My Nonprofit Reviews

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.

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