Eye of the Hawk: Last Chance Ranch

"Fabulous center! The energy there was so inspiring and positive. I think some positive connections were made today and I totally appreciate your time and wisdom. One of the students is going to share some of his lessons with the group thanks to what your center pulled out of him. It is interesting because in my academic work I have focused a lot on at risk youth and many of the most successful programs work with the Native American rites of passage. Our (American) culture is sadly devoid of any clear shift to adulthood. I think the at risk group of youth are sadly unchallenged which only creates more feelings of stress – vicious circle really!" ~~ C.E.

Vision:

About 15 years ago, I was a legal assistant at the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office. On occasion, I witnessed the Sheriff’s van pulling up, the door opening and what appeared to be juveniles getting out of the van dressed in prison orange and shackled together. While some of the juveniles most likely deserved to be in that position, I felt certain most of them did not.

At the same time, one of my three sons and many of his friends (who were all around 15 years old) were very mischievous, but not criminal material. I thought that if there were a program for these kids that would have an impact on even one or a few of them, it would not only benefit them, it would benefit all of society.

So here we are in 2009, and my vision for a chance for these kids is finally coming to fruition with Last Chance Ranch. As you will see in the attached literature, the program is based on Native American circles, teachings and legends.

Mission:

Our mission is to give each and every participant the opportunity to discover their purpose and direction in life.


Jo Catalino
Eye of the Hawk Holistic Center, LLC
5 Grove Road
Rye, New Hampshire 03870
(603) 964-7874
www.eyeofthehawk.org

Last Chance Ranch is located at Eye of the Hawk, 5 Grove Road, Rye, New Hampshire. Last Chance Ranch At Risk Youth Program utilizes a unique approach to helping youth who are considered by the community to be at risk. Each of our facilitators operates as individual consultants working together for the good of the people.

Extraordinary experiences are provided by utilizing the values of Native American traditional teachings. Cultural values are offered to aid youth to find centering from within. Ceremony and Lodges as well as outings and the application of native crafting and music demonstrate the values of community. Legends are told to share the cultural values of a culture that thrived for millennia--A different approach to gain the attention of our youth.

Specs:
Four hours per day, four days per week, four weeks. A ratio of 4:1 native fabric facilitators work with the youth at all times. All facilitators are security cleared prior to working with youth.

Also a two week, 24/7, program, based on an Outward Bound and Native American mentoring concept, is available upon interview and request. Either program can be extended if requested.

Referrals:
Our referrals come from police, parents, guardians, guidance counselors, probation officers, courts and other program facilities seeking an intensified guidance program at reasonable cost. We accept referrals from various communities throughout New England. However, the four week program is a day program located in Rye, New Hampshire, and student housing is not provided.

Schedule:
Circle group - opening discussion and planning – Open the four hour session, relaxation and focus exercise, go around circle to ascertain where people are in mind set, set plan for day. The four hour session ends with a closing circle.

Sessions:
Sessions that are applied will be determined on the day of the program dependent on weather and needs of the youth. This is not a progression program, it is a cycling four week commitment program.
Native crafting with teachings from facilitators of native lore based on cultural value building techniques. The making of leather goods, jewelry, dream catchers.
Repair and building of grounds projects to enhance property use for these programs and introduce community values of work ethic.
Construction of lodges – involves the gathering and putting up of a lodge for use by the participants. Teachings of the construction and values of working together are illustrated through native legend teachings.
Legend ceremony – A circle of the people is formed and legends that have personal and community value teachings incorporated are told and demonstrated to the youth.

Different facilitators will share their specialties with the youth. Facilitators may share legends and stories that are pertinent to an individual’s issues at that time. The sharing of knowledge of facilitators about plants, animals, beliefs and animal lore.
One on one and group mentoring to youth in sessions as well as ongoing.
Forest and beach foraging techniques will be introduced and demonstrated. How to harvest in a respectful manner to honor the environment.
Nature walks to understand the forest and relationship to all things.

Facilitators:
Experience and Expertise of Facilitators referred by Northeast American Cultural Resource, under the direction of James Beard. Jim has worked with Visionquest Academy at risk youth for the past three years as a specialist in providing native fabric experience. He is also contracted with Alternative Living Solutions. A youth facility working to prepare young women for independent living in Donegal PA. He provides ceremony, special events, sweat lodge and mentoring. Jim also provides school and youth programs throughout New England.

Please call (603) 964-7874 for an application.