CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT. If you would like to be a part of our job development team, we would love to hear from you.
Our Revitalize Our Community Job Development Program provides life skills and apprenticeship opportunities using AAA (Animal Assisted Activities). In addition to the technical skills the participants learn through the hands-on workshops, participants will write letters to the animals they work with, research all of their projects, create plans in a group, and follow through to complete their projects in these hands-on workshops.
To break the cycles of child and animal abuse/neglect, we have to remove one of the largest household stressors – Lack of beneficial employment – which leads to poverty.
All workshops have a maximum of 10 participants and last for 8 weeks each (22 hours total). Workshops range from very basic to advanced. Apprenticeship opportunities are available for participants 16 years and older. Applicants who have completed at least three advanced level workshops while having shown they have the experience and skills necessary to learn to run their own business can apply for an apprenticeship which could last up to two years. One applicant is chosen for an apprenticeship in the fall and spring.
Graduation! All participants who successfully complete their workshop will attend an all day workshop to prepare a feast and a presentation for their family, who are invited for dinner and an award ceremony. The graduates from all of our programs are invited to attend and provide group presentations on what their workshop accomplished.
Carpentry LI: Small Animal Cages
Participants will read about the natural environment of several different small animals commonly kept in cages as pets. After looking at how tiny and expensive the top 10 small animal cages in several major retail stores are, the participants will learn how to research ideas to build more affordable and humane cages. After putting their ideas on paper they will build their cages, making their ideas come to life. The last step before graduation is developing an ad for their cage. Participants will keep a reflection journal to write about the valuable skills they are learning and will begin to prepare their resumes with these skills. Journal activities may also include writing letters to small animals about how they feel about certain situations. Time will be taken at the beginning and end of each day to learn about and practice mindful meditation.
Objectives: Learn how to use and care for basic tools for carpentry work; reinforce functional literacy (reading, math, comprehension), learn different ways to deal with anxiety, depression, anger, through narrative therapy techniques and mindful meditation practices.
Days: Mondays 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cost: To be determined
Carpentry LII: Traveling Cuddle Wagon Cart
Participants will meet Bambi and Pocahontas (the two mini ponies in The Traveling Cuddle Wagon Program) before learning about the history of horse cart-pulling. After researching ideas and blueprints to build their own cart for the two ponies in the Traveling Cuddle Wagon Program to pull through Eureka, the group will vote for the best plans and together build the cart.
Participants will keep a reflection journal to write letters to the ponies about their feelings when working in groups, voting for the “best plan”, and the valuable skills they are learning. Participants will add these skills to their resumes.
Objectives: Practice working in groups. Learn how to use and care for basic tools for carpentry work; reinforce functional literacy (reading, math, comprehension), learn different ways to deal with anxiety, depression, anger, through narrative therapy techniques and mindful meditation practices.
Days: Wednesdays 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cost: To be determined