Program Outline

 
 

LAUNCHING FALL 2021!!

We are targeting at-risk/disadvantaged youth, ages 13 to 17 years, with a passion for animals and a desire to make a positive impact. This program serves the Riverside and San Diego counties, around the city of Temecula, CA.

The Young Roots Program structure is influenced by Dr. William Damon's research on the positive effects of purpose in adolescent's lives and how to help guide youth to develop it.

This program is an 7-week series for 10+ participants. It is held once weekly on consecutive Saturdays for four hours. Six program series can be held each year, reaching a total of over 60 students!  

Each day will have the following components:

  • Purpose: Witness a highly purposeful adult's job, and a hands-on demonstration of what it entails. Discuss their unique path to discovering their animal-related purpose, how they developed it, the challenges they faced, and what key behaviors or practices led to their success.

    We have secured commitments from 8 adults: A horse trainer, an equine vet, an equine chiropractor and massage therapist, a barefoot hoof trimmer, a large animal rescue/sanctuary operator, a vet tech and animal sitter, a therapeutic riding center instructor, and a falconer. 

  • Education: The animal professional will facilitate education on a topic related to their field, and will do a demonstration allowing youth to actively participate in the experience.

  • Connection: There will be a connection component that allows the children to connect with the sanctuary animals each day through intimate interaction.

  • Discussion: Group dialogue and learning about developing purpose, snacks, wrap up

  • Self-learning: Activity to do or video to watch at home (30 minutes), for discussion the following week.

Other program support:

  • Provide opportunities for volunteerism with the nonprofit animal sanctuary: Any of the students will be welcome to volunteer with our sanctuary.

  • Provide mentorship, guidance/support, and exposure: We want to create a social network that not only monitors past students' progress, but also allows an open forum for discussions between all students (past and present), so they can mentor and motivate each other, discuss other opportunities found in the community for mentorship or volunteerism, and to invite other people living their purpose to talk about their unique paths in life.

  • There is a guardian/parental role: In order for the program to be successful, the parents need to support their children's pursuit in the best way they can. The last day has a falconry demonstration where we invite the participants and their family, and talk about the family's simple role in encouraging their child's discovery of purpose.