Fact Sheet 2005/2006
- Program Description
TRAVERSE operates a therapeutic horsemanship program ( “equine assisted psychotherapy”) for at-risk children, specifically, children who have experienced severe trauma or loss. The children participate in group therapy and riding instruction twice weekly, and are required to set personal, family, horse, and school goals. TRAVERSE professional staff members conduct the riding classes, group therapy sessions, and monitor each child’s progress carefully. Parents also participate in weekly group sessions. TRAVERSE offers an active K.I.T. Keeping In Touch program for children who have graduated from the program but who wish to continue riding and/or therapy at minimal cost. Children in the aftercare program also have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities, such as “fun rides,” horse shows, and community field trips.
- Program Referrals
Referrals may be made by parents, schools or social agencies such as: Department of Children and Families, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hospice, USF School of Social Work, Apple Services, the Spring, Victim’s Assistance, and others.
- Eligibility
Students age 8-16 are considered for the program. In order to be accepted into the program, students and their parent or guardian must have the physical and intellectual capacity to participate fully in an active, challenging program
have the ability to function safely in a challenging environment commit to participate in the entire nine-month program provide their own transportation to and from the stable two days a week
- Application/Intake Process
Applications to the program are accepted from June 1 – August 15. An extensive intake process including an assessment, and family meeting is completed by the first week in September. Intake procedures include the completion of TRAVERSE and NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) forms, home visits, office visits, and a visit to the riding stable.
- Program Timeline
The group program begins the last week of August and runs through the first week of June. The children’s group meets for two afternoons each week in two-hour sessions throughout the school year. The parents’ group meets once weekly.
- Average Size of Program
6 students in the main September-June riding/group therapy program
8 parents in the parent group program
6 additional graduates in the Keeping In Touch program
- Cost
$360 per month for 9 months. Subsidies and scholarships are available.
- Goals/Outcomes
After participating in the TRAVERSE program, children typically exhibit improved self-esteem, improved behavior, have met most of the personal, family, and educational goals that were set at the beginning of the course, and demonstrate Level I equestrian competence, as defined by the Composite Horsemanship Manual of the Association for Horsemanship Safety and Education (CHA).
- Program Staffing Overview
2 part-time professional staff
14 volunteers
1 University of South Florida intern
- TRAVERSE Staff
Joe Callan, LCSW - Clinical/Program Director, Certified NARHA Instructor
Glenda Henderson - Equestrian Director, Certified NARHA Instructor
Board of Directors 11 members
Founded 1993; began providing services in 1994
Status 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Fiscal Year July 1 - June 30
Annual Operating Budget
Approximately $50,000/year, plus significant in-kind support
- Affiliations
TRAVERSE is a Premier Accredited Center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Additionally, TRAVERSE is a member of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Division of NARHA. All TRAVERSE staff members have been certified by the Horsemanship Safety Association, and the Clinical Director, is certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).
- TRAVERSE Acronym
Trauma Resolution and Victims’ Essential Recovery Services