By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—The founders of River’s Edge Haven of Hope in Dunnville started their retreat with one goal in mind: helping struggling youth in the area to grow and flourish in a faith-based environment. Although not connected to any local churches or organizations, those involved in running the organization share a common faith through the area’s Reformed churches.
The grounds are located on a 40-acre property adjacent to the Grand River. Participants can expect to take part in weekly 90-minute sessions, where they will be paired with an adult mentor. Sessions begin with a chore around the barn, including getting hay for the horses, scooping manure, or sweeping the barn: “Some participants love to work and we find ourselves working for the entire session,” said Chris DeBoer, Executive Director of the organization.
DUNNVILLE—Horesmanship is just one experience local youths might have while at River’s Edge Haven of Hope.
Once the work is complete, participants and their mentor engage in one of a number of activities, including horsemanship, crafts, woodworking, kayaking, fishing, and small animal care. While enjoying these activities, mentors will work to form a relationship and help offer guidance to participants.
“Over time, trails will be developed, with the option of horseback riding in the summer,” said DeBoer, noting that although there are horses present, River’s Edge does not teach horseback riding.
“The land is being used to create facilities for large group activities and one-on-one mentoring, and there is plenty of room to find quiet reflection spots,” said DeBoer. “We have a large, bright, and airy barn with stalls and plenty of space for interacting with the animals. There are also several paddocks and corrals for the horses and humans to interact. An indoor riding arena is located right off the barn, allowing us to offer year-round mentoring sessions.”
DeBoer explained why they chose ‘Haven of Hope’ as part of their title: “(We offer) a haven from their challenges and difficulties that they face on a daily basis. It could be past abuse, substance abuse, broken families, anxiety and depression, etc. When the participants come here, they experience peace. Our barn and grounds are kept in immaculate condition and the participant gets an unconditional listening ear. Lastly, and most importantly, we walk alongside these participants in their pain and share in our eternal hope.”
DUNNVILLE—Shown is a local youth connecting with her mentor. A session at River’s Edge begins with chores in the barn, before youths and their mentor engage in an activity or just take some time to sit and chat their way through a challenging issue together.
—Photos courtesy of Chris DeBoer.
Sessions will ebb and flow based on the particular needs of the individual participant. For many, sessions are all about having fun while working on the relationship. For others, entire sessions can pass by talking through a difficult life issue.
“Horses are a particular asset in helping forge these relationships. Horses are very empathic and compassionate animals,” explained DeBoer, noting that horse herds function similarly to a family unit. “Horses want to be with their herd because they feel protected and safe. Horses communicate non-verbally in the herd, especially with body language. They have the ability to sense when we are sad, happy, anxious, depressed, angry, etc. Horses, therefore, facilitate growth in leadership, compassion, love, respect, problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and overcoming obstacles.”
DeBoer gave an example of a local 16-year-old he dubbed ‘Peter’ who came to the retreat at the end of his rope after dealing with both substance abuse and family challenges.
“He was instantly attracted to one of our smaller horses who was also suffering at the time. This horse was dealing with a chronic condition. Peter bonded with this horse quite readily. Each morning he would come, we would clean out the horse stalls. This was about a 45-minute job, but Peter did so enthusiastically.”
Peter didn’t speak much at first, focusing on the work and some horsemanship skills. A while into this process, DeBoer set up an obstacle course for Peter to lead his horse through. When the horse stumbled, Chris asked Peter if he had any similar obstacles: “He said without hesitation ‘anger, depression, and anxiety.’”
Eventually, Peter got a job and stopped coming regularly, but DeBoer feels comfortable knowing he helped the youth find a sense of self-worth, express his pain, and learn to love himself again.
This is all possible thanks to the experience of DeBoer and his staff. For DeBoer, this includes 10 years as a Registered Nurse working with youth and adults alike, including those with special needs. His staff have experience both with horses and with working alongside children who have behavioural problems or learning disabilities. DeBoer added, “We also engage in counselling-type course work (although we are not counsellors) and we have participated and facilitated faith-based 12 step programs.”
DeBoer said interest in the organization is growing quickly, with between 50 to 60 youths currently coming weekly. Although all programs are offered to participants free of charge, it costs the organization roughly $280 per month for each participant. As a registered charity, they accept donations from either corporations or individuals to meet their annual budget of $250,000. Donations can be made by mail or by e-transfer to treasurer@riversedge.ca.
Those interested in signing up to participate can find all the necessary information at riversedge.ca, which also includes information on group camps hosted at the site.
