Address

9889 Helen Ave
Shadow Hills, CA 91040

Website

www.specialspirit.org

Description

Mission
Special Spirit, a PATH certified therapeutic riding center, is dedicated to expanding autism awareness and providing affordable equine assisted therapy through a unique program that blends able-bodied riders with special need riders. Inclusion is enabling our riders with disabilities to have recreational opportunities alongside their non-disabled peers. Our lessons build confidence, motor skills, independence and provide an atmosphere of social acceptance. Although Special Spirit focuses primarily on individuals with autism, it also offers lessons to those with a wide range of disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech impairments, etc.

Vision
Special Spirit’s immediate vision is to; a) grow our therapy riding programs to include vaulting, EAP, (EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs), and expand our able-bodied riding program; b) start an after school riding programs for at risk and abled bodied teens, c) start an after school art and garden program to help stimulate the creative mind of our children.
Special Spirit’s long term (3-5 year) vision is to transform the ranch to a life center where special needs young adults can live, learn and work in a harmonious, caring and safe environment. The ranch will be used to provide opportunities for learning and recreation, and also provide on-site jobs tailored to the capabilities and interest of the individual residents, i.e. ranch work, ( prepare horses for the riding program), gardening, pottery, computers etc. In short the ranch help meet the needs of its residents and help them reach their full potential.

Category

Animals, Arts & Culture, Children & Youth, Community, Volunteerism & Philanthropy, Education – Other, Health & Disease