A 'Stable' Force: Manhattan Rescue Farm Seeks Mentors For Foster Kids

MANHATTAN, IL — For as long as her rescue farm has been in existence, Christine Doran has sought the chance to help foster children there.

The founder of nonprofit HHH Ranch, Doran's upbringing gave her a first-hand look at the foster care system. One of 10 children, two of her siblings were adopted, and the family has endured some turmoil in one adopted sister's adult years. The fault was not her own, Doran said—the system had impacted her long before she joined their family.

The realization that some foster children lack the support and love to boost emotional and mental growth into adulthood instilled in Doran an intrinsic desire to help.

"I have such a soft spot for foster kids," Doran said.

"This is really near and dear to my heart, of seeing how the system works, and doesn’t work."

Doran notes that as of January 2025, there are 18,000 children in the foster care system in Illinois; 644 are in Will County, according to Department of Child and Family Services data.

"At HHH Ranch we believe everyone is responsible for unwanted, neglected and abused children, especially those who are living in our own community. This is why we are launching a community mentorship program for children in foster care and post adoption.

HHH Ranch takes in rescued animals and provides therapeutic offerings for those with varying and specific needs. After raising $55,000 n December 2024–the majority of which covered a deep funding shortfall—Doran found herself able to fund the farm's $1,000 certification in Stable Moments, a program to develop life skills in children with complex trauma needs. The program is an internationally recognized, evidenced-based model. It is specifically designed for children in foster care/post adoption or who have experienced childhood trauma caused by abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Doran is now seeking mentors for one-on-one connections with foster children who enroll in the program at the farm.

"Childhood trauma affects brain development," Doran wrote in a press release. "At HHH Ranch, we take this trauma into account and work to provide healing during the mentor sessions."

Currently, 56 mentees are signed up; only 10 mentors have been confirmed. Mentors are volunteer-based, and are asked to complete the program through the end of December 2025. Mentees range in age from 3 to 22 years old.

"We’re really wanting to have this program, and research shows if children can have one mentor—one stable person in their life—the difference that could make," she added.

No horse experience is necessary to volunteer as a mentor.

"It’s actually better if they don’t have it," Doran said, "so they can be curious with the child."

Mentors are required to complete a three-hour online training, which includes information about complex trauma. Additionally, an onsite safety training with horses, as well as a national background check is required (at the applicant's expense). Mentors must be at least 18 years old.

The program isn't entirely equine-focused, Doran said. Activites can range between sports, arts, crafts, and more—but all are on-site at the ranch, 14101 West Bruns Road.

The program activities are structured somewhat, Doran said, with room for adjustment. Enrollees are assessed at the onset of the program, to better understand their emotional and psychological needs. Activities are then color-coded based on corresponding needs, and mentors can choose which to tap into.

"Structured, but also has the ability to throw the lesson plan out the window," Doran said. "We really let them create a schedule of what they want to do that day."

Participants' needs will vary as widely as the trauma they may have endured, Doran said, and for the program to be effective, they need to want to grow from it.

"I create a safe space for people at HHH, and we say that we’re here to support them while they’re choosing their rocks on their path, but we won’t choose for them," she said. "In the end you have to realize that they have to want it, too."

The deadline to apply for a mentor spot is April 23, with an on-site training set for April 26. The program officially begins the first week of May, Doran said.

The application is available online. Doran hopes people will be inspired by the program and the impact it can have.

"We can do a lot, without becoming foster parents," Doran said.

"Your life’s going to get a lot more enriched."