Such an AMAZING organization! Ginny and her volunteers are so good at connecting with the clients they serve by believing in their abilities and by expecting them to grow through the therapy process. Ginny has great intuition and has created a sensory trail and a range of activities that everyone needs to see! As a teacher of people with developmental disabilities, I am continually amazed at what Mello Memories has to offer. My time spent with my client at Mello Memories is by far the best part of my week. To see her confidence level grow from session to session is very exciting. Who wouldn't love to see kids with differing abilities grow emotionally, socially, and verbally through the process of loving on some miniature horses???? Great job, Ms Ginny!
Stacy Christopher
3/3/2017
Mello Memories Inc. a non-profit
Non-Profit Organization
Stacy Christopher
3/3/2017
Mello Memories Inc. a non-profit
Non-Profit Organization
June 23, 2016
Today I saw Maddie do more things here then I have before. Today Maddie was very independent. We took Izzy, miniature horse, for a walk along the road and Maddie did very well despite the noise of the cars passing by. I saw her confidence grow as she led the horse.
She was very determined to lock the gate on her own and she didn't give up until she got it.
She also walked over a 2 foot high horse jump all on her own. She had a smile on her face the whole time. It was a pleasure watching her accomplish things she hasn't before.
Katelyn shed CNA
Today I saw Maddie do more things here then I have before. Today Maddie was very independent. We took Izzy, miniature horse, for a walk along the road and Maddie did very well despite the noise of the cars passing by. I saw her confidence grow as she led the horse.
She was very determined to lock the gate on her own and she didn't give up until she got it.
She also walked over a 2 foot high horse jump all on her own. She had a smile on her face the whole time. It was a pleasure watching her accomplish things she hasn't before.
Katelyn shed CNA
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My 16 year old daughter, Hannah, has been helping at Mello Memories for about 1 year. She has always had difficulties relating to people, including remembering names and details or speaking to unfamiliar people. Since spending time at the ranch, Hannah, has taken an interest in the horses there--remembering their names, markings, and personalities. This has translated into taking more interest in people and her relational skills have increased.
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Also Hannah has never really taken an interest in much and has not been a proficient leader. Since being at Mello Memories her reading level has increased three grade levels! all because she is so interested in learning more about horses and spends her free time reading books and websites.
Katie, mom |
February 2016
To whom it may concern:
I am writing this letter regarding the positive outcomes, progress, and benefits I have seen from bringing my occupational therapy clients to Mello Memories Miniature Horse Ranch.
Amy has demonstrated good progress at the mini horse ranch. Amy has cerebral palsy affecting her ability to use her whole body. She is non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and has poor control of her upper extremities. Amy has progressed at a considerably increased pace at the mini horses with visibly improved motivation and effort with therapeutic activities. Amy underwent major surgery on her back in December of 2014 resulting in a loss of strength, endurance, and coordination. Amy was progressing very slowly building these areas back up. Once Amy was able to return to the mini horses, she began to improve rapidly with her endurance, upper extremity strength, and coordination of reach, grasp, and release to participate in brushing, walking, and dressing up the horses. The motivation for working with mini horses has helped Amy recover her abilities post major surgery and is continuing to help her develop her skills. Amy is now able to grasp a hairbrush independently for up to 2 minutes. She will reach and grasp a variety of objects with minimal assistance and is beginning to reach up to pet or brush a horse. Amy demonstrates improved engagement and effort with therapeutic activities at the ranch and will continue benefiting from the mini horses in the future.
Krysta has also benefited greatly from the mini horse ranch. Krysta spent 2015 fighting numerous medical challenges and much time in the hospital. She showed reduced strength and endurance as a result, as well as difficulty engaging and participating in therapeutic activities. Physically Krysta demonstrated reduced ability to participate in therapy. However, she still very much wanted to have fun, play, and interact with people. She showed this at the mini horse ranch with an increased level of alertness, smiles, tracking with her eyes to find and follow the horses, and increased choice making. She was unable to physically interact with the horses without maximal assistance, but showed such happiness to be there, the therapeutic impact of this was incredibly valuable. Sadly Krysta passed away recently, I am very happy that she had the opportunity to experience the joy and comfort that these animals can bring.
Sincerely,
Katie Hastings, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado
To whom it may concern:
I am writing this letter regarding the positive outcomes, progress, and benefits I have seen from bringing my occupational therapy clients to Mello Memories Miniature Horse Ranch.
