31% of America’s homeless Veteran population resides in California. Over 70% of those are currently unsheltered. Our Elite Vocations program works to combat this issue – equipping at-risk Veterans in our communities with employable skills in the equine industry (a large employer in California that often supplies housing to its workers). The program also enhances mental health and resilience, reducing future risks of homelessness, suicide, and other challenges facing America’s Veterans.

Suicide rates are not only exceptionally high among Veterans (1.5 to 2 x the national average), more First Responders die by suicide than in the line of duty! Behavioral wellness programs in our tri-county area (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura) work tirelessly to support the mental health, emotional resilience and overall well-being of our Fire Service Personnel and Law Enforcement Officers. Our Healing Heroes two-day equine-assisted behavioral wellness programs support this initiative, helping increase resilience and self-efficacy to reduce the rates of suicide, PTSD and other challenges facing our First Responders.