Swan Center Outreach Inc
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January 28, 2013
Like most little girls, our daughter had been begging us for a horse for years. Unfortunately, we did not have the knowledge, time, space or financial means to own our own horse. When we heard about the Swan Center, we immediately signed up for volunteer training, in order to support our 8 year old. Turns out, I was captivated by the information we gained the first day. Since then, our family experience at the Swan Center has been life-changing.
My husband and I did not grow up around horses, and I have been somewhat fearful of them. Now, I am amazed at how comfortable I have become with the horses, and how much I enjoy working with them, as well as learning their names and individual personalities.
The biggest benefit has been for our daughter. She is passionate about the Swan Center, and if she could, she'd be out there everyday. She has become very confident with the horses and other animals, and she finds solace in their presence. For her, the horses provide non-judgemental listening, unconditional love, and as she's expressed, “a mirror for her emotions”. She's looking forward to starting with the Saddle Club in the spring.
One of the greatest gifts the Swan Center provides is the opportunity to convene with nature in a spectacular, cell-free setting.
We are grateful for the opportunity John & Rose have provided, and feel very fortunate to live in a community that supports an organization such as the Swan Center.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
December 2, 2012
I learned about the Swan Center through my 9-year old daughter - who was referred there through another volunteer. Thanks, Doreen! Never before was I interested in horses. Now I'm headed to the trainings to become a volunteer myself, and we decided to sponsor a horse as a family! Just being there a few times to help my daughter and the horses and the center has shown me that it is about MUCH MORE than "horse time". It's about awareness, non-verbal communication, leadership, teamwork - and a community of people and animals I'm thrilled to have my daughter growing up with. ~Dr. Justin Pollack
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 19, 2012
Swan Center has been fantastic! I have learned so much about patience and learning to be more of a leader in life! I am so grateful this opportunity to grow was given to me! So grateful for the Swan Center Outreach in my life! :)
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 2, 2012
I learned about Swan Center through our local paper and didn't know anything about them until I showed up for my first Volunteer training class, which is part classroom inspirational and part handling and feeding the beautiful horses, llamas & sheep who reside at the ranch. My husband, who was admittedly afraid of the big animals, went with me for that first day, "just to see if horses really are the big, stinky, scary beasts" that he had always thought. It was a wondrous day! My hubby finally "gets" horses and understands my deep love of them and supports my continued work and play with Swan Center.
All new volunteers are asked what brings them to the ranch and about 80% of them say that they have either never been around horses and want to see what they're like....or that they are scared to death of horses and want to overcome that unnatural fear...and throughout that first day, you can physically see and emotionally feel their "letting go" of that fear and the pure joy of being around these gentle animals shines through their smiles.
Personally, Swan Center has opened my heart and given me a renewed passion for life, in general, through the quieting moments with the horses and the human relationships that I have experienced in the last 2 1/2 years of volunteering there. The 31 previously abused horses are my daily inspiration, through their gentle spirits and willingness to trust again and I am forever changed for the better.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 24, 2012
I think that people are looking for different outcomes or benefits when it comes to volunteering. Swan Center Outreach provides many opportunities for all of its volunteers. To me, volunteering at the swan center allows me to help out an organization with necessary tasks that must be done everyday, and in turn, I am encouraged as a person. I feel like a useful and integral part of the organization each time I am out there.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
October 24, 2012
My dream as a child was to own a horse, but in those days it never occurred to me that I might find a place like the Swan Center, where I can help to care for many horses. My first favorite horse book was Black Beauty, which taught me how cruel some people can be, but how love and kindness can win over evil. As an adult I have learned that people--both adults and children--suffer for many reasons, but the inspiration provided by the Swan Center programs can help them overcome their challenges and change their lives for the better. Now that I am retired and discovered the Swan Center, I have gained a new purpose in supporting this organization's mission in many ways. There is joy and a feeling of accomplishment that comes from helping feed and train the rescued horses so they can be used in the life-changing programs offered to people. I have also found ways to support the mission through marketing, fundraising and automating the volunteer tracking to assist in grant applications. I am enjoying a whole new group of friends who are caring and hard working and wonderful to work with. Lastly I have learned so much, and learning keeps you young! It is truly a privilege to spend my time and enery on this cause!
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 23, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
The Swan Center has given me a sense of focus again in my life. When I graduated from grad school I had more questions about life and its meaning than I had when I started my program. I've been searching and searching for a way to serve my community in a way I truly believe in and the Swan Center has given me that opportunity. Giving people the opportunity to care for these special animals and then giving animals the opportunity to reciprocate by being mirrors to our souls is an exchange that is priceless. This is a top rate organization, it approaches the core of so many social problems, ourselves.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 17, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
The Swan Center has forever changed my life in so many positive ways. It has connected me to a community of people who believe in showing kindness and compassion to every human being regardless of their challenges; and being here on the ranch has taught me how to live a happier life through connections with animals and people. My relationship with the horses constantly makes me aware of myself in ways I never knew and they are always showing me new ways that I can improve. The Swan Center has restored my faith that people are good and kind and it's been a place where I have made many new friendships with both people and animals.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
June 29, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I am currently in a horse training clinic taught by Rose, John and Ashley. They have a comfortable, calm training style where they demonstrate a skill and then you get to practice with your own assigned horse. The training has gone well, and I recently realized that I was trying to fix a problem, but the issue was a step before my percieved issue. It is like a math problem, if you make an error in an early calculation it affects the outcome later so until you go back to correct that first slip up, you will not attain the result for which you are reaching. Each trip to the ranch is a learning experience for me. I love building a relationship with the horses and the comradery with the other volunteers.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
June 28, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
There is no other feeling that can compare to the smile on a child's face when they ride that horse for the very first time. It's a great testament to Swan Center Outreach that they have so many successes.
Photos
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 26, 2011
Participants will find The Mission Statement of Swan Center Outreach to be an understatement to the vital experiences they can receive through Swan Center Outreach Activities and Programs. The true value, facilitated by the directors and expressed through the animals is the incalculable value of making a connection.
Personal transformation occurs daily. All beings (human included) are encouraged to thrive and grow through natural expression and exploration. The rescued become the rescuers. The experience of unconditional love and acceptance is a rare and beautiful thing, one that must always be acknowledged and expanded. Join me in supporting Swan Center Outreach, just for the love of it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I cherish my times spent volunteering and participating. Witnessing transformation is an humbling and rewarding experience. The joy and fun I carry in my heart. My niece and nephews still remember the names of the horses they rode on their Jingle Bell Ride in 1993.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to see Swan Center Outreach nationally recognized for it's longtime contribution to scouting. As a Girl Scout Leader this organization is the embodiment of the Promise and the Law we strive to uphold.
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