my response is not current. they may have improved dramatically.
we did due diligence looking for a place to send our special needs son. we spent lots of time w. the director, some time observing, & a significant amount of money for the session.
staff was under/untrained. our son did not finish his session, they were miserable w. him, we were w. them.
this was 8 years ago.
recently, one of the group homes that attends our program (well trained horses), was able to get a social worker to pay for a session for the girls love of horses (prior to discovering us--we also offer free services to group homes.
mc donald ranch was not very horse focused.
another person who attended our camps last year was also not pleased w. the horse program.
my only lst hand information is old.
the other two stories are recent, but second hand.
the image, & sale was one of the best i have experienced.
they may have improved dramatically with special needs kids.
i haven't heard anything positive, w. the exception of the woman who volunteers for them & posts on wacco. perhaps she could shed some light on specifics, i.e. their current offerings, on hands staff training, ratios & ages, etc.
for their efforts i hope they have made major changes, and it has knowledgable staff (besides the director, who was very sharp!). Perhaps now they work successfully w. a broader population.
i never understood why they were a not. for. profit.
that would be helpful for someone to post.
they seemed to want to be everything for everybody. some "normal/easy" children seemed to have fun. the horse staff has changed since our experience. (that was the staff that was most helpful/kind w. our son.)
it was difficult finding great places for my son. he volunteers with our workers (@wth) & some of the teens from the group home. it seems to be a win/win.
this does not fit the category, but i have nothing but good things to say about Loni @ St.vincent de paul, (rhonert park). everyone there was kind, friendly & supportive. we are looking forward to having our son return there to volunteer this summer. (he was part of a vocational program that initially placed him there.) his 2nd favorite place was the food bank. very positive as well.
For what its worth, they post on craigslist for donations all the time I know nothing personal about them, there was one person who posted a response to having sent a family member there that " it was a co-ed version of lord of the fly's," who knows they might have just been prudes
but here's their post and contact, it would be good to know another persons opinion,
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Wanted: Ranch Supplies, Arts, Crafts, etc (santa rosa)
<hr> Date: 2010-05-26, 6:34AM PDT
Reply to: see below
<hr>
We are in constant need of supplies and items to keep our non profit operating and also to teach and entertain the children that attend our summer camps and workshops. Please consider donating any of your unneeded items to our organization and receive a tax deduction.
Items needed:
Livestock and equestrian equipment – This can be bridals, saddles, grooming equipment, horse blankets, shampoo’s conditioners, tail wraps, containers to store food, etc.
Domestic animal toys (dog and cat toys, dead tennis balls, etc.)
Pool/pond toys, pool floats, pool chemicals, and equipment (filters etc.), water hoses, wheelbarrows, lawn furniture, picnic and patio tables and chairs.
Art tools and supplies, lapidary supplies and equipment, leather craft supplies & tools.
Ceramic paints and glazes.
Archery Equipment.
Any of the above items would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Reply to:
[email protected]