Amy has demonstrated good progress at the mini horse ranch. Amy has cerebral palsy affecting her ability to use her whole body. She is non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and has poor control of her upper extremities. Amy has progressed at a considerably increased pace at the mini horses with visibly improved motivation and effort with therapeutic activities. Amy underwent major surgery on her back in December of 2014 resulting in a loss of strength, endurance, and coordination. Amy was progressing very slowly building these areas back up. Once Amy was able to return to the mini horses, she began to improve rapidly with her endurance, upper extremity strength, and coordination of reach, grasp, and release to participate in brushing, walking, and dressing up the horses. The motivation for working with mini horses has helped Amy recover her abilities post major surgery and is continuing to help her develop her skills. Amy is now able to grasp a hairbrush independently for up to 2 minutes. She will reach and grasp a variety of objects with minimal assistance and is beginning to reach up to pet or brush a horse. Amy demonstrates improved engagement and effort with therapeutic activities at the ranch and will continue benefiting from the mini horses in the future.
Krysta has also benefited greatly from the mini horse ranch. Krysta spent 2015 fighting numerous medical challenges and much time in the hospital. She showed reduced strength and endurance as a result, as well as difficulty engaging and participating in therapeutic activities. Physically Krysta demonstrated reduced ability to participate in therapy. However, she still very much wanted to have fun, play, and interact with people. She showed this at the mini horse ranch with an increased level of alertness, smiles, tracking with her eyes to find and follow the horses, and increased choice making. She was unable to physically interact with the horses without maximal assistance, but showed such happiness to be there, the therapeutic impact of this was incredibly valuable. Sadly Krysta passed away recently, I am very happy that she had the opportunity to experience the joy and comfort that these animals can bring.
Sincerely,
Katie Hastings, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado
Director Ginny Mills Accepts Award from Rocky Mountain P.B.S. Feb. 10, 2013
Click here for article Ginny (L) receiving award from R.M.P.B.S's representative Amanda
Click here for article Ginny (L) receiving award from R.M.P.B.S's representative Amanda
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Hi Ginny,
I thank God for you and Mello Memories. What a blessing to be involved with such a positive, loving, others-oriented ministry. Praying for blessings and guidance as you live out God's calling to show all people they are loved and valuable. Love you lots, lady! Pam 01/14/2016 Vocal Music Director at Falcon 49 "Ginny is one OUTSTANDING Woman! The gift and ministry of caring she brings to the community cannot be commended high enough! Ginny has brought such joy and happiness to the handicapped children at Skyview Middle School for three years now and each year the surprise and wonder touches them afresh each time! Thank you Ginny for your love and joy to the lives of so many people!" Harriet Jarmon Jul 7, 2015 |
Stacie Wyatt reviewed Mello Memories Inc. a non-profit — 5 star 3/14/2015 Ginny and her special horses have made such a difference in my daughter Lindsey's life. She loves to volunteer at MM. In return for her hard work, she gets unconditional love from the horses and high work expectations from Ginny. Lindsey is learning the value of independent work and how giving back can be an excellent way to be of service. Ginny has a huge heart for what she does and it shows in every interaction she has. Love this place |
Testimonial for Mello Memories
2/2/15
Recently we had Mello Memories come to Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center. We have quite a large facility and Mello Memories helped us to reach out to all of our residents, even with residents living on three different floors. Our residents were ecstatic when they saw the miniature horses. The residents were able to have one on one visits with the mini horses, as well as interact with them in a large group setting. We had some residents play kick ball with the mini horses and do some racing with them. The residents were so happy, as the smiles on their faces lit up the room. We were able to connect with
residents that normally don’t do much, and several of them stated it made their day. Even our staff members were excited for the mini horses and helped the volunteers from Mello Memories with some activities. I have already been asked when the mini horses are coming back. Having Mello Memories come to our facility was an awesome experience and we will definitely be having them come back!
Kelsey Persons
Life Enhancement Director
Mount St. Francis Nursing Center
2/2/15
Recently we had Mello Memories come to Mount Saint Francis Nursing Center. We have quite a large facility and Mello Memories helped us to reach out to all of our residents, even with residents living on three different floors. Our residents were ecstatic when they saw the miniature horses. The residents were able to have one on one visits with the mini horses, as well as interact with them in a large group setting. We had some residents play kick ball with the mini horses and do some racing with them. The residents were so happy, as the smiles on their faces lit up the room. We were able to connect with
residents that normally don’t do much, and several of them stated it made their day. Even our staff members were excited for the mini horses and helped the volunteers from Mello Memories with some activities. I have already been asked when the mini horses are coming back. Having Mello Memories come to our facility was an awesome experience and we will definitely be having them come back!
Kelsey Persons
Life Enhancement Director
Mount St. Francis Nursing Center
Endorsement Letter-
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Testimonial-Cheyenne Place Retirement Community, Colorado Springs, CO January 8, 2013
Jodi Dunn, Activities Director
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Testimonial-Lincoln Meadows Senior Living, Parker, CO October 21, 2013
Carrie Schneider, Assistant Activities Director
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