In the infancy of the pandemic, children throughout the nation were forced out of their schools in an effort to stop the spread, and in many cases, lost their abilities to partake in healthy forms of socialization through their time in a classroom or by means of sports and activities.

Noticing the difficulties kids faced in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, faced particularly by inner-city kids, retired Syracuse police officer Julia Jones launched a new pilot program to provide what she saw as a much-needed outlet.

Jones, Syracuse Parks, and The Haven at Skanda partnered to the found the "Cuse Quines" summer program for inner city youth. 

Jones said the Netflix movie "Concrete Cowboys" was a major inspiration for the project ,as well as her own experiences with the healing power of spending time with horses. Now, children in the city of Syracuse are enjoying the relaxing experience of learning and caring for horses and other farm animals.

“I couldn't understand why I was angry all the time and I needed to find a place to heal myself and I've always loved horses. Right away, I felt better. So I said if it works for me, and what we've just went through this pandemic, maybe it will work for everybody else,” said Jones.

Jones and the city of Syracuse took their idea to bring the animals into the city to the Haven at Skanda, a farm that rescues endangered animals. Executive Director Ellen Beckerman said they jumped right on board, and Cuse Quines was born.

“Kids and animals connect instantly, trust each other, love each other and we have animals who have recovered from terrible abuse and neglect, and somehow they don't hold on to it, they let it go, and they meld back into who they really are and they have this incredible love and generosity because the animals absolutely love kids,” said Beckerman.

The partnership has brought a unique outlet for kids like 10-year-old Isabella. “I felt calm and at peace petting them. They felt very soft, as well," she said.

Jones plays a role in the teaching methods that go into the child to animal relationships the program helps foster, but she said that Cuse Quines will need ongoing support through volunteers and donations to carry on.

To volunteer or find out more about this program or others offered, visit the Parks and Recreation website or The Haven at Skanda website.