WAVES OF EMPOWERMENT
~ Established In honor of Rina
Where veterans and kids empower each other
One of the most common symptoms of PTSD, Autism and other disabilities is social anxiety. But, through Ricochet’s innovative model, social skills are improved in a non-judgmental environment where everyone feels accepted. Differences are embraced, which allows each individual to demonstrate their potential for making a positive impact in their lives, as well as the lives of others.
We strive to reduce social anxiety by providing activities that foster positive relationships and camaraderie. We create an environment that promotes respect and appreciation of each other’s differences and individuality.
We strive to reduce social anxiety by providing activities that foster positive relationships and camaraderie. We create an environment that promotes respect and appreciation of each other’s differences and individuality.
From the battleground to the playground
Ricochet’s Waves of Empowerment program enriches the lives of military with post traumatic stress (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), wounded warriors, active duty service members, combat veterans, people with disabilities and kids with special needs by taking them from the battleground to the playground.
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It’s a unique initiative that empowers those who have separated from the military, or are in the process of transitioning out of combat situations and back into civilian life. It also incorporates volunteers, and adults/children with disabilities who want to inspire and encourage kids through the challenges they've faced.
Each veteran or volunteer becomes a mentor, and is paired one-on-one with a child who has special needs for a day of paws-on healing through canine-assisted surfing, paddling, swimming, playing and therapy. These activities are facilitated by Ricochet who is a registered, certified and top AKC titled therapy dog. The goal is to reduce social anxiety by engaging the veterans, adults and children in social activities that foster positive relationships. |
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Every 65 minutes a veteran with PTSD takes their life by suicide. That’s 22 lives a day! Through this unique model, we are determined to reduce these staggering statistics and improve the lives of our physically and emotionally wounded war heroes. To that end, we provide opportunities that enable them to continue their life of service, and find new purpose by engaging in community service while mentoring and inspiring future generations. |
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Kids with disabilities are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in society. We embrace diversity and inclusion of all kids, regardless of their ability. We create an environment that promotes respect and appreciation of each other’s differences and individuality. In addition to participating, we encourage kids to volunteer in whatever capacity they’re comfortable with. We find that being of service to another individual gives them a sense of responsibility and self-worth. |
Connecting people through the challenges they face
Enrichment and well-being
This initiative is a collaborative mentorship and comradeship program made up of military and civilian volunteers. It focuses on the human-canine bond while creating unique surfing and empowerment building activities that unite kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and military with PTSD.
We utilize the healing power of the ocean, and the healing power of dogs which allows for profound paws-on healing interventions. The focus of our efforts is on veterans and kids empowering each other.
We are committed to enriching the well-being of veterans and civilians of all abilities and backgrounds by fostering relationships and life experiences while utilizing canine counter-parts in a diverse, non-judgmental, all-inclusive environment.
Through this unique model, we are dedicated to improving the lives of our physically and emotionally wounded war heroes. Regardless of their military status, we provide a vehicle for active duty service members and veterans to find purpose by engaging in community service while mentoring and inspiring future generations.
We utilize the healing power of the ocean, and the healing power of dogs which allows for profound paws-on healing interventions. The focus of our efforts is on veterans and kids empowering each other.
We are committed to enriching the well-being of veterans and civilians of all abilities and backgrounds by fostering relationships and life experiences while utilizing canine counter-parts in a diverse, non-judgmental, all-inclusive environment.
Through this unique model, we are dedicated to improving the lives of our physically and emotionally wounded war heroes. Regardless of their military status, we provide a vehicle for active duty service members and veterans to find purpose by engaging in community service while mentoring and inspiring future generations.
We create a family-oriented, non-threatening atmosphere of team work, trust, camaraderie, healing and transformation both in and out of the water. The results for both the veteran and the child are the same… decreased social anxiety, reduced isolation, coupled with improved communication, social skills, community re-connection and more.
