COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Healing Hearts, Building Futures — Together
Every partnership across the Central Coast — from Salinas to Santa Cruz — helps youth and dogs heal, grow, and rediscover what trust feels like again through shared events and resources. Together, compassion grows stronger than despair — and structure, routine, and care turn empathy into daily practice
UnChained partners and staff share how local collaboration across Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties helps youth and rescue dogs heal through compassion-based training
See how community partnerships bring compassion to life across the Central Coast.
“UnChained offers a deep connection with the dogs in a unique way that reaches the youth’s hearts. Once their hearts are softened because of the dogs’, their minds are ready to be broadened.”
Education & Youth Partners
Monterey County Youth Center · Santa Cruz & Monterey County Juvenile Halls · Delta High School · Rancho Cielo Youth Campus
These partners create safe spaces for youth to practice patience, consistency, and calm leadership.
Through our Canines Teaching Compassion (CTC) program — now evolving through Dogs in Residence (DIR), the newest chapter of CTC — students gain daily structure and learn how compassion can reshape their choices and relationships.
Animal Rescue Partners
Animal Friends Rescue Project · Peace of Mind Dog Rescue · South County Animal Rescue
Together we help shelter dogs rediscover confidence while preparing for adoption.
Every lesson in positive-reinforcement training builds two futures — one for the dog finding a home, and each young person learning how patience creates change.
Community Allies
Aptos Chamber of Commerce · Socksmith Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz & Monterey County Probation Departments
Our allies make compassion visible across the Central Coast — through events, shared resources, and civic collaboration that strengthen belonging for both humans and animals.
Why Partnership Matters
Both youth and dogs are often shaped by systems under strain.
Partnership restores balance: consistent routines, healthy boundaries, and positive reinforcement become the framework that keeps progress steady.
Together, we make compassion practical. Every organization that walks beside us helps transform care into structure, belonging, and second chances.
Get in touch about partnerships. →
Join Us
Every organization that walks beside us helps transform compassion into structure, care, and community.
If you’d like to collaborate or learn more, get in touch!
