Project BARC Mikaela Matifes

Kentucky Humane Society Volunteers Staff members Dogs The Louisville Metro Youth Detention Center Located on the corner of 8 th and Jefferson St. WHO?

About the Detention Center 9 Youth Development Center (YDCs) in KY One houses 80 while the others house 30 to 45 2 facilities are secure settings/7 are staff-secure Age Typically ranges 14 to 18 What is offered: School Counseling (Each facility has a psychologist, as well) Substance abuse prevention/intervention program Prime for Life Under 21

Project BARC What is it? Project BARC (Building Adolescent Responsibility and Compassion) Kids will train dogs with behavior problems that are currently housed at the Kentucky Humane Society 6 week program Behavior tracked daily At the end of every week: Volunteers record progress At the end of 6 weeks: Dogs tested for improvement Will be tested every two weeks after if needed, but no longer than 12 weeks What will they gain? Responsibility Compassion Empathy Learn about themselves as well as what their capabilities are Strengths/Weaknesses Children can come together and learn how to collaborate with one another Communication Skills

GOAL Overall Goal: To encourage youth to direct their attention towards positive work within the community Challenge the children but create a program that can benefit them Long-term Goal: Reduce the amount of repeat offenders Start program at other locations in Kentucky

WHEN? This Year: By the end of May: Meetings with the juvenile detention center and Kentucky Humane Society By the end of July: Volunteer committee formed Staff members in place (grooming, trainers, assistance) Have 2 fundraisers completed By the end of October: Event: toys and bandanas for dogs (team up with Animal Welfare committee on campus) Have all the needed funds By April 2015: Program up and running …And Beyond By early 2016: Expand this program across the state of KY (all 9 centers) With that, incorporate other shelters into the program

WHY? Give dogs a second chance at life Provide the delinquents with opportunities to learn professional skills Give children something to be proud of themselves for Provide opportunities for personal growth Provide children with an opportunity to have something to put on their resume Overcome barriers society has put on them  they can turn their life around

HOW? Budget: Donations Food/ Treats Toys Bedding Collars/Leashes Kennels Grooming Expenses covered by KHS Medications (ie. Kennel Cough) Vaccinations (ie. flees, ticks, parasites) Volunteers/Staff Gas (Possibly reimbursed based on funds) Funds to kick start: $800-$1000 Will vary depending on what is collected in donation bank

ANTICIPATED OBSTACLES Unwillingness to put in the effort KHS already has a program called “PROUD”  will they want to put in the effort to start another program? Security Sufficient funds

CONNECTORS Both are located in Louisville, Kentucky Both want the best for their focus group (adolescents/dogs) Compassion & Empathy DIVIDERS Time Commitment Insufficient Funds  giving up before even seeing if it’s possible

EXPECTED OUTCOMES Security  difficult at first Kids nervous at first but excited by the end of it Huge accomplishment Self-satisfaction Motivated to change Successful  both want their focus to succeed Dogs- adopted Kids- succeed in life

HOW IT RELATES TO PEACE? THE LITTLE BOOK OF CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION BY JOHN PAUL LEDERACH Develop a capacity to see presenting issues as windows. Look beyond presenting issue This program creates an “avenue of response” Not going to see immediate changes but can drive changes in the future “When the seeds of anger, violence, and fear are watered within us several times a day, they will grow stronger. Then we are unable to be happy, unable to accept ourselves; we suffer and make those around us suffer.” -Thich Nhat Hanh