SRD Straightening Reins was founded in 2011 after tragedy struck. Debbie Rocha’s daughter took her life at the age of 15.

“We were able to see the peace that she enjoyed when she was with her horses,” said Rocha, executive director and co-founder of SRD Straightening Reins. “We decided that we wanted to provide a safe, supervised place for kids to just enjoy being themselves out in nature and spending time with the animals.”

By May 2012, Rocha had found a facility they could rent. The organization stayed at the original facility for about five years before the costs became too expensive and forced them to look for another location.

It was at that time that they ended up at their current ranch, offering equine-assisted and interactive therapies designed to improve adolescent and teen mental health and well-being, according to their website.

Over a year ago, Dana Bradford was in need of help for her 13-year-old son who was battling severe depression.

At the age of four, her now 11-year-old daughter also showed symptoms of depression.

After a therapist suggested SRD Straightening Reins as alternative therapy, the Bradford’s saw progress.

“Depression and anxiety is not something you can see and a lot of people don’t understand it in children,” said Bradford. “This program helps kids in many ways. There’s no judgement, they can be themselves and learn skills.”

But now, SRD Straightening Reins is having trouble staying afloat as a nonprofit organization. They are actively trying to get the word out because there’s an immediate need for a new facility.

“We’re at a place where this isn’t going to be possible anymore,” said Rocha. “We need to find an immediate home for our herd and for our families.”

Related: Santa Clarita Family Starts GoFundMe For Seizure-Prone Dog

Over 90 percent of people that the organization serves are from Santa Clarita, with the youngest client being 4 and the oldest being a grandmother, according to Rocha.

An estimated 70 percent of kids that cycle through the juvenile justice systems have a mental health condition and about half of all kids with a mental illness did not receive any treatment the year prior, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

And while Bradford has set up a GoFundMe page for the organization, Rocha is hopeful that an “angel donor” who has a piece of property that they’re not using, or is under used, will allow them to do so.

“We would like to be here in the Santa Clarita Valley, ideally somewhere around 2 acres,” said Rocha.

Since the organization was established, funding has come in from donors and everything has been provided from donations.

Just in 2017, SRD Straightening Reins provided services to over 770 clients, including students from Sequoia Charter School within the William S. Hart Union High School District in Santa Clarita.

“Utilizing the horses has been effective to help the students make changes, whether in interpersonal relationships or within themselves,” said Dave Caldwell, a spokesperson for the Hart District.

In November, the lease for the ranch will expire and if funds aren’t raised, the organization could lose its ability to continue with programs and services.

“It would be heartbreaking because the program and Debbie has saved my son’s life,” said Bradford. “This is a foundation and a person that has helped everyone, she doesn’t turn anyone away and right now we’re asking for people to help her.”

Those wishing to help SRD Straightening Reins can either follow the GoFundMe link listed above, or reach out directly to Rocha by calling 661-803-1641.

“Please help SRD Straightening Reins continue to provide resources for those in need,” added Rocha. “If not through a donation, then maybe through a connection to a facility  where we can make our forever home and continue to help our youth and their families.”

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