Laurie, a teen in Global Village Therapeutic Foster Care, was one of the youth from New Directions Youth and Family Services who helped clean horse trails as a public service. She looks forward to riding the trails with Zip, her favorite horse from Randolph Children’s Home. All of the volunteers received a badge from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recognizing their work as natural resource volunteers.
New Directions youth
clean public horse trails
Youth from New Directions Youth and Family Service spent two days removing fallen limbs and cutting back brush on the New York State Horse Council Horse Trails in Pine Hill South Valley State Lands, located about 15 minutes from Randolph Children’s Home. They started at Pineapple Junction and looped back.
“All the kids are very involved in the Equestrian Program and are looking forward to using the trails this summer,” said Stephanie Canon, supervisor of the Equestrian Program at Randolph Children’s Home.
The activity was organized by Barnee Weber, Cattaraugus County director, and Ainsley Smith, Chautauqua County director of the Chautauqua/Cattaraugus County Chapter of the New York State Horse Council.
Eleven youth from Randolph Children’s Home and Global Village Therapeutic Foster Care participated. They were aided by Mrs. Canon and Amanda Booth, equestrian youth counselor.
This is the second year that New Directions participated. Youth at New Directions are encouraged to give back to the community because in helping others, we often help ourselves.
Other volunteers provided lunch.
May 7, 2009