Kindling Minds

We’re on a mission to help teens and pre-teens in central Indiana build resilience and improve mental wellness through research-informed programs rooted in connection—with animals, nature, and art.

In a world where too many youth feel disconnected, Kindling Minds exists to reignite a sense of belonging, inner strength, and resilience.

We imagine a future where every teen and pre-teen in central Indiana has the resilience, sense of belonging, and skills they need to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and socially.

While we offer multiple programs, our PAWS Wellness Support Program is currently our largest program for which we are seeking additional volunteers.

This program gives middle and high school students the ability to interact with animals in the classroom or during extracurricular activities. Our wellness support dogs welcome interaction, and these interactions can reduce stress, bring joy, improve social skills, and motivate students to learn.

Our PAWS handler and dog teams work in a variety of settings, such as small group discussions with school counselors, classrooms, outdoor recreation, and stress reduction during finals week.

We look forward to exploring our volunteer opportunities with you!