The Association
The House The house in the snow
The estate, twelve hectares of woodland and paddocks, has extensive outbuildings, the main house, also two holiday flats, stables and an indoor riding school. The domain belongs to Mrs. Lee-Jones who bought it in 1995 to continue her profession as a breeder of Purebred Spanish Horses. Being a professional with horses since 1980 she also holds a diploma as a Trekking Guide (ATE). She also practices Reiki (stage 3 diploma) a Japonese healing art, speaks four languages and has her pilots licence (PPL). Since 1999, Mrs. Lee-Jones takes in youth at risk.
Wanda Lee-Jones
A contract was signed the 28 june 2002 with the Aude county council, renewable yearly, to open up an association for youth at risk. The Pendazier offers a stable lifestyle with and around horses.
The contract dictates the objectives, the relationship association - Aude county council aswell as the financement (the daily price is reviewed yearly).
The structure is also ruled by the bureau of the non-profit association
« Vivre à Plein Temps », the bureau consists of a President, Treasurer, Secretary and its members.
The bureau's mission is to control the accounts, put in place future projects and plans, and to represent or help the educator with her contacts with diverse organisations and administrations.
THE OBJECTIVES AND THE ORIENTATIONS :
Conform to the terms in the contract between the association «Vivre à Plein Temps» and the Aude county council, the admission of the youngsters is defined as follows:
- Firstly the admission requests will be transmitted to the county council for examination.
The county councils mission is not only to receive the requests but also with their knowlege of the files to redirect them to the structure best suited.
- A meeting will be held with the youngster, his social worker and the educator. The younsters difficulties will be clearly defined and the educator will decide with her partners whether or not the youngster is suitable for the Pendazier, the psychiatrist will also be called in for youngsters coming from specialized homes.
- A period of time will pass whilst all parties think about the project. The youngster should also explain why he would like to be at the Pendazier.
- After this a contract will be drawn up and signed by all parties.
- A trial run can be put in place, the length of which will be clearly stated in the contract. After the trial run another meeting will be held by all parties.
RULES AND REGULATIONS :
The association « Vivre à Plein Temps » has the ambition to be a structured association where the rules and regulations are clearly defined.
- Self respect and the respect of others starts with basic rules of hygene (cleanliness, tidy hair, clothing etc.) The educator will help the youngster with his self esteem by providing all the necessary care and equipment.
- The respect of nature and of animals is of prime importance at the Pendazier. There are twelve horses, Border Collies, chickens, cats etc.....
"Meg" and "Ted" Border Collies Karajan sire Mimoso X dam Azucena X
All born at home
In the heart of the countryside and with the animals, the youngsters will find their real values, which adds to the values taught by others or which will be taught during their stay. Horses, big, strong, soft, majestic creatures have their own language, the youngsters will need to study and understand them. Horses need to be loved but also need someone firm that will not let them get away with everything. Horses do not judge anyone, they either submit or defend themselves. Only love and respect from the youngster will enable him to have a good relationship with the horse.
Knowing and understanding the hierarchy and its role within a group of horses will enable the youngster to relate it to people.
- Caring for the animals is a daily task and sometimes the breeder and the youngsters come second . Animals expect to be fed and cared for at set times whether it rains or shines or whether the people feel like it or not.
The carers have to handle illness or births that could arise at any hour, night or day. One can also be confronted with the death of an animal. The youngsters will be faced with the circle of life with its joys and heartbreaks.
Welcome "Loverboy"
Yago and Soraya, twins born 7 mai 2002
by Volador and Elsa
- The youngsters live in the same house as Mrs Lee-Jones and take part in everyday life. They also have to help with the daily chores in the shared rooms and help with meals. The youngsters have their own confortable living space and single bedroom. These rooms are their private rooms and they look after them entirely.
- In the eyes of the law, all youngsters must go to school or to a professional school outside of the Pendazier. Saint Exupéry the secondary school at Bram which is not far, has a school bus and offers an interesting possiblity for scolarity, in additition there is also Carcassonne.
