As someone that was involved with this fantastic organization at the very beginning; volunteering and as a Board member, I know where this organization started and at this point can't even imagine how much TLC and hard work that must have gone into where it is today. Although I have not been close to the activities of Mane In Heaven for a while, I know the Founder, and the intense passion she has for those that benefit from a visit with the mini's. She is a remarkable women with a vision for all this organization can be, and she has a huge heart for the children, men, women and volunteers that are touched by these adorable animals. Godspeed Mane In Heaven!
Mane in Heaven is a fantastic organization. They bring a magical affect of joy and wonder to those who, on a daily basis, endure hardships that many of us couldn't imagine contending with. Those who are unable to leave the facility they are at, both young and old, enjoy one-on-one time with Mystery, Turnabout, Lunar and Jenny. They are 4 love filled miniature versions of majestic equines, that is, horses that one could only enjoy unless they took a long drive out into the country, which is not an option for those these comfort animals come out to visit with. One only has to glance into their big adorable eyes to feel the warmth and care for humans built into them by our creator. Sometimes it is difficult to decide who is enjoying the visits more, the mini-horses or those they are visiting. There is a very special bond that a few are privy to, between horses and humans. Mane In Heaven affords that bond of emotional support to many that would never otherwise have the opportunity to experience such a unique and fairy tale moment, right where they reside. I have been told, on more than one occasion, by both those who are being visited and their caregivers, that the visits are the highlights of not only a person's day, but even of the year. Mane in Heaven's mini horses bring wonderment, joy, comfort, and just plain fun into those who's lives can be difficult, humdrum and even at times, without hope. What a fantastic organization!
There are many non profit organizations but not many can incite the joy and immediate response that these wonderful horses elicit. Many times, I have seen hands uncurled, smiles beaming, memories of childhood from the children and adults with disabilities and residents in homes for the elderly. It is so very rewarding to be involved first had in these experiences. It has been real privilege to be a part of this organization.
I have had the privilege to work around the these lovely mini horses and with the Mane In Heaven organization on a volunteer basis occasionally. Not only are the smiles a mile wide for those who work around the horses but those who see them for the first time. I doubt there is a person out there that could not feel wonderful and happy around these mini horses. Lunar appears the strong silent type while Turnabout is the mischief toddler of the bunch. Mystery is the gentle sweet little girl while new comer Jennella is finding her place and settling in very well. Any opportunity I have to not only visit but to help out in any way possible, then I jump at that opportunity. More people really need to see these wonderful mini horses. They are not just “horses” they are personality a go-go! Enjoy!
Mane in Heaven is a wonderful collaboration of enthusiastic and caring people who guide lovable and healing miniature horses! Together then bring joy, love and laughter to all they come in contact with. The positive impact they have already made in the Chicagoland area is a testament to their passion and genuine love to serve and help others.
Mane in Heaven is a wonderful nonprofit organization that helps children and adults every where know that life is so much better because of the volunteers and the ponies. Their visits to the various places helps children and adults know that life is wonderful and the ponies help them see that.
Mane in Heaven has visited Marklund, an organization that provides life services for children and adults with profound disabilities, on several occasions. To see the joy that their visits bring to the clients is so incredible. Mane in Heaven gives an amazing and valuable experience to all those that they serve and an experience that many may not otherwise have. I am so grateful for all the handwork and dedication they put in to provide such a wonderful service to others!
I have been a life long equine enthusiast, so when I first heard about Mane in Heaven I knew I needed to be apart of the magic. And magic it truly is. I began volunteering in August 2014 and immediately started to see all the good the miniature horses do. Every time someone comes into contact with a mini, a smile comes to their face, a light comes into their eyes, and then the rest is indescribable. I truly believe these minis bring healing to anyone and everyone. I am so honored and blessed to be able to apart of such a wonderful organization.
Mane in Heaven is a organization that I am proud and honored to be a part of. I can say that Mane In Heaven changes lifes and brings so much comfort and happiness to those who aer involved. Mane in Heaven is a very unique organization. They provide therapy visits with minature horses. Yes Minature horses. The horses are gentle and bring so much comfort and joy to thoese they visit. The reaction and effect these amazing little horses bring to those they visits is pure comfort and joy. The voleenteers of th organization are amazing group of caring invidividuals. I know for myself working with these amazing animals and voleetnters has been life changing. The reactions to all of those who come in contact with the minis of mane in heaven can not be fully explained. for that reason I am attaching a video that truely shows what this organization is all about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhQIPNo-sLQ
My two teenaged daughters and I started volunteering with Mane in Heaven in April 2013. What started out as a way to work with some cute, little horses turned into so much more. This has been a fantastic way for the 3 of us to volunteer together. We've definitely found our volunteer niche. We all love spending time with the minis and seeing the joy they bring to children, veterans, elderly, mentally or physically disabled, those hospitalized, in rehab facilities, anyone that needs a little sunshine in their life. My girls & I have seen what a miracle they can be. They've witnessed residents at nursing homes that "never come out of their room" line up to see them. Patients with limited mobility or debilitating arthritis reach out to touch and stroke the minis. It's hard not to get choked up every time we go on a visit when we witness the impact they have on peoples' lives. I can't imagine our life without them.
I began volunteering with Mane In Heaven in memory of my dad. He loved horses so much. He was in hospice care. A visit to a horse farm was arranged by a kind therapist, but he died before the visit took place. My mom was seriously depressed after losing her husband and best friend of sixty-two years. I worried I'd lose her too. I read a newspaper article about a nurse from Palatine who was looking for volunteers for a non-profit she had started, Mane In Heaven. Although it was too late for dad, I was so happy that a wonderful opportunity like this arose. My experience involved being trained to work with four adorable miniature horses, along with other volunteers. When we went on our visits I saw the happiness and delight the minis brought to the elderly, to children, to those with physical and developmental disabilities. It was a spiritual experience for me as I watched the horses work their magic, just by being present for those who needed some joy in their lives. Eventually my mom met the minis. The horses were the first thing she showed enthusiasm about since she was widowed. I watched in silence as one by one they approached her. No words were necessary. They gently nudged her as she stroked their manes. She was surrounded by love! That experience was the beginning of her road to recovery. She now keeps photos of the minis next to photos of her family members. We lucky volunteers are fortunate to have the opportunity to help enable things like this to happen every time we take the horses on a visit. Please check out our website and make a donation if you can.
Mane in Heaven has truly changed my life. It is such a unique organization that uses miniature horses as therapy animals. I've been volunteering with them for a year now with the hope to enrich the lives of the elderly and disabled. Little did I know how much it enriched my life as well by developing great relationships with the minis as well as the other volunteers! Seeing the joy on residents faces while the minis are visiting and the joy on the volunteers faces as well. Even though it hasn't felt like hard work....all the hours of training has paid off and the outcome is 4 beautiful, well behaved, lovable minis doing the jobs they were put on this earth to do! They are truly 'Made in Heaven'
Mane in Heaven has changed many lives, through four endearing miniature horses. I cannot say enough positive things about my fellow volunteers. They are all wonderful and each brings something uneque to the table. Hopefully with the help of more sponsers and donators we will be able to reach more people than we are capable of at the present time.