ELSA Inc.
Experience Learning Support with Animals (ELSA) serves youth with autism and other disabilities through hands-on, ranch-based, equine-assisted activities stressing the human-animal bond. With a $4,700.00 from WHY, ELSA will purchase a walk-in chicken coop for up to 10 chickens complete with electricity and accessories. ELSA works with youth 18-22 promoting ranch skills, horse care, and fostering social skills, peer interaction, self-confidence, sensory awareness, and a sense of accomplishment. Approximately 90 youth a year will be able to extend their understanding of farm animals as they engage in the care and keeping of chickens. The expansion of the hands on ranch immersion program will take ELSA to the next level beyond horses to include chickens as part of the ranch experience. Youth will extend their understanding of farm animals as they engage in the care and keeping of chickens, building soft skills in work readiness. Youth will build communication and social skills and develop confidence gained from meeting expectations and fulfilling the responsibilities that come from participating in productive ranch work.