Mission

Our mission is to provide California’s Central Coast youth with the opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth while training homeless dogs in need of adoption

The Big Idea

UnChained stands at a pivotal moment, poised to transform more lives in 2025 – but we need your help to say “Yes” to the growing number of community partners seeking our Canines Teaching Compassion program.

We are often approached by youth-serving partners eager to bring our program into their facilities. Unfortunately, due to limited resources and the need for properly trained staff, we frequently have to decline or place these requests on a waitlist. This gap prevents us from meeting the increasing demand and expanding our positive impact.

Our goals are ambitious yet achievable - expand into two new facilities and implement 2-3 programs per year at each new facility. We aim to hire passionate coaches and trainers and provide comprehensive training to prepare them to deliver high-quality programs.

Your support is crucial in turning our vision into reality and creating a ripple effect of positive change that strengthens our communities.

I was a troubled child, I would run around causing trouble. I was in and out of incarceration. Most of the dogs didn’t really catch my attention until I’d seen this boxer named Quincy. I learned a lot of social skills and how to control my emotions a lot...and to be more focused, more attentive. Working with Quincy, obviously seeing him get a second shot, actually gave me a little bit of hope.

- Emiliano - Program Youth