SANTA CRUZ GIVES BIG IDEA Keeping Our Kids SAFE This initiative will collaborate with local partners to respond to the increasing demand for Kidpower services. Kidpower intends to remove the cost barrier and will assist partners in organizing the programs and training to provide: t +1/\+::<9:<3+>/ =5366= 09< avoiding danger and solving relationship problems through workshops that are relevant, experiential, fun and not fear-based. t 3.:9A/< 236. <9>/->398 training to prepare parents and guardians to support their childrenâ€™s continued growth. t ><+38381 09< /.?-+>9<= and program staff using the 9<1+83D+>398c= d <9,6/7= 38>9 <+->3-/=e 7/>29.N A23-2 -9+-2/= participants to rehearse what to say and do in order to prevent and solve conflicts with difficult and .+81/<9?= :/9:6/M <+->3-381 >2/=/ skills reduces anxiety caused by feelings of fear and helplessness, increases confidence, and develops competence in staying emotionally and physically safe. LIFE LAB in 1979, Life Lab was a pioneer in developing garden laboratories at elementary schools throughout the county and offered curriculum and training to teachers for using gardens as classrooms. Life Lab cultivates childrenâ€™s love of learning, healthy food, and nature through garden-based education, hosting more than 4,000 children each year for inspiring hands-on programs at its Garden Classroom in Santa Cruz, and at its Blooming Classroom and partner schools in Watsonville. Through broader teacher training and curriculum sharing across the nation, Life Lab now impacts more than 200,000 children annually. Garden Classroom Inspiration for All Kids Life Lab wants to ensure all Santa Cruz area children have the opportunity to benefit from this homegrown program. Children learn about life cycles through composting, native flowers and plants, pollination, weather, carnivorous plants, chickens, and so much more. With requests for reservations backlogged, the organization will open registration dates seasonally six to seven months ahead of time. In fall of 2014, the projectâ€™s 50 spring dates filled in two hours. In an effort to ensure that all children have a chance to experience our inspiring field trips regardless of economic status, Life Lab will reduce and waive its $150 field-trip fees for higher-need schools. The organization hopes to provide waivers to at least half of the 120 field-trip classes. MONTEREY BAY HORSEMANSHIP & THERAPEUTIC CENTER Organization mission: Known as the Horse Center, this fully inclusive equestrian center provides rewarding, educational activities for children and adults with special needs. The Horse Center empowers the Santa Cruz County community by providing care for the entire familyâ€”activities for children and respite for parents. All children and adults with special needs are accepted, whether autistic, quadriplegic, developmentally delayed, struggling with severe behavioral issues or anxiety, etc. An individualized plan for each child and family is developed and implemented. 28> Reservations Call: 831.462.4200 ur are Phhursdays SANTACRUZ.COM | GTWEEKLY.COM | NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 1, 2015 Organization Mission: Founded BIG IDEA 27