My only regret is that I didn't start volunteering sooner!

Volunteer spotlight in his own words: Dana Rounsaville

Written by: Dana Rounsaville

I first became aware of Mane Stream when Karen (Board President) and Steve Kaufhold invited my wife and I to attend an Equus event approximately 12 years ago. When I saw the videos played at the event and the passion of the Mane Stream staff I decided then that it would be something I would like to be involved with. I realized that attending Equus and making a donation was not sufficient. I could do more.

Once I retired in 2022 the first thing I did was register for a Mane Stream orientation. I was looking to fill my free time; what I got in return was much more.  After almost 100 hours working with the clients and seeing the smiles on their faces, I find it so rewarding.  It really helps put things in perspective. I've been lucky to have so much in my life. When I see these young clients and parents and how they handle the hand that they've been dealt, it makes me appreciate even more how lucky I have been.  

I can't say that one particular event has been more rewarding than another.  What is probably most rewarding is when a session ends and the client thanks you for helping.  I always tell them, "No, thank you for letting me assist.".

One of the other things I quickly noticed is the passion and friendliness of the staff and volunteers at Mane Stream.  Many travel a distance after work to fulfill their volunteer time slots but always have a smile on their face.  I've made a lot of new friends during my time here.

Working with the kids from the Pillar School is particularly rewarding. You can see how intimidated they are when they first arrive.  Gradually smiles come to their faces and before they leave they are hugging the horses.

I plan to continue volunteering and working with the clients for years to come. Seeing their smiles every day and having them thank me is so rewarding.  When my session ends, I immediately begin looking forward to my next session. My only regret is that I didn't start volunteering sooner.

In closing, I would strongly encourage others who can spare the time, to volunteer as well.  You get back 100 times more than you give!

Thank you for years of support and for joining the volunteering team as soon as you were able!

________________

Consider Joining the Volunteer Team!
https://www.manestreamnj.org/volunteeropportunities

Occupational Therapy Month

Putting the FUN in FUNctional!

Let's celebrate our two Occupational Therapists... Emily Istvan, MS, OTR/L and Emily Bucher OTR/L and all the goals their clients accomplish. These creative OTs put the FUN in FUNctional and they use our horses and the whole farm environment. OTs are part of a vitally important profession that helps people participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

Share the news that Mane Stream is the place to receive OT services that get results!

Searching for a Physical Therapist

Share the news!

We get lots of calls from parents looking for PT services, and we are hoping to find a Physical Therapist looking to treat in a unique environment. Sessions are held during the weekday afternoons. Candidates must hold current appropriate licensure issued by the State of New Jersey, have a minimum 1-year pediatric experience in direct treatment, current certification in First Aid and CPR, and a knowledge of and comfort in working with horses.

Learn more about joining the team!

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month

"Daily life is tremendously challenging both emotionally
and physically."

That's why Mane Stream expanded the FREE Horses for Healing program to people living with Parkinson's Disease. Six weeks of Horses for Healing can help participants get in the right mindset to "positively impact your daily life". Last summer, Wendy participated in the inaugural session and loved it so much that she's continued riding in the H4H 2.0 program!

"I cannot thank you enough! Managing Parkinson's on a daily basis is tremendously challenging both emotionally and physically. When we are diagnosed, we are told to 'live life' as fully as possible for as long as we are able. Your program is the kind of gem that I have been seeking. The respectfully supportive environment created by Kelly and the volunteers was perfectly challenging, uplifting, and immensely joyful! I am very excited to continue riding in the fall. It's truly the highlight of my year! I am so very grateful."

Do you know someone who could benefit from time spent at Mane Stream?
Share the news about Horses for Healing: Parkinson's. Next session begins later this spring.

50/50 Raffle Tickets are Here!

You have to be in it to win it!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to win some serious cash for all the extras in your life! Previous winners have walked home with $1,300 - $2,000 in cold hard cash. What would you do with all that? Possibly TRAVEL or maybe a SHOPPING SPREE for you or your horse?

1 for $5 — 5 for $10 — 15 for $20

Stop in the office to get your Mane Stream 50/50 tickets OR call 908.439.9636.

Winning ticket drawn May 4th at Party in the Paddock.

Sponsor a "Jockey"

Grab a SPONSORSHIP for one of our Mane Stream Derby "Jockeys": Emily, Elke, Alex, and Kelly!

Last year's race at Party in the Paddock was pretty EPIC so you won't want to miss your chance to sponsor one of these spritely women. As a sponsor, you'll get your name/business seen as each staff member will sport a customized outfit with your colors/logo as they compete in the Mane Stream Derby.

Can't make the event on Saturday, May 4th? Don't worry we're going to GO LIVE for this one-of-a-kind race.

Click on the link and then press the VIEW ITEMS button. https://partypaddock24.givesmart.com

Check out last year’s race! Click Here

Instructions for Marching in the Parade

This is a rain or shine event! NO RAIN DATE!

Show your Mane Stream spirit and come proudly march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Clinton, NJ Sunday, March 10th.

Clinton is a quaint town with lots of small shops and several yummy restaurants. We will bring the truck for brand recognition and also for those who need a ride. There are 2 more spaces still available.

PARADE DETAILS:
Arrive by 2:00pm (must find parking before that) Parade starts at 3pm and includes an approximately 1 mile (short uphill portion)

PARKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Exit Route 31 onto Halsted St. and access the Watershed parking area on the right at the north end of Halstead. This is North of the North County Branch Library.  OR park in one of the town lots and then walk up to the Library.

Therapy Clinic Refresh

Refreshed Clinic Ready for Clients!

We're thrilled to announce that our therapy clinic has undergone a refresh, with new flooring, artwork, equipment, and wall pads. We owe a huge thanks to donors to Mane Stream's Best Foot Forward Fund and the E. J. Grassmann Trust for making this all possible.

As we start the year 2024, we are eager to welcome new clients to our updated space so please share the news. Currently, we have openings for OT, SLP, and counseling services. Start the process now or come to our Open House on March 23rd to find out how we integrate the horse’s movement (hippotherapy) into the patient’s plan of care, along with other therapy tools and/or strategies.

Come March in the Parade

We look forward to hearing from you!

Show your Mane Stream spirit and come proudly march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Clinton, NJ Sunday, March 10th at 3pm

Clinton is a quaint town with lots of small shops and several yummy restaurants. We hope to use the truck for brand recognition and also for those who need a ride. Just let us know if you need a ride.

Parade Details: Arrive by 2:15pm (must find parking before that) Parade starts at 3pm and includes an approximately 1 mile (short uphill portion)

Round Up at Walmart!

Set It and Forget It!

We are excited to announce our participation in Walmart's Spark Good Program! Every time you shop online at Walmart, you can round up your orders to the nearest dollar and that amount will be donated to Mane Stream. It's now easier than ever to support Mane Stream, your favorite local charity.

How To:

STEP 1: Login to your account & click "Account"

STEP 2: Under manage account, click "Giving & Impact"

STEP 3: Click "Select local charity" search for Mane Stream

STEP 4: Then click "Select" and then click "Round Up" https://www.walmart.com OR use your Walmart app