Paniolo Picnic Highlights

The Pearl Haven Animal Assisted Therapeutic Program will focus on helping youth feel safe through connection and structure. Animal-Assisted therapy improves human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning. Specifically, canines and horses have been identified as ideal for developmental trauma with preteens, adolescents, and the young adult population. Pearl Haven is thrilled to provide animal-assisted programming for youth as appropriate during their journey of healing. As the youth provide security for the animals through basic care, management, and training, they develop a deeper understanding of commitment and acceptance. The building blocks developed during the animal-youth relationship are building blocks toward safe human relationships that will benefit the youth during therapy and into their future reintegration into their families and community.

Animal Programming has proven to promote a significant increase in participants’ levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy, as well as positive shifts in their overall attitude toward life. Research has found that adolescents who participate in equine therapy experience positive increases in self-control, self-image, healthier relationship patterns, increased confidence, and increased empathy.

We are excited to be partnered with Heart Horses and their therapy practitioners who are trained in Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), Equilateral, and/or Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. Given our thirteen acres of land, additional animals such as goats, a pot-belly pig, bunny rabbits, and chickens will also be a part of this therapeutic programming at Pearl Haven.

Your support seeds the start of this vital programming and will ensure that our youth will have the opportunity to experience the human-animal bond and feel empowered to reimagine their futures.