NATIONAL CENTER FOR EQUINE FACILITATED THERAPY
Cause Area
- Animals
- Children & Youth
- Health & Medicine
- People with Disabilities
- Veterans & Military Families
Location
880 Runnymede RoadWoodside, CA 94062 United StatesWebsite:
http://www.nceft.org
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Organization Information
Mission Statement
For over 45 years, NCEFT has helped thousands of children, adults, military Veterans and First Responders with physical and cognitive disabilities reach beyond their boundaries. Internationally recognized as a leader in the field, we offer physical, occupational and speech therapy using equine movement, adaptive horseback riding, Veterans programs, mental health and learning programs, and special-education class and summer camp programs, along with other equine-assisted activities at our beautiful 12-acre facility in Woodside, California.
Description
NCEFT provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy that utilizes equine movement as part of the plan of treatment, adaptive riding, Veterans and First Re sponders programs, special-eduction school programs, summer camps, social skills groups and more for children and adults with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities.
Reviews
Would you recommend NATIONAL CENTER FOR EQUINE FACILITATED THERAPY?
10 reviews
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(November 8, 2022)
I have been volunteering at NCEFT for nearly 8 years and I still look forward to every session I come in for. When I drive through the gate, it's like entering a different world filled with beautiful horses and amazing people . The facilities are well kept; the administrators and therapists are so knowledgeable and approachable; the horse handlers are so skilled; and the clients and volunteers are amazing. However, the best part is seeing the accomplishments and smiles of the patients during their riding sessions and the interactions they have with their horse.
(November 6, 2022)
Just started volunteering here and its been a great experience from day one. Amazing staff that makes getting started quick and easy and a facility that is top notch in a beautiful location. The best part, of course, is getting to work with the clients and seeing their smiling faces as they receive one of a kind therapy. I look forward to coming here every week!
(November 4, 2022)
I’ve been volunteering as at NCEFT for years and I never get tired of it. It’s always a pleasure to be of service to those who need me and it’s very uplifting to see other volunteers out here trying to do good. It feels like a family to work around volunteers of all ages, from high schoolers to seniors. I get to choose when and for how long I want to work, and I can even choose to be on-call only. Plus, I get a little exercise. Working with children with disabilities and horses is such a change from my regular world that it feels like I’m the one receiving therapy!
(November 4, 2022)
Volunteering at NCEFT is a very enriching and rewarding experience. I was used and liked to be around horses (when well treated and taken care of, which is the case at NCEFT) but I had never been around disabled children before, I've learned so much from them, from their courage, their questions, their smiles, their and their parents' struggles . The staff is also amazing, very qualified, professional, inclusive and shows a lot of appreciation towards volunteers. After doing your shift you feel more connected to what it means to be a human being, it may sound a bit emphatic but it's true, because so many emotions are triggered when helping at NCEFT, it helps you growing as a more compassionate person.
(November 4, 2022)
I love volunteering here. The people are great, the work is fun, and it's very rewarding to watch these clients gain abilities on the horses! I am so glad I found this place!
(November 3, 2022)
Best volunteering experience I've ever had. Stumbled upon it as a graduate student- still scsaed of horses at the time. Absolutely fell in love with the horses, the trainers, the therapists, the staff, the volunteers, and most of all the ridiculously amazing clients. I mean little kids that otherwise struggle to walk but that can ride a horse backwards on hands and knees??!!! It's great to build relstionships as a sidewalker over time with the same clients, and it's also nice to have a predictable and consistent block of time and activity. I never leave unfulfilled :)
It's an amazing experience that I loved so much I worked for 7 years to get to 4 days per week so I could go back to volunteering there on Fridays! Highly recommend.
(November 3, 2022)
Side walking is not a complicated activity but it is very rewarding to be outside, be around horses, and especially to see NCEFT clients grow in confidence over time. NCEFT makes a real effort to support volunteers with education and training, as well as everything from keeping us hydrated to hosting volunteer appreciation events. I've met volunteers who have been here for many years -- that's a true sign that something is working. It's always a pleasure!
(November 3, 2022)
I love volunteering at NCEFT!! Their volunteer coordinator is amazing and the training they provide is very thorough. Everyone on staff is so welcoming and kind. The clients are so fun to work with and I really enjoy being around the horses.
(November 3, 2022)
If you want to spend some time volunteering and feel good at the end of the day, this is the place for you! It is such a joy to be part of the amazing team that provides equine facilitated therapy to clients. The program provides a wide range of options for volunteers to assist clients that include children, teens, adults, those with physical challenges and those with cognitive challenges. There is always an upbeat, positive feeling at NCEFT. I appreciate being able to support such a talented group of people and horses!
(Administrator for this Organization)
(September 24, 2021)
Came for the horses, stayed for the clients! A very rewarding experience to work directly with the clients and all of the staff here. The work they do is incredible, and I'm so happy to be part of it.