My Nonprofit Reviews

The director of WIFV knows each member by name as well as their interest or expertise in this industry. She always goes above and beyond to establish a positive experience for women to support one another in this very tough field. Her passion fills the organization so that many set out to emulate her by example while others with similar goals are called to join and support one another. The organization has really flourished by trying to connect professionals and bring voices with differing views forward to gain confidence, speak up, and grow.

Some of the residents of The Big Purple Barn include a one-eyed Morgan named Justin, a high spirited thoroughbred rescued from the track, Nadyia, a very opinionated pony named Taz who runs the entire show and at least a dozen more rescue horses who have special needs.

The Big Purple Barn is a family run equine rescue center who gives previously neglected or abused horses a forever home. Each horse requires a special diet, medicine, and care along with basic needs of hay, farrier and vet visits. What theses horses give in return for their care is priceless. Each horse has a special gift and talent. Some like the appaloosa pony Sydney win ribbons with neighborhood kids as they participate in local horse shows. Others like Harry, take care of their special needs rider or Nova who gives a young person wonderful memories and friendships after a week of summer camp (Nova loves to be fussed over, bedazzled, etc). Still others will bond with someone one on one, touching their heart, making them laugh, and giving them confidence and attention they can't get elsewhere.

The Big Purple Barn is an education center. Tara Guevara and her mother Barbara Wahle along with other family members take care of the horses every need morning, noon and night. They regularly open the barn to the public to teach about the special needs of their horses, train volunteers on how to take care of the horses and attend public events to further their mission. Taz, often the ambassador is quite good at winning over hearts and minds. If you visit the Big Purple Barn, I can guarantee one or more of the horses there will capture your heart as well.

I encourage the public to support the Big Purple Barn so these beautiful horses who give so much, can live a good life and continue to touch the hearts and minds of others.

Heather Taylor, Epona Approved Instructor

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The women of the MWHC walk the talk of their mission. They were some of the most supportive and collaborative women that I dealt with as I searched for ways to get the word out about my documentary Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women's National Air derby. They sprung into action and created a screening for the film at Baltimore's Enoch Pratt.

It was with a sense of true community that the women brought me into their folds and shared the mission of celebrating inspiring stories of women. I can not say enough about how well I was treated, how their passion blended with mine over our mutual goals and how we were able to move actions forward together, while maintaining respect and having fun along the way.

Heather Taylor, Executive Producer
"Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women's National Air Derby"

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I have worked with DIP for several years now as they helped me with my feature doc, Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women's National Air Derby. Erica knows how much of one's self goes into making a film as she invests all of her self in DIP & supporting the DIP community. Not only are the services DIP provides helpful, from consulting to workshops to networking, but my experience has been that the people attracted to the workshops and events are all supportive, curious and interested in helping one another. It is wonderful to have a community to share ideas with and commiserate regarding experiences, heartbreak, successes and more. As the organization grows, I have seen the opportunities to expand knowledge and gain experience grow as well. At first it did seem to cater more to the novice but now, even seasoned filmmakers can get value as the industry is changing daily so it helps to talk to others about their experiences.

If you would like to find a supportive community while navigating the various avenues in telling your story via film, I highly recommend getting involved with DIP.

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