Project Comfort
Our research-backed youth program is proven to decrease depression and loneliness symptoms while increasing feelings of belonging, as well as compassion for self and others.
Where it all began.
Founder Jen Marr was working in crisis response and bringing in comfort dogs into schools that were experiencing trauma when she noticed a phenomenon.
Responses to crises and trauma tend to be front-loaded within the first 72 hours — and importantly, so many people cared, but no one was feeling seen.
In a time of a youth mental health crisis and massive change, it’s more important than ever to teach the skills that cultivate caring in our youth communities and schools.
It was out of this need that Project Comfort was born.
Comfort dogs: they have the amazing superpower to calm us, to give us some relief from our pain, and to bring hope when we need it the most.
But what if humans had that same power?
As it turns out, we do. Humans and dogs are both wired for connection.
We use lessons from dogs to teach youth — and their surrounding communities — the power of comfort and showing up.
“Paws” to Comfort
What is Project Comfort?
Project Comfort is an 8-lesson character development program. Each lesson includes an accompanying application activity of creating and delivering a signature comfort plaque. The more time spent discussing and collaborating during these lessons and applications, the more the skill takes root and cultivates new behaviors.
This program is the ultimate “learn-by-doing” program that awakens the empathy that lies within us. Project Comfort’s programming is perfect in the classroom, for after school clubs, summer camps, or groups that are in need of group bonding and deeper relationships.
We certify your staff to facilitate the program.
Research-Backed Programming
The Project Comfort program has been awarded three research studies by The New York Office of Mental Health and has proven to result in the following for students:
Feeling less lonely and isolated, as well as having more friends
Significant reductions in depressive symptoms and social anxiety
Fewer difficulties with understanding and managing their emotions
Noticing more frequently when others are upset and listening patiently when people talk about their problems
Improved compassion for themselves and others
“The challenges today’s generation of young people face are unprecedented and uniquely hard to navigate. And the effect these challenges have had on their mental health is devastating.”
— US Surgeon General
Outline of the Program
Our 8 lessons are core to development of the evidence-based skill of comfort. Each lesson includes an accompanying activity of creating and delivering a signature comfort plaque.
Our signature Inspiring Comfort plaque: a one-to-one connection of care created specifically by someone for someone. It carries a heartfelt message and creates a lasting keepsake of personalized encouragement.
Each lesson in our program requires intentional action. This is the step that pushes participants through the Awkward Zone. In Project Comfort, we believe that if you want to teach connection, you should require it.
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Lesson 1: Hearts, Marbles, & Doors
Gain an understanding of what comfort is, and learn critical concepts like the Heart of Comfort, The Marble Jar, and The Three Doors.
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Lesson 2: Lessons From Dogs
Participants recognize the characteristics our pets model of care and comfort.
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Lesson 3: The Awkward Zone
Participants identify what their personal barriers to comfort are, and learn how to break through the “Awkward Zone.”
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Lesson 4: The Circle of Comfort
Participants identify the evidence-based steps to comfort, gain an understanding of our core human needs, and learn how comforting others comforts us.
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Lesson 5: Changing Our Perspective
Participants learn how to put themselves in another person’s shoes, what to avoid when comforting someone, and how comforting is a long-term endeavor.
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Lesson 6: Heart & Eyes
Participants learn to differentiate between the functions of the heart and the functions of the brain when caring for others.
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Lesson 7: Ears & Hands
Participants practice and apply listening skills and learn to be comfortable with silence. They also learn the guidelines to writing a message of comfort.
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Lesson 8: Mouth & Feet
Participants learn the P.A.U.S.E. Comfort Filter, 6 things to consider before they speak, and 8 tips for comforting actions.
“It speaks to student’s strengths — you can give to others. Our students are often the recipients of services, and they don’t have very much confidence in themselves and in their ability to give to others. Now, they see themselves empowered to recognize their own strengths and to help others.”
— Ellen Mollen, LSCW, Clinical Supervisor at the Lorges School
“This program and study really speak to this reciprocal dynamic between compassion for others and compassion for self…It imparts in youth skills and strategies to increase their feelings of belonging.”
— Taylor Walls, M.A., and Montclair State University researcher
“This was an amazing experience for children, staff and families…Many parents commented on what a great program it was and that the students enjoyed delivering their plaques. We were able to comfort such a wide range of people… young and old, near and far. Quite powerful. And I truly think students saw how collectively we made such a difference.”
— Teri A, 3rd Grade Teacher, Orange, CT
Who can facilitate Project Comfort?
You’re qualified to facilitate the Project Comfort program if you are:
— Someone who has a huge heart and cares deeply for students
— An expert at managing time and projects
— An engaging communicator
— Someone who the students feel able to trust
— Someone who believes in a culture of care
We believe that it’s everyone responsibility, not just that of mental health professionals, to cultivate a culture of care.
You do not need to be a mental health professional to be a Project Comfort Facilitator. That being said, we recommend that a mental health liaison be present for some sessions to ensure the well-being of the students.
Program Materials
Project Comfort Kits and refill kits listed below.
Interested in bringing Project Comfort to your school, group, team, or organization? Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.