VERGENNES – Homeward Bound and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes have partnered to offer humane education to the Club’s members, ranging in age from 9-18, after school each Thursday. The pilot program runs through April.
Homeward Bound’s Executive Director Jessica Danyow is delivering the programming each week, basing lessons off of the HEART curriculum (teachheart.org). The weekly, age-appropriate lessons and activities with club members are covering topics ranging from responsible pet care, animals in the media, animal communication and more.
 “We’re excited about this transformation in our humane education outreach because it will allow us to reach a new demographic” says Homeward Bound Executive Director Jessica Danyow. Boys and Girls Club CEO Kat Nelson agrees. “We strive to expose our members to a variety of different careers, skills and activities, and are so fortunate to have great organizations right here in Addison County,” she says. “Partnering with Homeward Bound is an exciting opportunity for our kids and something they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to.”
Leaders of both organizations are hopeful that humane education may become part of the club’s year-round programming. “The curriculum I am using provides a strong foundation for developing empathy and cultivating compassion toward animals, people, and the natural world — attitudes that will benefit Addison County youth as they move forward,” says Danyow.