Jackson Free Press

Looking at the squat brick building on Bailey Avenue, with its barred windows and dreary outside decor, one wouldn't imagine that it houses one of the most spectacular organizations in Jackson. The moment you step through the double doors, though, it is readily apparent that you are in the midst of something special.

Operation Shoestring is an organization that centers services on children and their families, providing education, social, health and economic assistance to low-income families. Its interior could not be more different from the gloomy facade. The walls are primary colors, and there's always laughter in the air. Children gather at Operation Shoestring for companionship in education during the summer, and they have a ball doing so. Their smiles reflect off of the brightly colored walls, creating an atmosphere of excitement and interest for learning.

This atmosphere was almost palpable July 25, when Operation Shoestring children, parents, and staff came together in the Red Room to celebrate five children's completion of the organization's new "Peace Zone" program.

Two young girls were posted at the door, enormous grins competing for space on their small faces. "We have a puppy!" They exclaimed to every single person who entered.

They did indeed have a puppy: Ming, a sleepy little peekapoo.

Together with Brothers in Arms Assisted Animal Intervention and the Humane Education for Youth this summer, Operation Shoestring hosted an intervention program for youth with social problems and behavioral issues. The program promotes self-confidence, happiness, comfort and companionship through interaction with two certified crisis-response dogs, Ming and Bumble, an English mastiff.

The Red Room was packed, and the children rushed to pet little Ming. The five kids who participated in the program led the charge, obviously proud of their connection to the dog.

"Ming is my best friend," Alice, one of the four girls in the program, informed the other children, "Be gentle."

Operation Shoestring held the Peace Zone Celebration to thank and honor the five children for their participation in the program. Each student received a purple teddy bear, a Peace Zone workbook, a picture with their handprint and a paw print from each of the two dogs, and a photo album documenting each child's experience. A slideshow commemorating the children's progress with the dogs followed. After enjoying lunch, the children received with a cake in the shape of a paw print. The five never once stopped grinning.

The participants are all children referred to Operation Shoestring by social workers who received repeated reports of classroom and behavioral management issues. Peace Zone has been one of the many programs Operation Shoestring uses to provide services to troubled youth. The group that celebrated on Monday is the first group in Mississippi that has participated in a combined youth intervention and animal assistance program.

Natalie Allouche, a certified humane-education specialist, led weekly sessions for a period of seven weeks. She followed a curriculum based in building trust and encouraging empathy and self-control.

"The therapy dogs help break down barriers," said Allouche, who created Brothers in Arms in 2007, in her native Ruston, La. She draws her inspiration from her two oldest sons, who died of cancer in 2000 and 2007, and wishes to share their love of life with others.

Allouche knows that dogs can be extremely helpful in any emotional turmoil. The children engaged in various behavior-improving activities each week, centered on interaction with the dogs. They have made a wonderful connection with the dogs over the seven-week period.

Operation Shoestring's Promise Zone program coordinator, Rolanda Alexander, is pleased with the results of this pilot session. "The kids love working with the animals," she said, "and you can see their behavior improving and the self-esteem growing. We hope that this program will help them in their everyday lives."

Alexander intends to continue the program in light of its success. Operation Shoestring anticipates greater numbers of participation and a program that runs throughout the school year.

For more information on Operation Shoestring, visit operationshoestring.org. Comment at http://www.jfp.ms.