Join Our Mission of Transformation and Impact

Founded in 2011, UnChained is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working in Santa Cruz, Monterey and Santa Clara counties. Through its Canines Teaching Compassion program, UnChained teaches youth how to train homeless dogs in basic skills, manners and socialization, helping the dogs be adopted into permanent homes.

The youth develop values of patience, respect and responsibility for themselves and others, through the trust and relationship building with their dogs. UnChained began serving students at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus in Salinas in Spring of 2012. Since then, UnChained has expanded to include programs at Kinship Center in Salinas and Juvenile Hall facilities in Salinas, Santa Cruz and San Jose.

Since 2012, UnChained has served over 380 youth in Monterey, Santa Cruz counties and those youth have helped find homes for over 180 dogs. 92% of program dogs are adopted within 30 days of program completion.

Central Coast Youth in Need

UnChained works with two incredible - yet vulnerable - populations: at-risk youth and homeless dogs. Youth served are primarily Latino males and females between the ages of 11-24, who often have ties with gangs, drugs and poverty. Statistics reveal the high number of youth in need in Central Coast communities. Monterey County Probation reported that, in 2012, 1,340 youth were booked into Juvenile Hall.

Monterey County also has the harrowing distinction of being the youth homicide capital of California; between 2009 and 2013, it was #1 for youth homicide victimization in California four of five years. UnChained’s Youth Trainers face a variety of social, economic and cognitive risk factors affecting their sense of self-worth, personal value to the community and emotional development. Many share one or more of these characteristics: learning disabled and/or ADHD, gang-affiliated, low-income, drug addiction, part of the foster care system, and affected by violence. UnChained Youth Trainers understand the plight of their program dog, because they too may have lived behind bars, been neglected by a caregiver, or abandoned by family.

UnChained introduces its Youth Trainers to dogs in need and teaches them how to train the dogs in basic skills and socialization. The learning of a new skill is helpful but the bonding that happens between the youth and the dogs is the real magic. This animal-assisted therapy fosters empathy and respect in the youth, adding to what psychologists call the “protective factors” in the youth’s life. Studies show dogs can transform lives, break down barriers of mistrust and fear in ways that humans cannot and provide social and emotional support. Specifically, an UnChained’s dog offers the youth unconditional, empathetic, non-verbal feedback, healthy touch and increases in self- control. UnChained Youth Trainers report surprising themselves in their level of patience, skill, and self-confidence.

These changes are paramount for the future of the youth and their communities. UnChained’s results show that when youth are given the task of training homeless dogs who share similar experiences of neglect, abandonment, or abuse, they can begin to feel empathy and compassion for others, while improving their own sense of self-worth and self-efficacy. Giving dogs a second chance at a better life supports healthy development in youth. The training increases the dogs’ chances of adoption, while it teaches the youth impulsivity-control, mastery of a skill, future orientation, and the value of restorative justice. We invite you to read about some of our amazing Youth Trainer on our Stories page and view our most recent newsletter here. You also may request attendance at an UnChained Graduation Ceremony where the dogs and Youth Trainers strut their stuff.

The Impact of a Canine’s Compassion

In recent years, Board members that have the available time and interest have also:

  • Attended Graduation ceremonies celebrating the accomplishments of UnChained Youth Trainers.

  • Represented UnChained at meetings or events to assist in raising the organization’s profile.

  • Attended conference calls to lead or contribute to special projects such as data management and program/curriculum changes.

  • Volunteered at Special Events that raise public awareness of the organization and/or raise money for the organization (such as working runner registration at the Big Sur International Marathon or assisting in the silent auction at the Harvest Hops & Hounds celebration).

Join Our Board of Directors

Benefits of being an UnChained Board Member are:

  • Be a part of improving the lives of youth and homeless dogs in our community o Gain a feeling of giving back to your community.

  • Engage in meaningful work o Network and form positive relationships with others on the board.

  • Gain experience as a board member.

  • Learn about non-profit organizations, board governance, and issues relevant to a young, growing organization.

Responsibilities of UnChained Board Members are:

  • Board meets quarterly: 2 in-person meetings and 2 calls/webinars per year.

  • Each board member signs a Board contract committing to:

    • A 2-year term

    • Attendance at 3 of 4 of board meetings each year

    • Review of materials in advance of meetings

    • Financial contribution in an amount that is meaningful to each individual board member

The process for selecting Board Members includes a brief (1-page) application, an introductory conversation with UnChained Executive Director and/or Board President, and an interview with the Board of Directors. For more information or an application, contact Melissa Wolf at melissa@livingunchained.org or (888) 674-5471.

MAKE A DONATION

Support UnChained by making a simple donation or celebrate a beloved pet, person or event with a special in-honor donation to create new opportunities for our community’s youth and the dogs they train.