A strong gust of wind is answered by a chorus of wolf howls in Southern California's high desert.
Wearing hoodies and well-worn sneakers, city kids make their way up a mountain. Navigating the high desert terrain can be a challenge for some, and a few lag behind. Leading the way is a wolf named Malo.
For many of the teens who find their way here, Wolf Connection's Youth Empowerment Program is their last chance; they have been kicked out of school, or have been in gangs or in and out of foster homes.
When program leader Amanda Beer asks the kids for just one word to describe their strengths, those with the toughest exteriors struggle. They fidget and giggle.