Kids, adults, veterans, and even our participants are encouraged to volunteer as we bring diverse populations together for their greater good, and the greater good of the community. Please join us by checking out our volunteer opportunities!
Click the links below to learn more about each facet of our Waves of Empowerment program. Then scroll down this page for details on some of the ways we empower!
Kids, adults, veterans, and even our participants are encouraged to volunteer as we bring diverse populations together for their greater good, and the greater good of the community. Please join us by checking out our volunteer opportunities!
Click the links below to learn more about each facet of our Waves of Empowerment program. Then scroll down this page for details on some of the ways we empower!
Buddy-up Mentors empower the next wave of disabled surfers that get on board with Ricochet! Buddy-up Mentors are matched one-on-one with new participants for a day of surfing and/or land based activities. They share their knowledge, experience and skills while cultivating a relationship that is fun and rewarding to both the Buddy-up Mentor and participant. Buddy-up Mentors can be adults or children, military or civilian, able-bodied or disabled.
Wave Warriors empower both kids and adults, civilian or military. Many children with autism enjoy this volunteer opportunity. Wave Warriors help in the water, carry boards, provide water transfer, ensure safety, etc. A good position if you love being in the ocean and sharing the stoke! Some kids have the responsibility of making sure Ricochet is okay. They take that job very seriously!
StandUP with a Warrior empowers active duty service members, veterans and wounded warriors who are transitioning out of combat situations and back into civilian life. They have the opportunity to continue their life of service and find new purpose by helping kids with special needs through stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and other activities.
Canine-assisted swimming empowers and enhances the lives of children through water and beach activities, such as swimming, mock water rescue, towing, safety awareness, water games, retrieval exercises and more. Cori's physical presence and interaction in the water also reduces a child's anxiety and fears.
Canine-assisted Water Rescue Cori started showing an interest in water rescue when she was seven months old. Any time she saw a person in the water, she thought they needed to be rescued. She had the opportunity to spend five days with the Italian School of Water Rescue Dog trainers and is now prepared if there is a need. She also does demos and mock rescues at events.
Canine-assisted Playing empowers kids with special needs and their families, people with disabilities, combat veterans, wounded warriors, veterans with PTSD, volunteers and our dogs. We use play as a vehicle to bring diverse populations together to achieve the common goal of empowering each other. Play is facilitated by our therapy, service and emotional support dogs which deepens the human-animal bond.
Sensory Playroom Our sensory play room is offered free of charge to every child who takes a swim lesson, as well as their siblings. Kids can arrive early for their lesson and spend some time in the play room... or, they can stay after and play.
Give Kids a Voice empowers kids who feel they don’t have a voice due to emotional challenges that stem from things like being bullied, having a childhood illness, undergoing a custody battle, having a military parent deployed or a myriad of other situations.
Paws-On Healing empowers everyone who comes in contact with Ricochet! Because she is incredibly intuitive, empathic and bonds with people instantly, she is able to detect and alert to their triggers and feelings of anxiety, stress, pain or other emotions. She is like a mirror to the people with whom she interacts, reflecting back their feelings. As such, she can help people go inward to find a place of peace while, at the same time, moving outward through their greatest fears. She can prevent panic attacks, melt downs and other anxiety provoking behavior.
Operation Socialization empowers military service members, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD by offering the opportunity to help socialize puppies training to be therapy, emotional support or service dogs through our non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, Puppy Prodigies. It's common for those with PTSD to isolate themselves because they feel uncomfortable in social situations. But, when they're helping a puppy become socialized to a myriad of environments, they are helping themselves too.
Operation Station These are individuals who would like to attend, but aren’t ready to participate in the activities. We welcome them with open paws! They often bring their families and enjoy a day of fun and/or spend time interacting with our dogs.
Canine-assisted therapy All the activities of the Waves of Empowerment program are facilitated by Ricochet and Cori. Sometimes we'll enlist the help of other registered/certified therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, service dogs, and service dogs in training.
Scroll down to see the different ways we empower!
