The Gavin Siegel Access Fund
The Gavin Siegel Access Fund
Our access fund is named in honor of Gavin Siegel, a former Arch resident filled with joy, kindness, and so much laughter. We honor his entire family – though mourning his loss – they strive to have his joy and light remembered, and to support others struggling with mental health and addiction.
Transforming lives with your generosity
At Arch to Freedom, we don’t just help individuals—we change lives, we heal families, and we create lasting transformation. Recovery isn’t just about getting better; it’s about rebuilding, reconnecting, and rediscovering hope.
But for many, the cost of care stands in the way of the support they desperately need. Through our Access Fund, we provide financial assistance to those who would otherwise be unable to access our life-changing program.
Your tax-deductible donation can open the door to healing for someone ready to change their life. With your help, we can bring hope, healing, and a second chance to more individuals and families who need it most.
Athleticism ran through him like electricity. From the lacrosse field to the baseball diamond, Gavin was a natural competitor, but it was basketball that called to him most. He led with heart, played with instinct, and brought out the best in every teammate who shared the court. As a varsity player throughout much of high school, he was both the pulse and the spirit of his team — fierce, joyful, unrelenting. He chased every play with the same passion he brought to life itself. Winning mattered, but never more than camaraderie. He was a leader not because he demanded it, but because people wanted to follow him.
At home, Gavin was the heartbeat of his family. His mom’s little boy. His dad’s pride. And his sister’s forever favorite. The bond he shared with his family was something rare and unbreakable, full of laughter, shared mischief, and love that needed no explanation. He had a nickname for everyone who mattered to him, a language of affection uniquely his own. Even the family dog, Milli, had one, because to Gavin, everything he loved deserved its own piece of his heart. He brought levity to every room, humor to every silence, and love to every corner of life.
Yet, behind that light was a quiet battle few could truly see. Gavin faced his demons with the same determination he once brought to the game, fighting for clarity, for peace, for freedom. Addiction tried to dim his glow, but it never erased it. There were moments — those clear, beautiful moments — when his soul shone through, and you could see the fire in his eyes, the desire to heal, the hope that never fully left him. Even in struggle, Gavin remained what he had always been: a fighter, a lover of people, and a man who gave more than he ever took.
When he found Arch to Freedom, he found not just refuge, but renewal. They embraced him, protected him, and helped him begin to rebuild. And now, through the Gavin Siegel Scholarship in his name, Gavin’s spirit continues that work, offering others the chance to heal, to grow, to find the light within themselves. His legacy is not one of loss, but of love. The love he gave so freely, the laughter he shared so easily, the courage he carried so quietly. Though he is no longer here in physical form, his presence lingers in every sunset, every song, every moment someone chooses compassion over judgment. Gavin’s story reminds us that even after the game ends, the light can still shine on the court. And his light will keep shining forever.
The Siegel Family
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In treatment I learned that my reliance on my parents’ money was keeping me from ever having to grow up. I decided to go forth on my own after I left PHP. To start, I needed housing. I called around and found many sober livings that were willing to take me in. But there was a problem, I was broke. I couldn’t pay for a week of rent, let alone a security deposit. Many sober livings were accommodating but none so much as Arch to Freedom. They granted me a partial scholarship, allowing me to stay there without going into debt or relying on my parents once again. They helped me when I couldn’t help myself. The experience at Arch has been great. They offer many services that most sober livings don’t have. For example we go paint-balling, snorkeling, and fishing every weekend. We have regular access to a meditation guru. We have various fun things to do around the house, such as playing board games and swimming in the pool. The staff is friendly. They’ve supported me through rough times. I owe a debt to everyone at Arch to Freedom. They’ve helped me tremendously, not only with the scholarship but also in walking me through difficult times in my sobriety. I’ve learned through the experience to swallow my pride, to ask for help. If I’m able to do that, helpful hands reach out. One of my greatest obstacles is my pride which keeps me from accepting God’s gifts.
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I was fortunate to receive the Access Fund scholarship to attend Arch to Freedom, and I can honestly say it was the best experience I’ve ever had in a recovery setting. I’ve been to several halfway houses before, but none came close to what Arch to Freedom offers. The staff was incredibly supportive, going above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. The houses themselves are amazing—comfortable, and clean. The community of guys was solid, with real sobriety and strong accountability. What really stood out were the constant events and activities—wakeboarding, jet skiing, pizza parties, paintball, and more. There was always something going on to keep us connected and engaged, which made a huge difference in early recovery. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my journey, and I’m beyond grateful to the Access scholarship for making it possible. Arch to Freedom helped lay the foundation for a life I never thought was possible.
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