Foundation Connections

This past summer, Dr. Robert A. Horne embarked on an incredible 13,000-mile motorcycle journey across the country, taking him through rugged terrains, remote communities, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States and Canada. But this wasn’t just an adventure—it was the 8-for-8 Challenge, a mission to raise funds for mental health, addiction awareness, and counseling scholarships through the NBCC Foundation.

Over the course of 49 days, Dr. Horne rode with a singular purpose: to make a difference in the lives of people who struggle with mental health and addiction, especially those in rural and military communities. The challenge? To raise $8,000 to fully fund a scholarship for a master’s-level counseling student who commits to serving in underserved communities postgraduation.

"I can’t even put into words how phenomenal the ride was," Dr. Horne said. "But it’s not about anyone’s individual story. It’s about promoting services and assistance for people who need mental health counseling or addiction counseling, whether that be substance use or behavioral addiction."

The 8-for-8 Challenge is about more than one ride—it’s a call to action. It raises awareness, builds connections, and brings hope to the communities that need it most. Dr. Horne invites counseling professionals, students, stakeholders, and community members to contribute $8 (or more) to the NBCC Foundation. He hopes that each person will ask eight others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of support that can fully fund the scholarship. Every donation is tax-deductible, and 100% of contributions directly support the NBCC Foundation’s Scholarship Program.

The scholarship funded through the 8-for-8 Challenge is an investment in the future of mental health services. By supporting a counseling student who commits to working in a rural or military community, the scholarship ensures that underserved areas have access to qualified professionals who can address mental health and addiction issues.

"One of the reasons we ride is to let people know they aren’t by themselves, no matter their situation," Dr. Horne explained. "There’s still hope. There’s still help."

Rural and military communities across the U.S. face significant barriers to mental health care. Geographic isolation, lack of resources, and the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction make it difficult for people to seek help. For military families, the challenges are even greater. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and substance use disorders are common struggles, but services to address them are often out of reach.

"Substance use and behavioral addiction have become everyday problems," Dr. Horne reflected. "That’s sad for me because we have the technology and the ability to assist and minimize the negative impact of drugs. Instead, more and more people are dealing with addiction, especially in small communities."

From Winnemucca, Nevada, to Tok, Alaska, many communities lack mental health resources, leaving individuals to face these issues alone. The 8-for-8 Challenge aims to change that by funding a counselor who will serve these regions, bringing hope and healing where it is needed most.

These future counselors are the heart of change in communities where resources are scarce. Whether it’s a veteran returning home to Anchorage, Alaska, or a family in the remote corners of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, having a counselor in these areas can make all the difference.

"My wife once said, ‘You have priorities, but are you actualizing them?’" Dr. Horne shared. "So, I want to point out questions we should ask ourselves. Are we living our best life? Are we doing the things that make us happy?"

For Dr. Horne, supporting the next generation of counselors is one of those priorities. The scholarship ensures that those who need help the most can access it, no matter where they live.

You don’t need to embark on a cross-country motorcycle journey to make an impact—though, as Dr. Horne said, "I can’t do everything I used to do or everything I want to do, but I can do what I can do. That’s all any of us can do."

"The challenge will continue to raise the money to fund another scholarship," Dr. Horne said. "I hope that someone else will pick up the 8-for-8 Challenge to promote their cause so that it can continue beyond my years."

"Sometimes in life, you can get caught up with what’s going on around us that we forget to celebrate the moments we live in," Dr. Horne reflected. "Take time out to be thankful for the time you have, no matter what condition you’re in, and tell the people you love that you love them."

Together, we can make a difference. Donate today, share the message, and help ensure that no one is left without the mental health support they need.

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