Rescued wolves are helping to rehabilitate California inmates in reentry program

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — An unlikely friendship — rescued wolves and inmates. But it’s not such an unlikely pair as the inmates and wolves are helping to rehabilitate each other.

The first graduation was held for women in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Female Community Reentry Program that participated in a therapy and empowerment program with rehabilitated wolves.

The unique partnership began when CDCR Parole Agent II Specialist Jenness Harris started working with an educational sanctuary and wilderness retreat center in Palmdale.

Wolf Heart Ranch is home to Wolf Connection , a program that rescues wolf dogs and works to rehabilitate people in the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles.

CDCR announced the first group to go through the newly created program for inmates successfully graduated. The 12-week class was initiated and run by Agent Harris in partnership with Wolf Connection, which trained her to teach the program.

“(She) is always looking for innovative and therapeutic ways to empower us and help us heal,” said one of the participants.

Wolf Connection rescues wolf dogs and provides therapy to groups by working with the animals. The organization aims to teach at-risk groups important life skills.

Meet the wolf pack .

CDCR announced on Friday that 30 women graduated from the course during a three-hour graduation tour where the participants were able to interact with the wolves.

“The principles they teach you are everyday life lessons that we don’t necessarily reflect on, like giving 150 percent when you’re trying to accomplish something,” Harris said. “All the wolves here have come from traumatic experiences. They’ve been rescued and now they have a better life. On the flip side, my participants come from traumatic situations, and they now, with some work, can improve and have a better life.”

“We’ve learned something from every single wolf,” said a participant graduate.

The Wolf Heart Ranch also offers several programs the public can take part in — Resiliency Program for Women Veterans, Women & Wolves, Youth Programs, Family programs and Corporate Programs.

Visit wolfconnection.org for more information on the program and for a list of upcoming events at Wolf Heart Ranch.

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