All the information you need to volunteer to Mentor a Child here at the
Stable Moments Program at Redwood Empire Ranch
"As Mentors and Staff serving this population, we need to separate our feelings from the behavior. Regardless of the choices the children make, we must still be there for them. Their behavior may make their experience more difficult for themselves but that is their choice. We guide, understand, set limits, encourage and empathize; we don't scold or come down on these children".
"I MATTER"
"Each child in the program has a Plan of Care designed for them based on their intake interview. The individualized plan of care allows a mentor to focus on the life skills specific to the child's needs. The mentorship model is maintains a one-on-one environment where a child can develop a relationship with a safe adult who come to understand what interventions work best for their mentee.
Matching a youth with a consistent mentor gives them special person to depend on. For good reason, many of these children struggle with trust, so this work is much more effective when a child is given time to develop a healthy relationship with one person. The child learns to expect his mentor and relies on them to be there. This individualized attention signifies to the child that he or she matters." - Founder of The Stable Moments Program, Rebecca Britt , MA, ESMHL
To become a volunteer Mentor it is a commitment of 1 time a week, for 1 Hour, for 10 consecutive months. No prior experience with Equines/Horses needed.
At the core of the Stable Moments model is a Plan of Care for each child, focusing on specific life goals. In conjunction with the Equine Assisted Activities and a committed Mentor, the plan of care helps these children develop the skills necessary to heal from their trauma and navigate life in a healthy manner.
HOW TO BECOME A MENTOR
1. Attend our Online Mentor Orientation
2. Attend our Onsite Mentor Training
3. Fill out and Submit Mentor Application
4. Sign Liability Release, and Photo Release
5. Signed Code of Conduct
6. Pay for National Criminal Background Screening Background Check ($75.00)
No Mentor is permitted to start working with a child until they have completed the proper training and all necessary paperwork has been processed and completed.
"The ideal Mentor for this population varies depending on the needs of each child. In the intake process, the optimal characteristics will be identified with the parents/guardians. Some children need a female Mentor who is playful but maintains strong boundaries. Another child might need an active male mentor who offers a lot of encouragement and positive feedback."