Youth Dynamics

The construction of a winter shed at the Youth Dynamics Lewis and Clark Youth Home represents more than a charitable donation. Beartooth NBC traveled to the home to learn what it takes to build a solid foundation.

When building a structure, a solid foundation will increase its chances of survival. The Home Depot is doing just that for the Youth Dynamics Lewis and Clark Youth Home.

"We knew that Home Depot has in the past donated playgrounds or have donated major projects to non-profits, and so we thought we'd give it a shot,” says Clinical Director, Shari Morin-Degel.

The home improvement store was able to meet a need for the youth home by donating and building a tough shed to store hay and supplies for their three horses.

"We also use natural horsemanship and we've been using the Parelli Natural Horsemanship education system to teach the kids how to interact safely with the horses and how to learn about horse psychology,” says Equine Coordinator, Chesica Larsen.

"Here at the home the youth are typically here for about nine months and that process they have a treatment plan where they are here to work on their various issues whether it be behavioral, emotional or a lot of family dynamics,” says Program Manager, Teresa Turville
 
The youth home's goal is to lay a foundation for its residents to build upon in the future.

"You know the youth here they have the tools and the support and guidance of pretty highly trained staff. So they learn many of the skills they would be lacking or that they might slide under the radar,” says Turville.

The Youth Dynamics program started in Montana 30 years ago and helps kids ages 8 to 14. 

Story by Drew Steele, Beartooth NBC.
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