Scroll down to see the different ways we empower!
The inspiration - A bond between PTSD and autism
The boy on the right in the photo below is West. He has autism. Once upon a time he was afraid of dogs and the water. He would kick and scream during swim lessons. Fast forward to when he went surfing with Ricochet for the first time. His transformation was remarkable. So much so, that he is now helping other kids with special needs surf with Ricochet.
One day, Ricochet surfed with her soldier, Randy who has PTSD. West was on the beach too. He was so excited for his new friend that he was jumping up and down and cheering.
As Randy and West were interacting, it was clear how more alike they were than different, this eight-year-old and this soldier. At one time, both Randy and West were held hostage by their inner turmoil, and neither could find the words to speak about it. Both battled an invisible enemy—and a label—that many people didn’t understand. And while scientists and specialists didn’t always know what would help, Ricochet always did.
While Ricochet has always been able to make deep connections with many different types of people, the two segments of the population she's the most sensitive to are military with PTSD and children with autism. The thing with these two populations is that clinicians typically try to get them to function in our world. But a veteran with PTSD may never be able to go back to the same person they were prior to combat. And a child with autism may never see the world the same as someone without autism. Ricochet has no expectation for them to come into our world... instead, she goes into theirs.
As Randy and West were interacting, it was clear how more alike they were than different, this eight-year-old and this soldier. At one time, both Randy and West were held hostage by their inner turmoil, and neither could find the words to speak about it. Both battled an invisible enemy—and a label—that many people didn’t understand. And while scientists and specialists didn’t always know what would help, Ricochet always did.
While Ricochet has always been able to make deep connections with many different types of people, the two segments of the population she's the most sensitive to are military with PTSD and children with autism. The thing with these two populations is that clinicians typically try to get them to function in our world. But a veteran with PTSD may never be able to go back to the same person they were prior to combat. And a child with autism may never see the world the same as someone without autism. Ricochet has no expectation for them to come into our world... instead, she goes into theirs.
Empowering others has always been at the core of Ricochet's work. So it was only a natural progression that Randy and West were the inspiration for our Waves of Empowerment program. They became mentors to other kids and veterans that interacted with her. But, now we're taking it a step further and offering veterans with PTSD the opportunity to volunteer when Ricochet surfs with kids who have special needs.
One of the factors of PTSD is social isolation. This program provides a safe social outlet where veterans are immersed in something positive and joyful. Whether they participate as water helpers, assist on the beach or give support to family members, they quickly realize that helping others provides a sense of purpose as they continue on their own road to recovery.
One of the factors of PTSD is social isolation. This program provides a safe social outlet where veterans are immersed in something positive and joyful. Whether they participate as water helpers, assist on the beach or give support to family members, they quickly realize that helping others provides a sense of purpose as they continue on their own road to recovery.
Empowerment for active duty service members & veterans
Upon returning from combat, many service members suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). They are burdened with depression, anxiety, hypervigilance and a host of other symptoms. Others sustain physical injuries. And yet others suffer both physical and emotional wounds.
They find it difficult to maintain relationships in a civilian environment, and their personal lives suffer. They often find themselves alone, jobless, homeless with little hope for the future. The transition from service member to veteran can leave many with no sense of purpose after having such crucial jobs in the military.
Others may still be active duty and missing their children back home. Regardless of their military status, we provide a vehicle for active duty service members and veterans to find purpose by engaging in community service while mentoring and inspiring future generations.
They find it difficult to maintain relationships in a civilian environment, and their personal lives suffer. They often find themselves alone, jobless, homeless with little hope for the future. The transition from service member to veteran can leave many with no sense of purpose after having such crucial jobs in the military.
Others may still be active duty and missing their children back home. Regardless of their military status, we provide a vehicle for active duty service members and veterans to find purpose by engaging in community service while mentoring and inspiring future generations.
