Making Great Progress For the Kids
PhD Students Make the Difference
Huntington University Arizona brought their Doctorate of Occupational Therapy students to the ranch under the direction of Cambria Hunter. They shared new ideas on how to exercise the kids’ vestibular and proprioceptive systems with our trampoline. They demonstrated innovative therapy methods such as using behavioral recognition cards combined with engaging physical activities like sliding. The kids developed their balance by stepping on colored dots as they walked up therapy steps. There was even dough for sensory processing. All of their methods were tied together with onsite educational workshops.
Melinna's Quincineria!
After a year with Sue and Johnny at His Wings Ranch Melinna is now thriving. As she turned 15 she just celebrated her Quinceanera! Everyone got dressed up for the event including Melinna with her two outfits. Last spring Sue and Johnny offered to care for Melinna at their home after she spent years struggling in intensive care.
It was a very special day with so many people contributing to pull the event together. Brenda cooked spaghetti and made a salad, Emilia got the dress, Daniela prepared her horse and the event was held in the youth room on site. Even her brother Jaciel put on his fancy red shirt to guide her horse.
Loma Linda Returns
Like a whirlwind 25 student nurses came down May 31 for a day of speech, OT and PT. Loma Linda has generously volunteered to come down twice in the past few months. Truly a blessing!
These two Loma Linda students aren’t giants. They are standing next to 2 month old Brooklyn who looks like a mini version of a full grown horse. This second photo show some perspective.
When mom “Saphire” is working as a therapy horse her daughter “Brooklyn” dutifully follows along while Canelo, the shepherd follows her. Quite a sight.
We were doubly blessed with the presence of Tina Ubanik’s group of volunteers from Utah who cooked dinner for the Loma Linda group and tackled some projects around the ranch.
Family Assistance
Marlinda is grateful to receive a bathroom extension on her house where she and her daughter Marisol live. Marisol is 15 years old and lives with Cerebral Palsy in this house next door to His Wings Ranch. They were in desperate need of a bathroom. Chuck Wells led a group from Venture Church and Trinity Church to build a bathroom for Marlinda and Marisol.
This is just one example of the “Family Assistance”we offer at the ranch. Although quite an undertaking of it’s own it represents just one of the six paths to hope we provide at His Wings Ranch.
In just a few short days these builders made a tremendous difference in Marisol’s life.
Between the new bathroom, her fixed up wheelchair and the physical therapy and special classroom education she receives next door, she and her mom feel the love of Christ at His Wings Ranch.
Another New Home
Folks from Eliezar church came down from Georgia to build a house for Nolan who has Cerebral Palsy and receives therapy in our school. Her parents Flor and Jesus are just as excited as his siblings Dilan and Kimberly.
