Giving Back - Our Future Depends On It!

I have been a part of this amazing organization for more than 10 years and am anxious to tell you a little bit about it. I am THRILLED to see the many ways in which Animal Therapy plays such an important role on this NY campus, for young students and residents alike. It includes such wonderful programs as: "ECAD" (link below & photo above) where some of the students get the opportunity to train Assistance Dogs, "Farm on the Moo-ve" where there's an opportunity to bring animals and their student care-givers to local schools, both wildlife & farm animal rescue where children can learn "if they can heal, so can I!," as well as participating and winning awards for 4H and Equine Therapy for the handicapped. The list GOES ON!

(Please note--> Because there is such a WIDE scope of campus & community outreach programs, portions of this post are excerpted from their official website. Please follow any of the links I've included to learn more - I promise that you will be amazed!)

"Green Chimneys is a nationally renowned, non-profit organization with a mission of restoring possibilities and creating futures for children with emotional, behavioral and learning challenges through educational, therapeutic and outreach services, while providing care for animals and nature, thereby promoting a philosophy of dignity and worth for all living things.

Each year, Green Chimneys' restoration system gives children and their families the tools that enable them to positively experience their youth, regain a sense of self-worth and create hope for the future as independent, positive and productive adults.

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Patterson, NY it is recognized as the worldwide leader in animal-assisted therapy and activities. Green Chimneys operates

• a residential treatment center for children,
• a farm and wildlife rehabilitation center,
• a certified organic farm and horticulture therapy,
• a therapeutic riding program,
• community based services in NY and CT including
• a runaway shelter and community outreach center,
• Clearpool Education Center,
• Nature’s Nursery and Hillside Summer Camp,
• the Good Friend youth mentoring program (learn more), <--- where it all started
• group homes,
• LGBTQ programs in New York City (learn more),
• ECAD or East Coast Assistance Dogs (learn more),
• programs and special events for the public and
• adult services programs in Connecticut.
  
  

  Green Chimneys Farm now encompasses 160 acres, almost 400 animals, and over 40 varieties of rare birds. The school has both residential programs and day treatment programs attended mostly by boys, half of them from New York City. The others come from the surrounding area including Connecticut as well as from other states. Doctors, veterinarians, and social workers from around the globe have visited Green Chimneys to learn about its amazing work!
  
  

  View a list of over 15 Upcoming Events.
  
  

  Each year, Green Chimneys serves more than 3,500 children and their families. There's a permanent link if you scroll down on my sidebar under "Please Visit," or click HERE!
  

  
  

  

  I'll be posting (soon) about my personal involvement!