Our Program: Trauma-Informed Mentorship
A Sanctuary for Healing and Growth
At Making A New Way, we don’t offer “pony rides.” We offer a structured, relationship-based intervention designed to help children who have experienced foster care, adoption, or early childhood trauma.
Using the Stable Moments Model, we focus on the whole child. Our goal is to help them move from a state of survival (fight, flight, or freeze) to a state of thriving.
How the Program Works
Our Mindful Approach to Resilience
One-on-One Mentorship
Consistency is the foundation of trust. Every child in our program is matched with a dedicated community mentor.
- The Commitment: Mentors meet with their student for one hour, once a week, throughout the school year.
The Impact: For many children from “hard places,” having one person who shows up exactly when they say they will is a life-changing experience. This consistent “regulatory partner” helps the child feel safe enough to explore new emotions and skills.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
Why horses? Horses are prey animals, which makes them incredibly sensitive to the energy and body language of those around them. They provide immediate, non-judgmental feedback.
- Regulation: If a child is frustrated or anxious, the horse will mirror that energy. To connect with the horse, the child must learn to “calm their internal storm.”
- Boundaries: Working with a 1,000-pound animal naturally teaches children about personal space, respect, and clear communication.
Self-Worth: Farm chores and working with horses build confidence uniquely.
Trauma-Informed Curriculum
Our sessions are guided by the principles of TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention).
- Connecting: Building a deep bond between mentor, child, and horse.
- Empowering: Addressing physical needs (hydration, movement) to ensure the brain is ready to learn.
- Correcting: Teaching children how to handle mistakes and “do-overs” with grace and self-compassion.
How the Program Works
No two days at the farm are the same, but every session follows a predictable rhythm to help our students feel secure:
- Check-In: A mindful moment to transition from the busy world to the peace of the farm.
- Farm Responsibility: Engaging in chores like grooming or feeding to build a sense of belonging and contribution.
- Equine Activity: Ground-based exercises with the horse that focus on specific life skills like patience, problem-solving, or leadership.
Reflective Play: Creative time to process the session and build the relationship between mentor and child.
Is This Program Right for Your Child?
We serve children in the Northwest Louisiana area who have experienced:
- Foster care or adoption
- Early childhood neglect or abuse
- Difficult transitions or family trauma
- Issues with emotional regulation or self-esteem