Mission:

	Purpose: To provide a therapeutic intervention for at-risk teens with rescued animals.
	Philosophy:

To create emotional growth and knowledge for at-risk teens. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a collaborative effort of certified instructors and horses that produces experiences and situations for discussion, analysis, and learning by the participants. Through EAP, participants learn about themselves and others by partaking in activities. Crossroads will focus on at-risk teens such as those who are delinquent, in group homes, foster care, and low-income families. Our objectives for these teens include:  

	Challenging them in a non-threatening way
	Rapidly breaking down the defense barriers
	Providing immediate cause and effect situations
	Captivating and holding their attention
	Promoting change from dysfunctional patterns to successful ones
	Giving children an education fostering sympathy and responsibility
	Helping children understand that any life is worth preserving
	Steering children away from drugs and alcohol
	Educating children against violence
	Teaching children work ethics by granting them riding privileges in return for chores
	Giving children bragging rights when they may have none
	Developing team building and an understanding of working together to accomplish goals
	Creating an understanding and interest in community involvement