The Village Project, Inc. is the leading advocate for vulnerable adults, children, and families from historically underserved communities in Monterey County. Through extensive community engagement, it provides culturally appropriate mental health services, educational support, and social advocacy that enable all residents to become self-sufficient, self-directed, and self-determining members of the community.
Freedom Reins provides children, families, farmworker communities, and justice-involved individuals from underserved and under-resourced Monterey County populations with trauma-informed, equine-assisted therapy and life skills development. Set in a peaceful ranch environment, participants form bonds with horses and adult mentors, learning emotional regulation, trust, and leadership through hands-on care. The program has expanded to South County farmworker families and justice-involved individuals to meet urgent mental health needs countywide. Freedom Reins restores resilience and hope, fostering community transformation through culturally grounded healing. Older youth serve as Horse Care Peer Mentors, building leadership and community responsibility.
The Village Project, Inc. has a 17-year history of providing vital mental health services and culturally responsive programs to underserved BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and now including farmworker, and justice-involved communities throughout Monterey County. Based in Seaside, we serve clients countywide, including South County farmworker populations. Our programs reduce stigma, promote community-defined evidence-based practices, and provide wraparound support covering education, leadership, equine therapy, and criminal justice involvement. Freedom Reins’ experiential approach helps youth and families develop emotional regulation, trust, and responsibility, fostering resilience and positive social outcomes across Monterey County.
Freedom Reins taught me to be brave again. When I’m with the horses, I feel safe and strong, like I can face anything life throws at me. — Student, 13, Pacific Grove Watching my child blossom through Freedom Reins has been nothing short of a miracle. The confidence and peace they have gained is something no medicine could give. —Parent, Monterey Being part of this work has opened my eyes to the power of culturally rooted healing. Freedom Reins is more than therapy—it’s community restoration. — High School Student, Monterey Freedom Reins helped me reconnect with my strength after years of pain. The horses don’t judge—they listen, and that’s powerful. — Reentry Participant, Greenfield
- Program Participant, Monterey, Seaside, PG and Greenfield
