…and acceptance in libraries.
50 People for 50 Years: Megan (Porzio) Smith, Volunteer, Camp Counselor, and barn assistant
Megan joined the Mane Stream family, a little reluctantly, in 2000 as a volunteer, when she was in high school. Her good friend was already volunteering here and convinced Megan to join her. During her time as a volunteer, Megan formed many lasting friendships and she still gets dinner with some of these friends today. Time spent at Mane Stream broadened her worldview and understanding of those who experienced the world differently from her. She knows that her volunteer time has made her a more empathetic person. It also carried through to her professional career and is currently the inspiration for her graduate dissertation on diversity, inclusion, and acceptance in libraries. Megan works to make her library welcome to all people.
Megan remembers Mane Stream as a welcoming place. She recalls meeting Melanie Dominko-Richards, who “was so motivated with such a wide variety of knowledge. At such a young age she was a voice of experience and proof that age wasn’t what mattered and people took many paths to arrive at Mane Stream.” Megan’s impression of the organization hasn’t changed much, but she states, “It has been great to see the organization grow!” Adding the therapy clinic is a great example of how the organization evolves to meet the needs of our participants. At its core, Mane Stream continues to serve a population that is underserved. It's why the organization has endured and succeeded for 50 years!
Megan fondly remembers our horses from her seven years here. Sparkler, Woody, Gracie, Annie, Axel, Daisy, and Jigsaw were some of her favorites. She enjoyed Sparkler the most since they both had a mischievous streak. Nothing seemed to slow him down (not even his blind eye!) As for people, she remembers volunteers Mel, Emiley, Carrie, Carolyn, Robyn, Rich S. Scott K., and an adaptive rider named Kirk.
Megan volunteered with Camp Cold Brook [Mane Stream Summer Camp] for many years and was a barn assistant too. Her favorite camp activity was painting the camp banner with the campers and being able to have them see something tangible that they contributed to. She also enjoyed “chalking” the horses (decorating the horses with sidewalk chalk). The most challenging part of her time at Mane Stream was waking up early to do the barn or do events! “I am a night owl! However, nothing was better than being at the barn alone on the weekends. There was something very calming about mucking stalls and being with the horses when no one else was here.”
Megan’s favorite memory of her time at Mane Stream was the time that she spent with campers. Our summer camp is inclusive and she liked that it fostered an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, could learn from one another. Megan said, “There are not a lot of opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in what some would consider “normal” activities. At Mane Stream, participants can engage in the same activities as their peers.” You cannot measure the qualitative or quantitative impact that the programs have, Megan feels that it is a ripple effect. Megan stated that even though she hasn’t visited the farm in years, the impact of her time here continues to be part of her life today. She continues to feel connected to Mane Stream’s programs after all these years and loves to promote our programs to those who could benefit…just like she did all those years ago!
Thank you Megan for continuing to be a champion of Mane Stream’s program!