Empowerment for kids with autism
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Most children who surf with Ricochet know about her paw it forward lifestyle and want to get involved in her work. When they are allowed to help other kids surf with her, it gives them a sense of worth. Their self-confidence blossoms and their accomplishments are endless. In addition, they are developing relationships with other children and adults they are working side-by-side with. They tend to start interacting more and their social interactions become more comfortable for them. The transformations of children like West are quite remarkable. |
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Empowerment for kids with special needs
Kids with special needs typically have an adult supervising them at all times. Whether it’s a parent, teacher, counselor, therapist or whatever. But when they surf with Ricochet, it’s often the first time they’ve done something completely on their own. They are gliding along on a wave entirely alone, except for a dog who they feel in charge of.
This experience empowers them so much that they often scream with excitement, and show off a little to their parents and friends. We always thank them for helping Ricochet surf, so the experience empowers them even more. Just imagine how it makes a child feel to be independent and responsible for the well-being of a dog! This is what Waves of Empowerment is all about.
This experience empowers them so much that they often scream with excitement, and show off a little to their parents and friends. We always thank them for helping Ricochet surf, so the experience empowers them even more. Just imagine how it makes a child feel to be independent and responsible for the well-being of a dog! This is what Waves of Empowerment is all about.
Empowerment for kids with special needs who volunteer
We encourage children with special needs to volunteer in whatever capacity they are most comfortable in. It's not unusual for a child with autism to surf several waves with Ricochet as a participant, and when their rides are over, hop back in the water to help the next child.
As the photo to the left illustrates, there are several kids with special needs alongside veterans and other child volunteers helping a young boy named Hunter who has spinal bifida and uses a wheelchair. Kids helping kids!
As the photo to the left illustrates, there are several kids with special needs alongside veterans and other child volunteers helping a young boy named Hunter who has spinal bifida and uses a wheelchair. Kids helping kids!
Empowerment for People/Kids with physical challenges
An individual with physical challenges often relies on others for help in one way or another. But, when they have the opportunity to help someone else, it's really empowering. They may not be able to help in the water, but there are many volunteer opportunities that they can do. We focus on ability... not disability.
Pictured here is Alesha who has cerebral palsy, and Ian who has a brain injury. It's Alesha's first time surfing with Ricochet so Ian made an encouraging sign for her. He also gave her insight on what it's like to surf with Ricochet. He was the biggest cheerleader during her surf session!
Pictured here is Alesha who has cerebral palsy, and Ian who has a brain injury. It's Alesha's first time surfing with Ricochet so Ian made an encouraging sign for her. He also gave her insight on what it's like to surf with Ricochet. He was the biggest cheerleader during her surf session!
Empowerment for kids with emotional challenges
We empower kids who feel they don’t have a voice due to emotional challenges that stem from things like being bullied, having a childhood illness, undergoing a custody battle or a myriad of other situations.
Many kids facing issues in today’s complicated world often feel they don’t have a voice in the things that happen in their life. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where everyone’s input is valued and regarded. We encourage kids to take on volunteer responsibilities and leadership roles within our program. In doing so, we cultivate a sense of confidence, independence and importance within each individual. For more info, visit our Give Kids a Voice page.
Many kids facing issues in today’s complicated world often feel they don’t have a voice in the things that happen in their life. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where everyone’s input is valued and regarded. We encourage kids to take on volunteer responsibilities and leadership roles within our program. In doing so, we cultivate a sense of confidence, independence and importance within each individual. For more info, visit our Give Kids a Voice page.
Empowerment for military kids
Military Kids face their own challenges when one, or both of their parents are in the armed services. We encourage these kids to get involved with Waves of Empowerment so they can interact with peers. We also provide a vehicle for them to interact and develop relationships with service members and veterans who can relate to their situation.
Empowerment for siblings & kids of volunteers
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We encourage siblings of kids with special needs, and kids of our volunteers to become Buddy-up Mentors too. We want siblings to feel they are part of the experience. They are always great cheerleaders for their brothers or sisters, but we want them in the water too. They are always welcome to surf with Ricochet.
