Manes and Tails was pleased and honored on Wednesday, April 16, to receive, hand delivered, a $1,500 grant from the Aroostook County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. Marilyn Chase of Maine Community Foundation (Maine CF) traveled to Van Buren to hand over the award to Manes and Tail Treasurer, Donald Violette. The grant will give support to the Manes and Tails at Perfect Ponies Learning Center, Van Buren, ‘Empowerment Program’ for Summer of 2009.
Contributed photo
Adam, Stephanie and Starla happily snuggle with ‘Dusty Rose’ as Manes and Tails Treasurer, Donald Violette receives a $1,500 Aroostook County Fund grant from Marilyn Chase, of the Maine Community Foundation.
Manes and Tails is a county-wide non profit which supports relationship-based horse programs all over Aroostook. The volunteer organization fund raises and accepts donations to scholarship participants in programs closest to their homes, and trainings for coaches to work with people of diverse special needs. Those interested in obtaining more information can visit www.manesandtails.org.
The ‘Empowerment Program’ is designed to strengthen Van Buren youth and families who maybe struggling in academic, social, behavioral or financial areas by building self esteem and problem solving skills. The mission is to encourage relationships with people and horses that will improve the mind, body and spirit of both. Activities with individuals, partners, families and teams will focus on success principles during Equine Assisted Learning and Horsemanship sessions.
“The Equine Assisted element magnifies the virtual benefits of all equine activities. This is a Learning Center first, the horses and ponies are the teacher’s and tools, I am only a coach,” says Nancy Dumond Violette, who facilitates several Perfect Ponies programs. “Thanks to MaineCF, these horses and ponies get to do their jobs to build a better community.”
For 25 years the MAINE Community Foundation has been partnering with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine through grants and scholarships, including helping Manes and Tails get started six years ago.
