Meet Agano – A Companion for Healing

As part of our mission at #WeRideTogether to support abuse survivors with resources, we have created a new FREE tangible resource – Agano!

Agano is more than just a weighted stuffed animal horse – he’s a symbol of comfort, hope, and resilience. 

Get Your Free Agano!

Agano has been named for his steadfast and gentle nature. He embodies the courage it takes to heal from trauma. Agano can be helpful in many circumstances and in many ways. He gives a portable sense of comfort and connection in challenging moments. Survivors can take Agano with them anywhere, to the courtroom, to therapy, to the police station, to the doctor, and sleep with him at night, or warm him up and cuddle him while watching a movie or reading a book. Agano offers survivors a tangible reminder that they are not alone. His presence can help ease anxiety and provide a sense of security. 

Weighted stuffed animals like Agano are not just cute and fun; their use as a tool for self-regulation, comfort, and grounding is backed by evidence-based research and industry experts.

Listen below to Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Circuit Court Judge and Professor, and Jennifer Almonte, Founder of I Am Journey, discuss how a tool such as Agano can provide support and comfort during difficult times, such as a courtroom proceeding or investigation. 

Agano is certified as a safe toy for children of all ages and comes with warming and cleaning instructions. Moreover, Agano comes with a collection of healing resources, education, and information catered to youth, young adults, adults, support persons, and professionals that can be utilized throughout difficult times. 

Scan the QR Code on Agano’s tag or visit this link to view all the supportive resources available. 

Youth can work on the Agano Activity Packet and fill in the Feelings and Emotions Chart with Agano. They can also watch short videos learning about trauma and coping skills with Agano. Lastly, there is a list of Sensory Tips: Tools for Calm and Regulation that can help support youth when dealing with stressful situations and big emotions. 

Young adults and adults can Journal with Agano using trauma-informed prompts. Additionally, they can engage in Sensory Tips: Tools for Calm and Regulation when dealing with stressful situations and big emotions, and read about Navigating Trust, Trauma Responses, and Self-Care with Agano. 

Support Persons are provided with user-friendly and age-appropriate information and guidance on helping children Feel Safe and Cope after traumatic events, and identify Trauma Responses. Support Persons are also supplied with education and support for their own Self-Care and being mindful of Indirect Trauma Exposure

Professionals, too, can use Agano’s accompanying resources to help children Cope, identify Trauma Responses, and manage their Indirect Trauma Exposure. Resources are also included on directing victims to tailored services and specific resources on mental health, physical health, legal support, and beyond. 

Get your free Agano or send Agano to someone you know in need of support.

If you or someone you know needs support, please visit our Crisis Resources or Resources for assistance.

Kathryn McClain, MSW, MBA

Program and Partnerships Director at #WeRideTogether

kmcclain@weridetogether.today

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