EQUINE SPIRIT PROGRAMS RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FOR NATIVE YOUTH TO 2015.PDF

Created: 04/07/2015
Last updated: 05/26/2015
Page 1
General information
Organization Equine Spirit Programs
Contact First name Julie
Contact Last name Jimenez
Contact e-mail equinespiritprograms@gmail.com
Contact phone number 480 299 2506
Address
Street 17016 E. San Tan Blvd
City Queen Creek
State Arizona
ZIP Code 85142
From what tribe is the organization requesting the grant?
Tohono O’odham Nation
Total grant amount request
25000
The Gila River Indian Community offers multi-year awards. If your organization is requesting a multi-year grant for this
project or program from the Gila River Indian Community, enter the amount to be requested each year.
Amount
Year 1 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
Year 2 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
Year 3 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
Year 4 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
Year 5 (Gila River Indian Community Only)
1 of 1


EQUINE SPIRIT PROGRAMS
17016 E. San Tan Blvd.
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142 480-299-2506
Request for Proposal
For Arizona Revised Stature 5-601-02/12% Gaming Distribution
Tohono O”odham Nation
Healing With Horses
Equine Spirit Programs for Residential Treatment Center Native Youth
Queen Creek, Maricopa County, Arizona
$25,000.00
a) Explain perceived need and how proposal will address the need
Research reports minority youth are at greater risk of negative behaviors such as
substance use and suicide than the rest of their national counterparts. Equine Spirit
Program staff and founders have addressed this need by offering Equine Assisted
Learning (EAL) prevention services to Native communities for the past 6 years.
Incorporated as a non profit in 2014, ESP offers activity based programs that utilize the
proven EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model. Equine
Assisted Learning (EAL) is listed as a Best Practice in the First Nations Behavioral Health
Association Catalogue of Effective Behavioral Health Practices. EAL as an effective approach
to health care and child advocacy, a Tohono O’odham funding priority, and will be
provided to underserved minority youth populations who reside in respite care. EAL
programs are comprised of activities involving horses which will require the individual or
group to apply certain and specific skills. This is an experiential process where
individuals/groups participate with horses in assigned ground activities. Horses are
uniquely suited to participate in these activities, in that horses are attuned to the feelings
more than the behaviors of people near them. Experiential exercises are conducted by
a Mental Health Professional, and an Equine Specialist utilizing and an EAGALA based
curriculum. .The collaborating agency provides transportation and support staff .The
program goal is to increase the resiliency characteristics of self-esteem, sense of
purpose and social connectedness through the use of a structured equine curriculum

and evaluation. By providing new activities involving horses, youth are challenged which
results in increasing life skills such as communication, and self confidence. When
coping with challenging life situations, youth are able to report through pre/post
evaluation surveys, that they are better able to connect with peers, family and
community when in need of assistance and ultimately be able to make more positive life
choices. Facility staff provides all accommodations and food for the event which will
cover 3 days.
The unique synergy of the Human and the Horse creates new ways to facilitate
successful change in behaviors of the participants involved. Horses respond
immediately, horses require the participant to be authentic, horses don’t lie, and horses
challenge us to be our best. Participants increase knowledge in communication skills,
self confidence, personal insight, team building and leadership. They are challenged by
the experiential process to problem solve, identify and obtain personal and/or team
goals, build trust and ultimately accept change. They can then apply those newly
learned skills to the challenges they face at home, school and community. . The
curriculum serving Native American youth is culturally adapted to the belief that many
Native American societies view the horse with profound sacredness as a kinship to
man. That relationship accompanies the belief that Native people are given lessons of
life through animals. The non Native youth attending this school are from a generational
“horse” community where horses are a part of everyday life within the family and
community at large.
The program is conducted over a 3 day period with the following staff:
Mental Health Professional- Master Level Therapist/EAGALA trained
Equine Specialist - EAGALA certified
Equine assistant - previous equine program experience
Volunteers - New Horizon staff/ residential home specialized training, youth counseling
Any staff or volunteer must hold a fingerprint clearance card to work with youth.
b. Describe the population that will benefit from the proposal
Youth reside at New Horizon Youth Home on a short term respite care basis while the
individual or family is in crisis. ESP staff and New Horizon staff work in a formal
collaboration to maximize the impact of both existing and grant resources. Staff targets
this underserved population of primarily Native American youth who experience a higher
rate of substance use and suicide than the national average. Staff and program focus to
increase resiliency characteristics for the reduction of negative behaviors. 2 youth equine
programs will be provided for 25 youth at each program. A total of 50 youth will be male
and female, ages 13-18. Equine Assisted Learning will provide participants the
opportunity to develop healthy protective factors to include: resiliency, healthy coping
strategies, self esteem, and connection to peers, family and community.

