NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A pet store that employs at-risk youth is expanding their program in the Nashville area. At Crossroads Pets, rescue dogs that have fallen on hard times and at-risk youth, are brought together to help each other.
Program Director Barbara Lonardi said, "I'm 1,000 percent sure that pets heal the young people, and the young people heal them as well."
From retail to grooming, the Crossroads campus has become a safe haven for people like 18-year-old Ke'Toria Murray-Watkins.
Murray-Watkins told NewsChannel 5 that she was going through a rough time. "I lost a friend and one of the dogs here, 'Bear,' he kind of comforted me and I just came and sat with him and he kind of like feels what I am feeling."
After finding out she had a strong connection to dogs, she now wants to be a groomer when she grows up.
Murray-Watkins said, "I'm in grooming school through Crossroads they have helped provide for me a grooming school to do since I want this to be my career."
In addition to grooming services, they also have an adoption program.
"The most important part is finding animals homes, and getting them the right owner," said Murray-Watkins.
Recently the non-profit purchased a new property on Buchanan Street to build affordable housing for homeless youth who work at the pet store.
"Our intent is to provide more housing but also more job opportunities so the new social enterprise will do that."
Recently, they started baking Music City themed dog treats as a new way to raise money for the program.
Lonardi said, "We're really excited about this opportunity."
Side by side, timid rescue pups and homeless youth will live together in unity.
Right now, they have 4 affordable housing units at the pet store on Monroe Street.
They will release more details on the expansion project soon. If you would like to help them fund more affordable housing, you can donate here.
