Nonprofit Spotlight

words Catherine Frederick with Amber Herndon, Development Director, Manes & Miracles at Chaffee Crossing

Manes & Miracles at Chaffee Crossing offers equine-assisted therapy to help those with a wide variety of disabilities, providing both emotional and physical therapy for the patient. Equine-assisted therapy can help individuals suffering from autism, seizure disorder, anxiety disorder, learning disorders, brain injury, behavioral problems, and many other physical and emotional disorders. Do South® reached out to Amber Herndon, Development Director, to learn more.

P.O. Box 11828 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.970.8351 manesandmiracles.org

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com. DS: How did Manes & Miracles come to be? Manes and Miracles started in 2018 with only four patients in a pilot program at an open-air arena donated for temporary use. Our goal was to increase access so people with disabilities wouldn’t have to travel by car over an hour one way to attain equine-assisted therapy. We currently serve thirty-six patients per week. Cabaness Farms donated forty acres of land near Chaffee Crossing for the purpose of building a permanent location, which will allow us to serve more patients and expand our services to include care for Veterans and those in need in the Fort Smith area.

DS: Who does Manes & Miracles serve and in what ways? We currently provide equine-assisted therapy to children with special needs. By using the horse as a tool and a program called hippotherapy, our therapists create a comprehensive treatment plan based on individual needs. Patients often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. Additionally, the relationship formed with the horse can help increase confidence, patience and self-esteem.

DS: Tell us how Manes & Miracles's mission impacts our community. Our mission is to create an environment where opportunity replaces limitations and to help children and adults learn the power of the words "I can." We facilitate independence for those we serve. The impact is that we have more functional active participants in the community, by reducing the barrier of disability. One parent said her child, age four with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, was able to discontinue use of her walker after one year of participating in our program.

DS: How can our community get involved and support Manes & Miracles? Volunteer! We match your time, talent and interest to our needs. We hold once-aweek therapy sessions for patients in an open-air arena, weather permitting. Loss of consistent services slows down the positive effects of therapies, thus funding for a covered arena at the new location is of utmost importance. As a nonprofit we rely heavily on the generosity of caring individuals and organizations. If you feel led, your financial or in-kind gift of any amount is appreciated.

DS: Are there any immediate needs or upcoming events our readers should know about? RAISE THE BARN 5K 10K Walk or Run is April 24 with a Virtual Race option. Pre-register before April 17 to receive a free dri-fit race t-shirt! Not a runner? Breakfast only tickets are available. Channel 5’s Darren Bob will emcee! Details and ticket links are on our website and Facebook page. DINNER AND ALL THAT JAZZ takes place September 18. Sponsorship opportunities are available for both events. By supporting Manes and Miracles, you help little miracles happen every day.