Weekly Sessions

What We Offer

GROUP SESSIONS
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During these sessions, 6-7 kids are encouraged to work with a "Big Buddy" and a horse for the duration of the 7-week program. The groups focus on building positive memories and authentic relationships while learning to feel, deal with, and walk through emotions and enjoying living in the moment. The sessions create genuine relationship-building opportunities the children will never forget.

The children meet once a week for 2 hours during fall and spring. The boys and girls are in separate groups. While the boys participate in equine ministry, the girls work on Art in the Park. The following week, the girls join the equine ministry, and the boys make a charcuterie board in a woodshop class.

The parents or caregivers receive parent partnering education and have an opportunity to attend Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training.

INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
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These sessions are custom-tailored to each child’s specific needs and run by a Big Buddy trained in Biblically-Based equine-assisted learning. The children build positive memories as they work one on-one with their mentor once a week for 2 hours.

‍Brave Grace equine-assisted learning therapists meet weekly with the Big Buddy to discuss triumphs and challenges and make changes if needed.

Weekly group sessions where we pair youth with a rescue horse and a BIG BUDDY in a 2-hour group or individual session.

In these sessions, we provide fun activities that foster relationships and connection while teaching respect, empowerment, choice, and voice.

The horses do a fantastic job of reaching the youth at a deep level and providing a safe place to heal and grow.

We partner with BRAVE GRACE, a licensed clinical therapy group that provides equine-assisted psychotherapy and counseling sessions.

session breakdown

What does a session look like?

  • Big Buddies gather in prayer 30 minutes before the session.
  • Kids and families meet and greet.
  • Big Buddies connect with parents before sending the children off to the classrooms.
  • Meals served—pizza, salad, drinks, and dessert.
  • Big Buddies connect with parents before sending the children off to the classrooms.
  • Each Big Buddy checks in with their child to see how they are doing and how their week is going.
  • Circle time—we all gather in a circle of chairs. Everyone uses one word to describe how they are feeling.
  • We discuss the activities of the day.
  • Boys and girls are in separate groups. The boys head over to woodworking while the girls work with the horses and rotate each week.
  • The children pick the horse they want to work with.
  • Children gather at the end of the 2 hours to say goodbye and connect with their parents or caregivers.
  • Big Buddies meet for 30 minutes after the children leave to discuss their little buddy's needs and to pray for them.

Volunteer

There are multiple
ways to serve!

Join the Team

FOUNDERS

Heidi and Mike Newell

The Lord prompted Heidi and Mike Newell, founders of Amelia Grace Farm, to create a program for vulnerable youth.

So they prayed and asked God to show them the way.

When you volunteer with or donate to Amelia Grace Farm, YOU partner with us on this INCREDIBLE journey.

Read the Full Story
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Horses and animals of all kinds have always held a special place in my heart. My best friend, Alison, and I grew up riding every day after school. And as a child victim of abuse (outside the home), I found my horse to be my saving grace.

We learned firsthand that horses provide a special relationship with hurting people and can change the trajectory of their lives, and dreamt of starting a ranch for kids.

While patiently waiting for God’s timing and direction for my dream of opening our program to come true, I’ve worked as a veterinarian for horses and small animals. My husband Mike works as President of Radancy, a global recruitment advertising, and technology firm.

Throughout our 28 years of marriage, we opened our hearts and home to care for young people and animals through church ministries, horse camps, Young Life, and more. Mike and I sincerely believe in healing, restoration, and the joy we can experience through the love of Jesus Christ and time spent in His Creation.

Finally, our vision came to life. To accomplish our goals, we partnered with Brave Grace, a trauma-informed equine-facilitated therapy program, to create a non-profit that would infuse optimism into the lives of defenseless youth in Orange County, California.

THE TEAM

Our amazing volunteers

These compassionate people help make it all possible.

Marina Troy
Volunteer

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Ana Karenina
Volunteer

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Eduard Norton
Volunteer

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Carolina Echton
Volunteer

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Carolina Echton
Volunteer

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Jordan Wallsh
Volunteer

A brief explanation about the team member and their role