Fostercare
Children in foster care have experienced very difficult and scary situations in their young lives. Agape is a safe place for them to just be a kid while also learning important life lessons with the support of their new friend–their horse.
Our Partners
Agape partners with the Department of Child Services (DCS) and Choices Care Coordinated Solutions to provide therapeutic riding lessons to children in foster care. Reach out to your DCS Family Care Coordinator or Choices Care Coordinator for more information on how to get a referral for your child(ren).
Common Benefits
Horses help these youth:
- Gain confidence
- Learn respect for themselves and others
- Building trust and trustworthiness
- Develop healthy relationships with the horses and volunteers
- Learn to better communicate emotions and needs
- Be influenced by positive role models
- Have a safe place to be a kid
- Destress
- Experience joy and fun
Testimonials
“Kelsey came to the program an emotionally undeveloped child. She struggled with maintaining relationships, had a serious lack of empathy and trust, and had anger management issues. She has been involved at Agape for over a year and a half and has shown great growth.
In many ways Agape had contributed to her growth. She has developed healthy relationships with her horse, staff, and fellow riders. She is learning to more effectively identify her emotional state and work through addressing her needs to make changes when necessary. Caring for her horse is teaching her a responsibility that is carrying over into life away from the barn. And she is displaying a respect for others that is refreshing. We both love Agape!!”
Grandparent of Rider In many ways Agape had contributed to her growth. She has developed healthy relationships with her horse, staff, and fellow riders. She is learning to more effectively identify her emotional state and work through addressing her needs to make changes when necessary. Caring for her horse is teaching her a responsibility that is carrying over into life away from the barn. And she is displaying a respect for others that is refreshing. We both love Agape!!”