Crossroads offers programs to help humans and animals connect, learn and grow.
In 2013, Crossroads Campus opened Crossroads Pets Shop & Adopt in Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood
This site operates as a social enterprise where young adults gain experience working in our pet retail store and grooming salon, and caring for the dogs and cats that are available for adoption.
The animals we serve come via partnerships with larger shelters in Middle Tennessee and are often in need of extra time, training and attention to help ready them for life with new families.
Our young adults are actively engaged in the care and socialization of our adoptable animals. This is where we truly see the healing power of the human-animal bond.
“I looked at animals like Fergie and compared it to my situation, how I was in facilities and it was a wait for me to get a foster home. For them it’s the same. With them I kinda felt needed. I guess that’s what started me loving myself, when I felt needed.”
Amber
Former program participant.
“Crossroads helped me find my dream career in grooming dogs. I worked there for 6 years and learned how to do retail, animal care and dog grooming, which I loved the best. It was my first real job out of high school. I love Crossroads!”
Domonique
Former program participant.
We Promote Positive Change
The individuals we serve face multiple barriers. In response, we provide a long term, comprehensive approach that gives young people the time and support they need to create a path out of poverty and build sustainable futures, but that journey requires more than just employment and education.
We promote interdependency by offering hope, providing access to opportunity and building community.
Hope
Our programs help build skills and foster hope by:
- Giving young people the opportunity to take on and succeed at new challenges.
- Providing role modeling, mentoring and encouragement through a dedicated and caring staff.
- Creating the opportunity for our young people to make a difference in the lives of the homeless dogs and cats in our care.
Access
We provide access to job-training and employment through our social enterprises and we provide access to vocational training, educational opportunities and the support services needed to take advantage of these opportunities through case management referrals.
Community
Crossroads is a place of belonging for the young we serve. We recognize that fostering community among our participants and helping them develop positive social connections with each other and within the community— through connecting them to mentors and others who can provide support during challenging times— is critical to their long-term success.
We invite you to believe with us in the healing power of the human-animal bond.
