Heaven Can Wait - Equine Sanctuary for Healing and Learning |
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LATEST NEWS SUBSCRIBEVOLUNTEERWe are always looking for energetic people to help us with feeding, grooming, etc.» Volunteer Now  BECOME A FAN Someone to Smile For Megan smiles and enjoys her time at Heaven Can Wait Someone to Smile For is a unique equine-assisted community program, serving people of all ages who are challenged by Autism, Downs Syndrome, head trauma, learning and developmental challenges, and other special needs. This is a flexible program that can be tailored to individual needs. Experiences include supervised hands-on activities with the horses and donkeys, such as grooming, leading them through special exercises, reading to them, or just being in their presence with no demands. Art projects are available as well as short lead-line riding experiences. Someone to Smile For is open to all special education and special needs groups, including schools, religious organizations, nonprofit community organizations, and families. To schedule your day and time! 805-368-5702 / susan@heavencanwait.us Rosa and Brian are the parents of Javi, an autistic, whose first visit to HCW began a transformation in the entire family. They learned about Someone to Smile For through a visit from the home schooling organization they belong to. They travel over 200 miles roundtrip from Fresno. For them, the chance to see Javi opening up and allowing himself to be touched physically and emotionally by the animals has convinced them to bring Javi every other weekend. They also bring Javi's sister Sierra.
"This is fun for everyone in the family. Javi is able to explore the environment and feel free. It gives us something wonderful and worthwhile to do together every other weekend."
Rosa and Brian Long Other groups who regularly attend Someone to Smile For include the Independent Skills Program from Paso Robles Unified School District and the Adventure Club.
"The horses are so patient and rewarding to be around. They adore the attention that the adventurers offer them and this makes the crew feel valued and appreciated. I see smiles from even the most sullen of our crew. They all seem to enjoy the quiet and amazing experience of being around so many beautiful horses."
Johnee Gange,B.A., Autism Specialist
"Over the last year I have taken seven severely handicapped students to Heaven Can Wait. There the students are exposed to the stories of the rescued animals, how to interact with them safely with understanding and compassion, and have the opportunity to learn life lessons about teamwork, empowerment, confidence, anger management and positive self-esteem. Experiences are geared to each individual's abilities.
I will continue to involve my students in this program as the benefits will stay with them for the rest of their lives."
Christina Reid, M.Ed. » Learn how to Get Involved |
