Making A New Way

Making a New Way is located at Holly Hill Farm in Benton, LA and provides Equine Assisted Services for children. Poor communication and low self-esteem are common concerns  for youth today. However, children who have experienced several adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are particularly vulnerable to these concerns due to inherent trust and self worth issues. Our program teaches social emotional learning in a trauma informed environment. Along side a mentor; the kids partner with a horse in activities, farm chores and creative play to promote emotional regulation. This provides opportunity for growth in their self esteem, self worth, sense of responsibility, and the development of healthy relationships. 

Testimonials

Parent of child in program:

MAWAY has been an absolutely wonderful experience for us. Both of my kids were having a hard time with life in general, but especially with relationships.  Ms. Harrell said this program might be a good fit for them due to the trauma they’d experienced, and I couldn’t be happier that we’re there. The mentors my kids have, have made such a difference in their lives and know how to make them feel safe and comfortable while they’re with them. I was impressed with the goal sheet Ms. Harrell came up with for my kids, because every week you can slowly see them reaching those goals, which is incredible. I never thought we’d come as far as we have, but between their new love for horses, and their love for Yevette and her mentors, my boys genuinely look forward to going out there every week. They are doing amazing things with and for my kids, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

**Parent of child in program:
Making a new way has been so amazing for my kids. It's gives them something to look forward to every week. It has given them confidence and discipline, strength and structure. They feel loved, heard, and needed.
Working with the horses is something so special and the mentors give their whole hearts to helping the children through their struggles they may be dealing with because of their past. Making a New Way is an incredible program that is amazingly helpful for kids who have come from hard places. We are so grateful for the blessing, Making a New Way has been to our family.

**Parent of child in program:
Making a New Way has helped teach life skills to our daughter that she had been struggling to learn. The mentors are always willing to listen and help find activities that can reinforce skills. Making a New Way has helped guide our daughter to learn how to process her emotions in age-appropriate ways. We are so thankful for this program!

**Volunteer- Jaimie Jett :
As a volunteer for Making A New Way, I get to be a part of supporting children that have suffered a loss of a parent or parents. Being on a farm is a unique experience and so fulfilling. It takes many kinds of volunteers to support the program. I have volunteered to babysit for siblings of children participating in the program. I get to take them out in a golf cart to see horses, goats, pigs, and chickens! At first they are very tentative, but as soon as you connect them to animals, their eyes light up. My next goal is to mentor a child in the program. To watch a mentor from afar working with a child groom a horse, walk a horse and gather eggs from chickens with a mentor is eye opening. The child is so tentative at first, but with the guiding hand of a mentor over a period of months, develops self confidence, and is able to set and meet goals on the farm and these skills can help in other areas of their lives. It isn't all easy, the mentor is working with a child who has felt a lot of pain in their young life, but through listening and working with a child, both the child and mentor experience movement forward, the child developing new life skills and the mentor sharing their gifts.

Mentor - Gretchen Reeks: 

My experience with the MAWAY program has allowed me to witness the connection between the horses and children. Hearing a child giggle when the horse nuzzles his neck or watching a thousand pound animal drop his head for a scratch from an unsteady hand is amazing. This is a place of peace.

Mentor - Elise Harrell

Making A New Way  is a program that provides a unique opportunity for children in our community . It’s partnership with Holly Hill Farm allows participants to get outdoors and create supportive relationships in a fun environment . As a mentor for MAWAY I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn about the long term benefits of healthy relationships and how it builds resilience for future generations ! This program has inspired me to connect with the bossier parish community and to consistently look for ways to share a smile and helping hand.