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Healing Hearts Breakfast
October 22, 2020 @ 7:30 am - 8:30 pm PDT
FreeJoin Animals As Natural Therapy (ANT) for stories of hope and healing at their annual Healing Hearts Breakfast on October 22, 2020. Normally an in-person event, this important fundraiser for ANT will be held on Zoom this year. Registration is free.
The keynote for the Breakfast will be Dr. Aubrey Fine, one of country’s leading experts on animal assisted therapy. He is presently a professor emeritus at California State Polytechnic University and a licensed psychologist. He has spent decades researching the psycho-social impact of human animal interactions, animal assisted interventions, ADHD, and resilience in children. Dr. Fine is the author of several books including the Therapist’s Guide to Learning and Attention Disorders and The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy. He has been a guest on numerous national news stations including ABC and CNN, and he is noted as one of the pioneers in animal assisted therapy by the New York Times.
Event attendees will also hear directly from past ANT participants. After Dr. Fine speaks, a veteran and New Horizons graduate (an ANT program that supports young women in recovery) will share their stories of healing. The event aims to provide hope and inspiration at a time that most desperately need it and raise funds for programs that support youth, veterans, and families.
Since 1999, thousands of at-risk youth and veterans have come to ANT for the unique healing experiences that are facilitated at the farm. Participants gain social and emotional tools, confidence, and hope through relationships with animals and skilled therapists.
“There are so many kids that are so drowned out by their situations. Kids that, because this pattern was learned so early, will continue to find ways to drown themselves out throughout their lives. Abby showed me that there was something in me that wanted to grow, so I am applying to universities. I am personally grateful to all ANT contributors…for not abandoning me to that kind of life forever.” Former ANT Participant
Over 85% of participants need financial assistance or full scholarships to attend. While there is no obligation to donate, all will be invited to join ANT in making their work a reality for youth and veterans with by giving at this year’s Healing Hearts Breakfast.