Youth Programs
In response to the organic, driving interest of local students, teachers, organizations and groups, we are engaging teenage volunteers to help build grassroots humane education, in-shelter and through community outreach, to raise awareness and get involved. We are seeing how making a difference in the lives of feral and stray cats is also improving the lives of our youth, people with disabilities, families, and how a community defines itself as welcoming and compassionate.
Feline Rescue Readers
Research shows reading can have a calming effect on both animals and people alike. Rescue Readers is a one-hour program for all readers–old and new–where participants come to read to the cats in our shelter facility, providing soothing company to cats as they await adoption, and a moment of calm and connection for the people. As a bonus, new readers can use this as an opportunity to gain confidence and improve their reading skills!
Teen Champions for Cats
The Teen Champions for Cats program encompasses two key components that are at the heart of Spirits Place: in-shelter care, and community outreach. This is an opportunity for our community youth to deepen their sense of compassion, community responsibility, and animal understanding through their experience at Spirits Place. Our hope is to inspire them to become community ambassadors and help us educate the next generation on our work and the plight of our community cats.
The in-shelter care component encourages and supports teenage volunteers from area high schools to learn how to responsibly and compassionately care for cats and help prepare them for adoption. Responsibilities and skills include: socializing and feeding cats and cleaning cat areas.
The community outreach component includes managing communications for Spirits Place social media platforms, including co-administering our Facebook page. Skills and responsibilities include photographing and editing images of Spirits Place cats, writing compelling, individual stories about each cat and their special features to promote their adoption, and reaching out to friends and community members.
Teens Creating for Cats
There is much creative energy, purpose, and expressiveness waiting to be tapped among our youth in our region, which is desperately needed. Students have already self-initiated other exciting art projects to enhance the shelter, including painting a wall mural they designed. Teenagers who make cat-themed pottery generate revenue for Spirits Place and help us to carry out our mission.
We believe developing this program integrates creativity and the arts with Spirits Place cats, young people, and the environment which serves to elevate animal welfare, community pride, and our shelter’s sustainability in a uniquely powerful and wide-ranging way.
If you wish to know more about our Youth Programs, send us a message at spiritsplace1@gmail.com or submit a message here.