Loveland and one hour from downtown Denver, in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Sylvan Dale is situated in a river valley that is protected on all sides by mountains. With 3,000 acres of pristine ranch land and water, the ranch provides the backdrop for life-changing experiences. Nestled along the banks of the Big Thompson River, Sylvan Dale Ranch is home to a rich array of wildlife, diverse natural ecosystems and irreplaceable Indigenous sites. There is a feeling of peace, freedom, and safety that makes this an ideal place for sharing safe outdoor experiences that challenge the body and nourish the spirit.

A place to connect to nature, to ourselves, and to each other.

Who We Are

The Heart-J Center for Experiential Learning is a non-profit organization that opened it’s doors in 2013 and has served more than 30,000 people. HJC partners with schools, universities, and community organizations from around Colorado to host a variety of outdoor classes, retreats, and workshops and to give people of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and occupations the opportunity to partake in the healing power of nature. We believe in the power of lifelong learning and outdoor experiences to inspire people, to help people recover from stress or loss, to fuel creativity, and to instill a sense of adventure to help people lead more fulfilling lives.

Come as You Are

Who?

College students and adults that represent underserved racial and ethnic minorities, immigrant/refugee populations, the LGBTQ+ community, first generation college students, those with neurodiversity, and those who work in service to others such as agricultural, healthcare, veterans, teachers, therapists, social workers, nonprofit staff, first responders, food service, retail works, restaurant workers, journalists, and many more.

Why?

Because we care about you, and we want to give ALL people access to mental health services. We believe in the healing power of nature, and we want to share it with you.

How often?

The ELEVATE Program is a one-day outdoor experience serving 15 - 30 people at a time, followed by monthly outdoor recreation opportunities. Participants will receive regular follow up information and encouragement to continue to participate, through both an interactive website and a monthly email/text outreach information.

When?

ELEVATE sessions run throughout the year and is funded until December 2026.

In general, Elevate is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. If your group needs a different day of the week, we have flexibility and will work to accommodate your needs.