At the end of 10 program hours conducted in the course of a weekend, those attending
and completing pre/post surveys will report a 40% increase in their sense of self
sufficiency to include self esteem, and social connectedness. The program will measure
the participants increase in sense of self sufficiency by evaluating the participants
responses to questions on self-esteem, self confidence, and connectedness, Participants
will also be able to identify adults and or resources in their community that can assist
them when they need help with life issues\
Evaluation Methods: staff conducts a pre/post survey, conduct a focus group at the end
of each session to process what was learned and how to apply it to everyday life, In
addition, staff does ongoing observation to monitor participants during program delivery
and discuss the findings, make necessary adjustments.
Youth actively contribute to their surveys. A summary of the groups responses is created
within 60 days of program completion, will be delivered to the grant funders and the New
Horizons Director to share with staff, youth and parents
c. Budget and budget narrative for this proposal
Project Expenses
Source Description Amount
camp facility rental, equipment rental,
Arena Time $7,500.00
arena time, food

Supplies supplies for participants incentives $1,250.00
professional and program liability
Insurance $3,700.00
Professional Fees equine spirit staff professional fees $8,400.00
Horses, trailer rentals, program
Equipment $4,150.00
equipment for activities
Total
$25,000.00
Budget Narrative
Arena time=Ranch arena time is reserved and allocated to include all utilities $7500
Incentives= are used to sustain attendance with participants and for those who
complete $1250
Contracted professional fees=contract with the certified mental health professional,
certified equine specialist and necessary support staff for coordination, data collection
and evaluation for the prep and implementation of program. $8400
Program session equipment= all items used in programming including all horse tack
and equipment necessary for activities. Cost for all horse rentals is included. $4150
Liability Insurance=a requirement for those participating to cover loss or damage
compensation $3700

d) Funding requests made for this or related proposals and status
None
e) Has entity received 12% funding from any Arizona tribe
No funding received
f) Designated contact person and alternate contact person, email , phone,
mailing address and fax
Julie Jimenez, MSW, Grants Manager
equinespiritprograms@gmail.com
480 299 2506
17016 E. San Tan Blvd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 no fax
Indicate priority areas
Health Care
Child Advocacy
g) Non profits must include city, town or county the agreement will be made if
funded
Town of Queen Creek, AZ
Equine Spirit Programs
17016 E. San Tan Blvd

Queen Creek, AZ 85142
To:
Chairman Ned
Norris Jr.
Tohono O’odham Nation
P.O. Box 837
Sells,AZ 85634
Attn: Lanez Valisto

From:
Equine Spirit Programs
17016 E. San Tan Blvd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
To:
Chairman Ned
Norris Jr.
Tohono O’odham Nation
P.O. Box 837
Sells,AZ 85634
Attn: Lanez Valisto

From:
Equine Spirit Programs
17016 E. San Tan Blvd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
To:
Chairman Ned
Norris Jr.

