Saddle Rock Ranch Project

Launching in November 2012, Heart Gallery NYC & Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) began the Saddle Rock Ranch Respite Program, presenting life skills and workforce development workshops for youth transitioning out of foster care. The Saddle Rock Ranch project  was an exciting opportunity of ongoing workshops for youth to help prepare them for a successful transition into adult life.

 The Saddle Rock Ranch Respite Program offered the job/life skills workshops to youth at risk of aging out of foster care without adoptive families. Set in a unique "country" setting located on a 15 acre ranch in Long Island, the youth participants were able to explore equestrian/animal assisted therapy and career opportunities in a supportive environment.

Course offerings from Suffolk County Community College were included in the program and held on site at Saddle RockRanch. Youth participated in workshops designed specifically to assist them in their transition from foster care to independent living, such as Healthy Cooking/Food Safety, Interpersonal Skills and Building a Resume. These  workshops were taught by professional instructors from Suffolk County Community College.

The Saddle Rock Respite Program also included a group mentoring component where the youth participants were able to meet and connect with adults who had aged out of foster care and  moved on to lead successful and happy lives.