The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons has piloted a new and much-praised program this spring, in which life skills students from local high schools volunteer their time to care for and support the animals. Shelter officials say it’s a mutually beneficial relationship: the students learn crucial life skills, while the animals clearly welcome the attention.
The program began when a Pierson Middle-High School teacher reached out to a former student, now an ARF staff member. After they worked out the logistics, a group of the teacher’s life skills students arrived on the doorstep of ARF.
Jake Kommer, the shelter’s rescue director and volunteer coordinator, said this week that he was overwhelmed by the success of the program. Mr. Kommer leads the three-month-old partnership and oversees the interactions between the students and the animals.
“The program initially started with socialization and enrichment in the cattery,” he explained, “or the students would be paired with a puppy.”
The Pierson partnership was an immediate success. As a result, others have followed suit. “East Hampton High School joined with their life skills students, and the Bridgehampton School would come in with their dog-walking club,” Mr. Kommer said. “The program turned into an absolutely amazing and meaningful workplace experience.”
ARF staff noticed that the students proved to be more than just companions for their charges, and began to provide them with greater responsibility. Jessica Quaresimo, the adoption and cattery coordinator, said she saw an impressive progression in the students’ independence and comfort level after each visit.
“Over time, the students were so excited to meet the animals,” she said. “There was a sense of calm between the students and the cats. You could see that the students really loved coming to ARF. Even the most shy puppies felt comfortable with the students after a while.”
The life skills students also helped with “enrichment prep,” learning how to prepare food and toys for the animals. They learned the importance of metrics and animal diets as well, and the need for clean bedding, towels, and overall hygiene.
While the school year is over, the successful bond between the students and the animals has just begun. Not only will the program continue once the school year resumes in the fall, Mr. Kommer said, but ARF is starting its own program within the next few weeks. “The students were so helpful that we are taking the program further,” he said. “The participants will learn workplace experience and life skills.”
With animals in mind and the Fourth of July right around the corner, beware of fireworks. People might love to attend these spectacular light shows, but pets have a different opinion. Experts advise leaving the animals at home and far away from the noise.
The shelter is always looking for people to help walk, care for, and love their animals. Prospective volunteers can stop by or call the desk for more information about ways to get involved. ARF is located at 125 Daniel’s Hole Road, East Hampton.
“ARF is community-funded, so whenever people come in, we are excited,” said its executive director and C.E.O. Kimberly Nichols. “We simply would not still be here without the community support. We cannot do what we do without their help.”