Gateway Center is a non-profit, located in Pacific Grove, CA. We run a variety of day and residential programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our dedicated, professional staff provides a caring, supportive environment, which ensures that every individual we serve can live a full and rewarding life. All of our programs are designed around individualized, Person Centered Plans that promote Rights, Choices, and Opportunities for Growth. We provide a caring and stimulating environment where people with intellectual disabilities can achieve their individual goals, safely and with dignity.
Program Information General Description of what students will be doing at this Site: Interns will support developmentally disabled Gateway clients as they 1) care for rescued miniature horses, and 2) attend Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions. These activities occur through a partnership with the Equine Healing Collaborative (EHC), and take place at the BackStretch Horse Ranch in Aromas. BackStretch is home to over 70 rescued and rehabilitated horses, donkeys, ponies and goats. For safety reasons, Gateway clients will volunteer specifically with the “minis” (miniature horses), of which there are ten. Interns will spend time at both the Pacific Grove Adult School site and the Aromas site (traveling in a Gateway van with staff and students between the sites). An Intern will work alongside a Gateway staff member who has received specialized training from EHC. Together, the Intern and staff member will support either two or three Gateway clients at a time, depending on the abilities and traits of each client.
Key Responsibilities: Through training and hands-on experience, the Intern will: Work side-by-side with the Community Integration Coordinator while 1) transporting Gateway clients to and from the BackStretch Horse Ranch, 2) teaching clients to groom and care for the rescued miniature horses, and 3) providing support to clients, if needed, during Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions. Communicate with the horses, interpret horse behavior, and respond accordingly Harness and lead a horse Teach clients to groom a horse, using a variety of supportive techniques Recognize potential threats and dangers (from the horses' perspective) while at Backstretch Ranch Maintain safety while clients care for the horses Use Active Learning methods while supporting clients Use Person-Centered Practices while supporting clients Safeguard the dignity and respect of all developmentally disabled clients
Desired Intern Characteristics: Patient Creative problem-solver Compassionate, gentle Willingness to collaborate Ability to analyze a situation as it unfolds with clients, and apply the appropriate learning and/or support methods
Trainings offered or required:
Provided by Gateway:
1. First Aid and CPR certification
2. Video training, followed by hands-on training of: 1) the philosophy and practice of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, 2) handling horses, 3) grooming horses, and 4) how to assist clients in their volunteer work with the horses
3. Training, and opportunities to practice and use, Person-Centered Practices and tools. Kristin Guertin, the Community Integration Coordinator, will be certified in June 2019 as a Person Centered Planning Trainer.
4. Complete a video training program on providing direct support to adults with developmental disabilities, followed by a period of "shadowing" direct support staff in the Without Walls program. Shadowing includes