Who Are We?

The Caleb Approach started in 2018 with the mission to create and sustain safe and healthy communities in an area that has experienced built and systematic oppression and injustices. Our programs offer innovative approaches that promote awareness, personal responsibility, and life skills to youth when personal choices can have lifelong consequences. We work to address the interconnected issues of poverty, violence, and lack of educational attainment at their very roots. Currently, the Caleb Approach partners with a number of organizations that share parts of our mission, including: Triple Threat Gym, Relevant Word Christian Cultural Center’s leadership and mentoring program participants (PACE and SEATO), and Altitude K-9 Services (AK9S).

The Caleb Approach serves a community where dog bites and attacks - often due to negligence and/or inexperience - are a serious public health problem and access to affordable pet care is limited. The following programs address the root causes of issues like dog bites and attacks by providing resources and imparting knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Junior Handlers: The Caleb Approach sponsors elementary-age students interested in AK9S’s Junior Handlers course. These 8-week programs empower youth with comprehensive education on canine history, health, training, diet, and hygiene. The course also fosters a sense of responsibility among pet owners. Finally, dog training is a great opportunity to grow children’s social emotional wellness and development. The Caleb Approach covers the cost of the program, which is $500 an individual for the 8-weeks. Successful students graduate with experience and a certificate that qualifies them to work in animal-related environments.

Pet Health Clinic: Starting in the fall of 2023, The Caleb Approach is partnering with local veterinarian Dr. Lisa Costello and AK9S’s Junior Handlers to host quarterly pet health clinics. Additionally, the scheduling and organization of the clinics offer local youth workforce development opportunities to empower residents with the skills and experience needed to escape the cycle of poverty and unemployment. The average veterinary visits cost $60, which does not include vaccinations or medications that may be prescribed, expenses that many members of our community cannot afford. Each clinic will cost about $3,500 to cover essential services, including: exam and consultation, vaccination (rabies and distemper), cleanings, micro-chipping and deworming for 50 families, at no cost on a first-come-first-serve basis. The veterinary team, including Dr. Lisa Costello and vet techs, generously volunteer their time, along with Junior Handlers and other dedicated organizers, totaling approximately 25 individuals contributing to this vital initiative.