Move Over Mountain is a newly formed Washington non-profit foundation dedicated to
educating at risk youth between the ages of 16-19 in professional, economic and social skills in preparation for life as they age out of temporary receiving homes and foster care systems.

A dream turned into reality after over ten years of hard work by founder Eliot M. Brimage, Move Over Mountains arouse from a seemingly non-eventful conversation Eliot had with his mother after watching an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show that asked if you were given $1,000.00 what would you do with it? Eliot's response was, "That's easy, I would start a foundation that I have been wanting for the longest time." His mother, touched by the thought and ever eager to encourage, responded with "For my 65th birthday present that is what I would like to do, give you $1,000.00 and you use it to start this foundation" and in doing so, provided the seed and support for the organization as it exists today.

Move Over Mountains seeks to reach the often excluded demographic of youth too old for child services, and help expand their social, economic and professional skills for participation in a productive, sustainable, and fulfilling life. Within these concentrated areas, participants will acquire skills that lead to gainful employment, adequate housing, and endless hope and opportunity. We will restore hope and dreams within these youth's hearts and minds. No longer will they have to wonder in doubt, frustration and exasperation "what am I going to do, where am I going to live, what will become of me, who am I". Through specialized enhancement seminars which we will call "peaks" we enlighten participants in skills such as budgeting, job hunting, resume making, banking, age appropriate behavior, age appropriate attire, positive thinking and training all leading to the top of the mountain which we will call the "summit". Having completed the coursework and reaching the summit, the opportunities for them will be boundless and infinite; however it all starts with belief. If we can re-instill belief within the character of the youths they will be able to accomplish infinitely more then previously considered possible.

No one should have to be a bad statistic, yet studies show that 1 in 4 teens exiting out of a state agency without life skill training will end up in jail. 2 of those 4 will find themselves
homeless or sleeping on a friend or family member's couch. With an estimated 22,000 teens aging out of the social services system each year, Mover Over Mountains reaches out and provides the life skills necessary for thriving in today's society.

Move Over Mountains does not work against the impact of any other agencies or exploit other problems within funded, tried and true agencies like foster care, we are here to enhance and help where these systems may not be able to reach. Understanding that we are not the end of the cycle of disempowerment, we provide guidance and help where possible, as just one additional viable source in such a growing area of need and support.

Move Over Mountains, truly believes even if we can re-energize, re-focus and re-purpose one youth into a productive life it is all worth the time and effort. It is time to move the mountains of doubt and disbelief. Let's climb the mountain together and change the framework and landscape along the way.

View our creed!