Source: CNN
Melissa Wolf, founder of UnChained, pairs vulnerable youth in juvenile correction facilities with rescued dogs to provide mutual rehabilitation. The nonprofit aims to decrease juvenile recidivism and save animals’ lives. Participants train dogs, preparing them for adoption, while fostering empathy, compassion, and responsibility in the youth. Wolf, with a background in social services, observed high recidivism rates and sought to address these issues through animal care.
The program includes professional trainers and mental health professionals, culminating in a graduation ceremony showcasing the youth’s training efforts. Since 2011, UnChained has assisted over 450 young people and found homes for 220 dogs. The program emphasizes positive reinforcement and building emotional connections, transforming the youths’ self-perception and providing hope for their futures.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/12/us/unchained-nonprofit-dogs-california-cnnheroes/index.html