HACSB and the Ventura Police Community Foundation help build trust with housing youth at "Equestrian Excellence" Day.

Ventura, CA — The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) and the Ventura Police Community Foundation (VPCF) partnered to help build community trust with the help of four-legged friends.

The VPCF collaborated with the HACSB to present the opportunity to a group of children to participate in a special event, as part of the officers’ dedication to support local youth programs. On July 9th, Officer Ashley Hetzel coordinated an “Equestrian Excellence” Day in partnership with Rocking R. Ranch.  At the ranch, the HACSB youth enjoyed learning about barn management, horse care, and safe horseback riding. Had it not been for this partnership the children might not have otherwise had access to these unique experiences.

At the Ranch, the children were accompanied by seven Ventura Police Officers who donated their time to share this special bond with the children. The VPCF also purchased T-Shirts for the youth and provided transportation. Rocking R. Ranch donated their facility, horses, and staff time, and lunch was donated by Urbane Cafe.

The HACSB, through its Community Services Department, identified youth from SOHO and the Westview Village communities. One of the goals of VPCF is to enhance the relationship between the community, youth, and the police department. With events like Equestrian Excellence Day, the young children will be able to build memories and one day share their stories about their positive experiences with their local police officers.

“I really liked it. It was such a fun experience! The leaders were really nice and made me feel so comfortable with the beautiful horses. Learning how a horse responds to my gentle behavior really helped me understand how I can affect those around me,” said a Westview youth that participated in this event.

The HACSB is enthusiastic to continue building strong partnerships with the officers from the Ventura Police Department and appreciates the positive opportunities presented to its program participants.

To learn more about the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, visit www.hacityventura.org.

ABOUT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SAN BUENAVENTURA

The HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura with more than 1,480 Housing Choice Vouchers and 1097 affordable rental units. The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is to provide and develop quality affordable housing for eligible low-income residents of Ventura County and to establish strong partnerships necessary for HACSB customers to achieve personal goals related to literacy and education; health and wellness; and job training and employment leading to personal growth and economic self-sufficiency.

ABOUT THE VENTURA POLICE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Ventura Police Community Foundation is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting the Ventura Police Department. They do this by providing resources and funding to improve police effectiveness and officer safety and wellness through the use of specialized equipment, evolving technology, and other projects and innovations and by sponsoring programs and partnerships that enhance the relationship between the community, youth, and the Ventura Police Department.                                                 

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