PROGRAM OUTCOMES
                                                        

                                                                            


Youth Development Program

Quotes from parents and/or caregivers when asked about changes at home, school and other social settings after participation in Desert Dove Programs:

"She has been nicer to her father and I and her siblings.  These last couple of weeks she has been talking to me a lot more.
I can have a conversation with her.  She has opened up more.  Before she seemed depressed.  Just being able to have a
conversation with her is great.  This has reallly helped our family because when one person is hurting, we're all hurting."
(mother)

"Yes, he tries to communicate more about how he is feeling.  He seems to want to try and express himself more with words than yelling." (mother) 

“He has done his homework without asking and made honor roll this quarter” (father)

“He seems to get along with other children better”  (mother)

“Yes, he is more positive and less impulsive.  Does not argue when he makes mistakes, he has learned how to deal with the consequences.” (mother)

What did the horses teach you about life?

“treat other people how you want to be treated” (Alejandra, age 10)

“they taught me how to motivate myself and to make decisions” (Arturo, age 12)

“life’s not easy, keep trying” (Jose, age 12).

Feedback from teachers at Acacia Middle School after a partnership where students attended Desert Dove sessions as part of their school day:

Since partnering with Desert Dove, we have seen great improvement with our students.  Their skills have grown in the areas of team work, communication, and self-control.  This has be evident when our students are participating in group projects, social interactions on the playground, and when dealing with conflict with peers.  (Matt Beem, Behavioral Specialist)

When asked he said he like the horses, he made new friends.  Things that the teaching staff noticed were that he was more opened to other students and adults which is a big step for him considering that he is very quiet and shy.  We also noticed that he was starting to speak up for himself and not let other students boss him around.  (Adrianne Ordaz, Inclusion Specialist)

"Kip" has shown improvement over the past months since attending Desert Dove. His social skills have improved.  Although "Kip" still has to work on peer relationships, I feel his work with Desert Dove has set him on a path for success. Thank you for having "Kip" attend Desert Dove. (Alexis Machado, 5^th grade teacher)

I feel that this program has been very beneficial for "Todd".  He seems to be in a better mood at school and has calmed down tremendously in the classroom.  He also is a little more focused on his work and is starting to care about what he does.  He looked forward to every Tuesday.  I would recommend this program for all children who are frustrated or have a problems expressing their feeling.  (Scott Pepple, 4^th grade teacher)

Family Support Groups

The following is an excerpt from a letter written to Desert Dove Farm by a mother participant:

“I was continually amazed at how the horse picked up my emotions and stress almost immediately.  I have worked on a number of issues with this therapy – how I manifest stress, setting boundaries, being assertive, speaking up for myself, learning to trust and learning to parent my son and myself.  What is phenomenal to me is how quickly we got to the heart of the issue.  What might have taken me hours or several sessions in a traditional therapy environment seemed to happen within minutes of working with Woody (the horse I’ve been blessed to have as a teacher).  I’m not saying that this has all been a walk in the park, believe me at times it was downright aggravating.   It has been frustrating, it has been hard work and it has been worth every second.  What has also been great is the change in Michael!  It was subtle at first, but there is a definite shift.  He is talking more when things upset him.  He has been more assertive in situations at school or with friends where before he would have been angry and just clammed up or reacted with aggression.  Michael is a little more aware of his behavior and the consequences that occur because of it. We talk about his behavior now and sometimes he even asks for help.  Michael didn’t do that before.  He hasn’t been as aggressive or angry with me.  When we talk, he seems to be a little more compassionate, more understanding.  It feels like we are rebuilding trust.”  (mother)

“It is a wonderful program. It is so free form in many ways that it leads you places you would not have seen on your own” (Michele, mother).

When asked what the horses taught them:

“Respect someones boundaries” (Antonio, son).

“Not to be aggressive” (Matt, son)

“That I can succeed with the unknown and I don’t have to be so aggressive to get my way” (Stefanie, mother).

“How to be calm and relaxed and how that can help me with problems” (Michael, son).