Bethesda, MD, February 28, 2011 — The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), a not-for-profit membership organization composed of residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness programs geared primarily to assist troubled teenagers and their families, has announced a partnership with Saving Teens In Crisis Collaborative (STICC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 to assist families of teens struggling with substance abuse and other emotional issues. The partnership will help families who could not otherwise afford services for their troubled teens get the help they so desperately need.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership,” said Cliff Brownstein, Executive Director of NATSAP. “Our organization has been looking to work together with another nonprofit for some time, specifically to help less fortunate families. STICC’s 501(c)(3) designation allows them to accept charitable contributions as a foundation, whereas we cannot, so this partnership provides a perfect solution.”

STICC works with health organizations, educational consultants, wilderness programs, boarding schools, rehabilitation centers and educational lawyers to fund and support families who need therapeutic intervention for their struggling teens. Most of STICC’s funds come from families who have sought help through professionals or attended programs, have achieved excellent results, and are then looking for a way to help other families access these opportunities as well. Many professionals and programs will subsequently provide partial scholarships for the family.

NATSAP had previously looked into starting their own nonprofit foundation that could accept donations, but decided that partnering with an already established one with proven results was a more efficient way to achieve their goals. NATSAP reviewed several well-qualified organizations with missions comparative to STICC, and finally determined that STICC matched their criteria, both from a mission and a results standpoint.

Under the partnership, STICC will serve as an independent foundation arm of the NATSAP organization. NATSAP will actively recommend Saving Teens to its member programs as the preferred outlet for philanthropic donations. NATSAP’s member programs will be encouraged to utilize Savings Teens as the recipient of any family or program donations or fundraising events. These donations will be tax-deductable.

“It is a great honor to work with NATSAP and be referred by them as an organization that is worthy of their trust,” said STICC Founder and President John Reuben. “This relationship will enable Saving Teens to reach many more people who understand the value of the high quality care that NATSAP member programs offer families. We hope to present an opportunity to them to contribute to Saving Teens, and its mission of making these invaluable services available to less fortunate families.”