Troop 484 Scout rank Star Scout Matt Bins service project staining a walking path bridge to peserve for residents of DeSoto Site Penrose nature walking path. The best progesive resident home with care respect and compation
I literally stumbled upon this gem in 1977 at the green age of 7 years old as I explored the woods with my cousin. The caregivers were warm and welcoming on our visits to Pony Bird.
I entered 2nd grade that year and I was truly blessed to have Mrs. Sue Hockensmith as my teacher. Little did either of us know how connected we were and would continue to be. I visited her son, Phillip, often and continued to do so for years. I would help at meal time, hold the residents and sit on the floor and play with them. These early years at Pony Bird left a profound impression on me. The people of Pony Bird-the residents, the caregivers and the founders will always have a special place in my heart and forever be a part of who I am. I am a mom, teacher and coach. Over the years I have taken countless students, athletes and my own children to visit. We decided to give these trips a name... at De Soto School District in Missouri we call it The Power of Pony Bird - because once these students make one trip they are just drawn to go back over and over again. Some of my students have even been so influenced they have decided to pursue a career in helping people with special needs. So thankful for the Hockensmith family for having this vision and keeping the Pony Bird aligned with that vision.
Exceptional people live at Pony Bird. It is their home where they thrive in a community full of love and compassion. It's a wonderful facility that provides the best quality of life for so many physically challenged individuals. Bravo Pony Bird!!
Our daughter Bethany has called Ponybird home since she was 21. She is now almost 29. We had hoped to find the right place for her to live when we couldn't care for her. We also wanted her to have a houseful of friends and for her to be safe! Every parent wants that for their child, but especially for one with special needs. When this place was recommended to try, we took the tour and was impressed. We would leave her for respite weekends and that helped to take couple time for Glen and I and also for spending time with her brother. Josh just mentioned the other day, how happy he was that when it came time to leave her there permanently, all the staff wanted his sister. I'm sure that made him feel terrific! As it did us! She has well cared for, everyone is attentive and on top of any issue that may arise! We recommend it to every family we run into and any of her doctors. Ponybird rocks!
Pony Bird provides assisted living and care to individuals with severe cognitive and functional disabilities. They provide invaluable services to families that sometimes would not know what to do to ensure care for their loved ones otherwise. Their focus on residential care is one based on quality, not quantity and that makes a meaningful difference to those families and friends of the organization.
My nephew has lived at Pony Bird for more than a decade. Staff is amazing, facilities are very nice, and Joe is kept busy with many fun activities and outings. He is extremely happy at his Pony Bird Home!
We have a nephew who resides at Pony Bird and has for almost 10 years. We feel that the care Pony Bird gives is exceptional and he is thriving in an environment where people provide the care and love he needs when he can't be surrounded by family members all the time. The staff there is dedicated to the care of individuals with special needs and we are so thankful for this organization and the services they provide.
This was my son's home for 16 yrs. When the time came to place Ryan, I knew Pony Bird is where I wanted him to live. The care, love and the compassion that the employees give to each resident is remarkable. I truly believe Pony Bird is the reason why my son lived to the age he did. There was never a time I cried leaving after my visit with him because I knew his Pony Bird family was loving him when I wasnt there. Even though it will be 12 yrs this November that Ryan has passed, I still volunteer and help with fundraisers as I can not thank them enough. Whether it be 5 stars, 10 stars or a 100, Pony Bird deserves the highest.
My daughter has been attending the Day Services Program at Ponybird for 6 years. She has made friends, developed relationships that are hers. No parents required. They celebrate each participant. Keep them active and engaged. The staff are tremendous; professional, appropriate, loving and fun. My daughter looks forward to her Ponybird days.
My youngest brother (who is like my son) and a young woman in which I am her guardian/voice both reside at Pony Bird. Both continue to thrive. I believe it's due to the love and care they receive. I have been visiting there for over 10 years and have become friends and family to so many of the residents and staff and other "guardians"
My son, Bobby, is 34 years old and has lived at Pony Bird since he was 7. It truly has been a home away from home. I have never visited him and been unhappy about his care. he is always clean and happy. He gets to enjoy outings that I couldn’t posssibly take him on...like Six Flags. He came back from that outing and kept saying “roller coaster, roller coaster”. For his birthday the staff arranges for a firetruck to come visit. Bob gets so excited and loves every second. The food is good and the staff exceptional. When I fund raise for his home I know that every penny someone donates goes for quality care for the kids. If I could give ten stars I would. As a family we are blessed with a facility like Pony Bird.
Pony Bird is an exceptional home for their individuals. My brother, Phil, lived at Pony Bird. For over 40 years, Pony Bird has given love and care to their individuals. They are a FAMILY at Pony Bird. The staff is fantastic and always made me feel comfortable. Pony Bird deserves any recognition as a non-profit! It is a wonderful place!!!
My older brother has called Pony Bird his HOME for most of his life. Throughout the years, Pony Bird has never felt like a "facility" where my brother has been "institutionalized" but rather like a great big family. Both the administrative and direct care staff are top notch - quality care and inclusion is their number one priority and it shows! Field trips, concerts, baseball games, and walks around the private lake are just some of the fun activities that residents get to enjoy. A great deal of work goes into planning and executing these outings and I am always amazed and grateful for the smiles they bring!
I have been privileged to be a part of this organization for over 30 years. It is all about the individuals that live at Pony Bird! It is their home and they are all treated as if it is their home with respect and dignity. The individuals are respected in a manner everyone should be. Love abounds!