Minis and Friends
Rating: 4.99 stars 79 79 reviews
Address:
4509 Walsall Loop Austin TX 78749 USA
Mission:
Our trained and mobile miniature horse/donkey ambassadors visit with people of all ages with special needs or whom life's circumstances have created a special need.
Results:
We've added new facilities to include regular visits to Marbridge, monthly visits to Dell's Children Medical Center of Central Texas,several nursing homes, Mary Lee Foundation, increased volunteerism at UT Austin, St. Ed's and Texas State University. Amplify Austin helped us to not only raise funds but to Amplify our presence in the greater Austin Metro area. We will soon have a new website, a documentary done by students at UT Journalism, amazing new volunteers with marketing, media and PR skills, and much, much more is in the works.
Target demographics:
Abused and neglected children, At-Risk Youth, Handicapped, Mental Health, Cancer and Childhood diseases - Travis, Hays and Williamson County, TX between 2-20 years old.Seniors with memory disorders and assisted living facilities in Travis, Hays and Williamson County 55+ and up
Direct beneficiaries per year:
3000-5000
Geographic areas served:
The greater Austin metro area
Programs:
Minis Out, In the Community; Minis Out, Moving On; Minis Out, Project Blanket; Minis Out, Silver Saints; Mighty Mini Reader
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Reviews for Minis and Friends
3 people found this review helpful
Minis and Friends is an inspirational organization. I have long wanted to share the therapeutic effect of animals with others but needed a starting point. Minis and Friends and their all volunteer staff have provided and continue to provide the education and support to help me do this. They are always willing to share information, provide encouragement, and lend a helping hand.
During "boot camp" training we went to the Alzheimer's unit of an assisted living center. While there I witnessed the transformation of a patient whom we were told had been unresponsive to family, other volunteers and staff. The mini horse, Remington, made it clear to me, his handler, that he wanted to visit this lady. He put his face near her hand. She started petting and whispering to him. Minis and Friends facilitated a small miracle.
In my opinion, Minis and Friends embodies everything an excellent nonprofit should be.
3 people found this review helpful
Minis and Friends is an awesome organization! We have two Type Diabetics and attend the JDRF walk every year! The minis and their handlers bring many smiles and much joy to these children. I love to see them myself! Thank you Sally and Gil for bringing lil mini sunshines into so many peoples lives!!
More Feedback
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
4 people found this review helpful
My son is a cancer survivor and is blind. We've become involved with several organizatons that support families that deal with cancer as well as those that have blind children. Minis and Friends has supported many of the functions that these organizations have participated in. My son has a great time working with the horses and I know the other kids really enjoy them as well. They provide a great service for these kids that have had to deal with so much in their young lives. I'm really happy to have the opportunity to meet Sally and her friends at Minnis and Friends.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Minis and Friends support many activities for the kids that are going through treatment for cancer.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can't think of any changes I would make to this organization. It's not my area of expertise. They provide a valuable service as they are.
3 people found this review helpful
Our personal experience with Mini and Friends has been our attendance at their Boot Camp 2 yrs. ago. We were very impressed with Sally and Gil and their Board Members and the beautiful minis as well. We learned so much about the horses, forming a non-stock corporation and the do's and don'ts when visiting a facility. All the information we gathered has helped us trememdously with our programs here in Colorado. Minis and Friends is constantly sharing their experiences and knowledge to help all in this field. I am amazed at all they are doing with the minis to help others. They are a wonderful, caring corporation.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We went with Minis and Friends to a facility for at-risk youth and we saw how the minis interacted with the children. They led the minis and brushed them and there were many smiles.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I I don't know of any changes that I would make.
