Posted by: thepinetree on 08/10/2009 12:14 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 08/10/2009 09:52 PM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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New Vocational Training Program for High School Teens
Tuolumne County, CA...This year Sonora High School ‘Workability I’ students will be offered work related opportunities in collaboration with the Mounted Dream Center Ranch (MDC) activities. Students participating in the Workability I program with Kathie Danicourt and Shelly Kendall of the Tuolumne County Office of Education are matched with individual career oriented goals through programs and services that help link school and work based learning...
opportunities. Students working at the MDC will find that youth development and leadership skills will be focused on self advocacy, self determination, leadership opportunities, personal management, career development, and work readiness skills, all in a comfortable and safe social setting provided by the MDC and staff. Activities will include learning horse oriented activities, crafts, fundraising activities, ranch and garden responsibilities. Additionally, there will be woodworking, computer skills and many interpersonal events available directed towards enhancing the students career related experiences and achievements.
About Mounted Dream Center
Participants of the Mounted Dream Center deal with ‘special-needs’ ranging from self esteem concerns to extreme learning disorders and physical challenges. Whatever the degree of challenge, it often negatively impacts their academic achievement. The ranch successfully combines recreation with education and socialization in a positive interactive manner. At the facility, horse and rider become a team and self esteem is enhanced with each accomplishment and by having a leadership role over such a large animal. New experiences become less fearful and riders become more adventurous. Along with improving focus, self worth and mobility, the experience reinforces vital skills necessary for scholastic achievement and social interaction with peers.
For special-needs teens, they too often enter the adult world with little preparation in dealing with the challenges of daily life unless they have had focused and meaningful training in an area of interest and sustainability. The success of the ‘Vocational Training Program’, is predicated by bringing together business people to share basic business and trade skills required of teens to enter the work force through meaningful training and supervision.
Plan of Action
1. Develop self–esteem of each student through a 4 week Equine Ground School Course.
2. Identify vocation opportunities available at MDC Ranch: ranch management, class room assistants, crafts, large animal technician, office skills, landscaping and painting, etc.
3. Find mentors: Through advertising in the local media, we will draw from the local tradesmen and retired community to act as mentors in these career fields. Establish training curriculums.
4. Match students: With the high school counseling and teaching staff assistance we will match students with a vocational mentor.
Sources of Funding
Mounted Dream Center, Inc, has received cash donations from many local families and businesses and raises funds quarterly through benefit dinners and Open House events at the ranch.
MDC currently receives grants, from Tuolumne County Women’s Network, Wal-Mart, Black Hat Foundation, EMBLEM Club, Black Oak Casino, Sierra Foothill Women’s Club, The Humane Society, Thrivent Financial, Sonora Regional Medical Center, Kinematic, Mr. Electric and most recently, Union Bank of California. “We are very fortunate to have Thrivent Financial match funds for this event” says Jeniffer Mayfield-Long, Fundraising Director.
Their long term goal is to secure a major national grant for an arena cover which will allow year round operation, regardless of weather.
Mentor Vounteers needed
The Mounted Dream Center operates entirely with the current volunteer staff of 35+ individuals. Now in their third year of operation, they are pursuing support from private foundations to help reach more of the underserved in our rural community. “Many of the clients who need our services come from families unable to afford even a minimal service fee. Without community support, we could not offer this unique program” says Ms. Taylor-Welch; program CEO.
“This fall, we will be advertising for business mentors interested in sharing a business trade or skill with the teens at MDC Ranch. Running our ranch inherently covers many areas of trainable business skills” says Dennis Going, the ranch Maintenance Director. “Anyone who has a few hours a week, is encouraged to contact us if they wish to help in this new rewarding program.”
Open House
Mounted Dream Center invites the public to an Open House under the large ranch oaks, this Saturday, August 15, from 10-1. Admission is free. Enjoy live music, lemonade and refreshments, children’s games and prizes. Proceeds from a Silent Auction and drawings, that will fund this new Vocational Training Program, were all donated by local businesses, families and artists.
To find the ranch, go to the corner of Racetrack and Jamestown Road. Follow the signs and balloons to the Mounted Dream Center or email for detailed directions: info@MountedDreamCenter.org. Phone: 209-533-8930
 
Tyler (8 years old) and Chad (22 years old)
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