How the Program Operates
Program Availability & Interest
As a 100% volunteer-powered 501(c)(3), the Youth LEAD Program is offered in 8-week cycles as funding and qualified personnel become available. By operating this way, we ensure that every participant receives the high-level mentorship and dedicated resources they deserve without compromising the quality of our mission.
What Youth LEAD Heroes Do
The Youth LEAD Program (Leadership, Empowerment, Animal-Assisted, Development) combines play, learning, and canine companionship to help children grow in a safe, supportive, and natural environment.
Mastering Emotional Regulation
What they gain: The ability to find their 'Calm & Focus.'
How it works: Our curriculum introduces the Self-Control Link, teaching youth how to identify their internal state and apply core breathing techniques and grounding exercises. Through repetition with their canine partner, they build the muscle memory needed to manage stress, anger, and anxiety in real-world situations.
Building Healthy Boundaries & Respect
What they gain: Stronger interpersonal skills and self-advocacy.
How it works: Using the Boundary Link, participants practice leash walking and personal space exercises with dogs. They learn to visualize healthy relationships and translate those same principles to setting boundaries with peers, family, and on social media.
Confidence in Leadership & Mentorship
What they gain: A transition from 'learner' to 'leader.'
How it works: Students move from Foundations to Leadership levels, developing self-efficacy as they master complex tasks. By teaching a dog a new skill or assisting a newer student, they build the confidence necessary for future careers and community involvement.
Parent & Guardian Information
The Foundation of Trust
At Circle of Change, we know that a safe environment is the only environment where healing can happen. As we move into our 2026 Strategic Cycle, we have institutionalized our safety protocols to ensure that every youth participant, staff member, and canine partner is protected by the highest standards of care.
Our Safety Pillars
Evidence-Based Oversight
We don't rely on 'gut feelings.' Our program utilizes standardized wellness checks and safety assessments—for both our humans and our dogs—to maintain a predictable and secure environment.
Certified Mentorship
Every session is led by trained instructors who understand the 'culture of resilience.' Our staff are vetted through comprehensive background checks and are trained in trauma-informed care and de-escalation.
The "Safety Link" Curriculum
Safety isn't just something we do; it’s something we teach. Our syllabus includes specific lessons on dog body language, impulse control, and personal boundaries, empowering your child to be a safe and confident leader.
State-Level Compliance
We maintain 'Good Standing' with the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). This means our safety, financial, and administrative systems are audited to meet the rigorous standards required for state-level partnership.
Zero-Compromise Canine Standards
Every dog in our program undergoes a strict temperament evaluation. We ensure our canine partners are not only physically healthy and vaccinated but are emotionally suited for the high-energy environment of a youth mentorship program.
Questions?
Have questions about our kids’ programs? Whether it's about our safety protocols or upcoming seasonal enrollment, we'd love to hear from you.
Safety First
Every mentor is trained in trauma-informed care and mandate-reporting. We guarantee small groups and strictly supervised canine interactions.
Email: info@circleofchange.org
Phone: 815-200-9020
P.O. Box 4343, Rockford, IL 61110