Dear Friend,
Not long ago, one of our teens shared a powerful sentiment that resonated deeply:
“Before CORRAL, I didn’t think I would ever go to college. I always had the lowest scores in school. CORRAL gave me confidence. Confidence kept me safe.”
These were the words of Amber, one of the 110 youth CORRAL served last year. Today, this participant can celebrate graduating from high school with a 3.80 GPA and receiving acceptances from several colleges. Stories like this remind us why CORRAL’s work matters and that none of it would be possible without you.
As we approach the end of 2025, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the moments that brought us here – the memories we’ve made, the relationships we’ve deepened, the opportunities we’ve built, and the impact we’ve shared with not only those we love, but also the communities we serve.
At CORRAL, we join in that reflection. We think about the changes our community has embraced, the challenges our girls have overcome, and the growth our organization has achieved. We are dedicated to building a foundation for the future – for our teens and for CORRAL.
Because of you, our programming staff witnesses transformational growth every day. They invest in each participant’s future by teaching self-advocacy, accountability and resiliency. Most importantly, they create spaces where CORRAL youth can feel valued, safe and hopeful. Our staff sees the stories unfolding, and I’d love to share a few of these moments with you.
“We have a teen who came to us after missing more than 100 days of school last year. After a year at CORRAL, she has only missed one day, earning great grades and using strategies to manage setbacks.”
“When Michelle joined CORRAL, she had a 2.14 GPA and faced academic and mental health struggles. Her missing school work would pile up–she’d rather not submit assignments than be told she was wrong. She also struggled with risky behaviors – fights at school, smoking, and poor peer and family relationships. Fast forward to her senior year, and she’s had only two missing assignments and has an 89.8% average!”
“One of our teens is battling intense mental health challenges. She was recently very upset and experienced a tough outburst. A rhythmic ride [specialized therapeutic session on horseback] really helped her open up more, and over the weeks she has been able to talk, express herself, and elaborate on her emotions.”
These accounts capture only a glimpse of the transformational experiences that show how CORRAL is equipping youth with the resources to access bright futures. But we can’t do it alone.
NCDPS reports that in Wake County, 36% of students are below grade level, and 100% of female youth participating in a youth development center are struggling with one or more mental health diagnoses. Many do not have access to the resources needed to combat these challenges. By offering our programs at no cost, CORRAL ensures girls and their families can concentrate on positive outcomes.
Imagine if the 14 girls completing Join the Herd (CORRAL’s introductory program) in December can continue to grow and become empowered with the tools and confidence needed to finish high school and share a message like Amber’s. Imagine investing in the foundation that leads to their future.
This year’s goal to raise $380,000 would ensure at least 17 teens could have access to one year of CORRAL’s Riding Academy program. We invite you to join us as we continue our work–supporting these teens and walking beside their families. Please consider making a special holiday gift today using the enclosed pledge card or visit corralriding.org/give to donate online.
Thank you for choosing to build a foundation for the future with CORRAL,
Lauren Clements
Executive Director