Tohono O’odham Nation
P.O. Box 837
Sells,AZ 85634
Attn: Lanez Valisto

NHYH
New Horizon Youth Homes, Inc.
“Share the values you grew up with
www.nhyh.org
January 8, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
New Horizon Youth Homes has become familiar with your program over the past several years and would like
to encourage funding of this application for the benefit of our clients. They have had exposure to similar equine
programs in the past and they have benefitted our kids in many ways, including health & wellness, learning to
take care of animals, and well as being therapeutic for everyone involved.
Organization’s Mission Statement:
New Horizon Youth Homes is a place of purpose, commitment and integrity. Our mission is to create a
structured, therapeutic environment which will empower individuals to build healthy relationships and develop
life skills that will promote personal growth. We aim to meet the diverse needs of our population by being goal
orientated, family focused and culturally sensitive. Our goal is to be the premier provider of behavioral health
services.
New Horizon Youth Homes, Inc. (NHYH) is a non­profit agency created in 2001. NHYH built a programming
structure that challenges, encourages and counsels children and young adults to enhance self­ esteem and to
modify their behaviors in order to become positive community members. Programming is provided in
Residential, Outside Support Service and Respite formats. Regardless of the format selected, each program is
formatted to the individual based on circumstances, challenges and personal goals. Clients will participate in
activities, groups and life lessons that help them assess their internal strengths, capabilities and improve
decision making skills. The multiple formats allow ample opportunities for clients to "step down" or transition
to less restrictive programming as the individual improves. In Residential NHYH provides Level II Therapeutic
and Level III Behavioral Health Residential Services, which include Life Skills Client Wellness education and
activities that are geared toward personal growth and goals. Primary therapeutic services in the Level II
program is General Mental Health and Substance Abuse provided by Behavioral Health Professionals. Level III
clients can grow in a less restrictive environment that offers behavior modifications and good­decision making
guidance. Residential homes are located in Chandler, Peoria, El Mirage. NHYH has also created an Outpatient
Program that provides therapeutic and life skills activities that are developed to meet client’s goals by staff
working with client's CFT/Case Manager to determine appropriate services. Services include mentoring, health
and wellness services, cultural awareness activities, school break programming, life skills/GED day program,
and substance abuse program. Content of programming includes Psycho/ Social Rehabilitation, Behavior
Modification, Client
Wellness and Independent Living Skills objectives
Thank you in advance for your support.
Jackie Cooley
Community Outreach Coordinator
NHYH
New Horizon Youth Homes, Inc.
Ph:480­722­2730
Fax: 480­664­4296
EIN#86­1014335
501c3DLN17053353041011
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2754, Chandler, Arizona 85244­2754
Office Phone: 480­722­2730 ­ Fax: 480­664­4296

Program Outcomes . Veterans Family
Veterans and their family members are
The unique synergy of the Human and the offered a EAL weekend retreat program.
Horse creates new and challenging ways to
facilitate successful change. Participants Participants will improve:
increase knowledge in communication skills, • Family communication
self confidence personal insight, team building •
Anxiety reduction
and leadership. They are challenged by the
• Problem solving
experiential process to problem solve, identify
Mission and obtain personal and/or team goals, build • Goal setting
To Empower, Enrich and Educate, by trust and ultimately accept change.
providing a safe positive and professional Organizations/Corporations
Equine Experience.
Program Format EAL programs offered for organizational
groups are conducted in 2 hour sessions
The Horse, A Mental Health Professional and
Vision for up to 20 participants with the ability to
Equine Specialist comprise the team which
conduct 4 /2 hour sessions per day.
Equine Spirit connects Youth, adults, provide a safe and adventurous environment
Veterans and groups, with rehabilitated for participants. Through the experiential
rescue horses, exercises, the staff observes interactions and
Equine Assisted patterns Growth of behavior between & participants Learning and
to promote self discovery, personal growth horses. They can then associate how those
Adventure and professional development. interactions and behaviors which occur in the
arena are metaphors for what goes on in their
real world.
History
The Equine Spirit staff has been providing
Equine Assisted Learning, EAL, to schools EAL programs are offered at the main facility
and community since 2008. or at prearranged locations.
The main facility located in Queen Creek
Arizona, approximately 35 miles South East Youth/Adults
of metro Phoenix, is the home to rescue
horses. Individual participant EAL programs are
comprised of 8/ 1 hour sessions. Specialized
Horses are rehabilitated and transitioned into groups having a maximum of 12 participants.
the EAGALA model program.
Participants will improve: When a person enters the arena with a horse,
• transformation occurs. That place is sacred space, peace
Problem solving

Equine Spirit
Programs
Meet our Professionals “Healing Horses Healing Humans”
‘
Andy Miritello, who lives in Queen Creek AZ,
is an EAGALA Equine Specialist. The
combination of 35 years of horse experience,
18 years working with at-risk youth, which
includes 15 years with youth in the Native
American Community, provides him with the
unique background suited to healing horses,
healing humans.
Andy Miritello 480.250.6284
equinespiritprograms@gmail.com Equine Assisted Growth
and Learning Adventure
Julie Jimenez, MSW
Ms. Jimenez holds a Masters in Social Work
with a professional career centered on the
area of prevention and mental health for over
28 years. As part of the Equine Spirit team,
she is focused on bringing mental health
awareness to the community through
education, and skill building, while increasing
knowledge and confidence to any age
participant interested in self –improvement.
She is a successful grant writer, program
manager and horse enthusiast. Ms. Jimenez
has specifically worked with the special
populations of at-risk youth, and Native
populations and has presented this
innovative equine program as a prevention