These kids learn a great deal about compassion and community service. Sometimes I think it’s better for them to take a day off school to help us on the beach as they gain such powerful experiences that they can't learn anywhere else. |
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Empowerment for dogs
Yes, even our dogs are empowered! We focus on the individuality of each dog, and create initiatives that will bring out the best in them. Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for an individual with a disability. But, due to her love of chasing critters, we couldn't guarantee that she would never chase while working. After all these years, and after surfing and assisting hundreds of individuals, we are pleased to say she has never veered from her work to chase. However, we do give her ample opportunity to do so when she's not working.
Register for a Waves of Empowerment session
If you'd like to join us for a Waves of Empowerment surf session, or are interested in other activities, or you'd like to surf with Ricochet, please complete this registration form.
Volunteer opportunities for everyone!
In addition to our veteran and special needs volunteers, we are always looking for water men and women, photographers, videographers, cheerleaders and friends! Just visit our volunteer opportunities page. We have opportunities both locally and globally, so it doesn't matter where you live... you can still get on board!
Collaboration
We are a collaborative effort with Paws’itive Teams. Many of our veteran Wave Warriors come to us through their Canine Inspired Community Re-integration program and Emotional Support Dog program as outlined below. Participants who finish the sessions often ask how they can help. Since they already know and trust Ricochet, it's a natural transition.
Canine inspired community reintegration
Ricochet has been working with active duty service members with PTSD since 2012 as a certified goal directed therapy dog through Paws'itive Teams program called Canine Inspired Community Re-integration. The therapy dog teams work with outpatient active duty injured service members (Marines, Navy, Army) from the Naval Medical Center with the primary goal to give patients the support, encouragement and optimism unique to canine therapy.
The teams work directly under the guidance of the Recreation Therapist for 6 weeks. The program is designed to help patients recovering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury re-enter the community through establishing a greater sense of trust and less hyper-vigilance in public settings. Each service member participant is assigned a therapy dog to handle during sessions which are held in a variety of community settings.
Some of the service members Ricochet has worked with have gone on to become volunteers.
The teams work directly under the guidance of the Recreation Therapist for 6 weeks. The program is designed to help patients recovering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury re-enter the community through establishing a greater sense of trust and less hyper-vigilance in public settings. Each service member participant is assigned a therapy dog to handle during sessions which are held in a variety of community settings.
Some of the service members Ricochet has worked with have gone on to become volunteers.
Emotional support dogs
Ricochet is also involved in the Emotional Support Dog Program through Paws'itive Teams. I'm on the steering committee and also help teach the classes. The classes are designed specifically for veterans with PTSD or TBI. The primary mission of these classes is to teach veterans better communication skills with their personal dog so that their dog can learn to assist in managing their PTSD or TBI symptoms.
Participants of this program are encouraged to volunteer with Ricochet's Waves of Empowerment program. If you are a veteran that would like to volunteer to help Ricochet surf with kids who have special needs, please send an email to pawinspired@aol.com
Participants of this program are encouraged to volunteer with Ricochet's Waves of Empowerment program. If you are a veteran that would like to volunteer to help Ricochet surf with kids who have special needs, please send an email to pawinspired@aol.com
Our Founder
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This program was founded in honor of Rina, our golden/lab mix whose body left this earth on May 30, 2016 at the age of 13. Right before that, we were getting ready to launch the program, but Rina's health took priority. She was the catalyst who started our whole journey, and we couldn't imagine continuing without her.
She was a warrior. Although she didn't fight in war, she fought health battles for the last year of her life. She always had a smile on her face, and loved to work as a therapy and service dog. She had always been my rock, and now Ricochet and I were at a crossroads. It was daunting to take a step forward without her. We believe her spirit will continue guiding us as she touches the lives of everyone who interacts with this program. Please join us as we take our first step in celebrating all warriors, regardless of their battle. |