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Subject: Horses for the Spirit
Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2010 14:43:32 -0700
From: CImasaki@washoecounty.us

Dear Robbie,

I would like to provide you with some feedback that I received from some of the foster parents and foster children who participated in your last session.  Bringing everyone to the Reno Rodeo Foundation's NV of the West was a perfect way to celebrate their graduation from your program. 

One of the boys who participated in your program did so quite apprehensively because he was not comfortable around horses.  He only agreed to go on the condition that his foster mother bringing adequate snacks, so he could watch his sister participate.  His foster mom said that within a very short time, he wanted to be a part of the group.  When I saw him at the graduation event, I saw a more confident young man who appeared to have developed a real bond with his horse friend.  He appeared comfortable in his role as a leader to his horse, as he worked with it.

Another foster parent said that she saw her foster son, who she now plans to adopt, develop more confidence self-confidence and improve his leadership skills.  I've known her foster son for many years.  He has grown in so many ways, from a quiet and meek young boy to a teenager who is so much more comfortable in social settings and with himself.  On graduation day, there was a sparkle in his eyes, as he worked with his horse.  He had formed a relationship with his horse, who received many hugs that day.  His foster mother, who now has two more children in her care, asked about the possibility of the other two children being a part of the Horses for the Spirit program because of the personal growth she saw in her foster son.

I had the opportunity to speak with one of the foster parents who participated in this last session with his foster daughter.  He felt that going through your program together with her, helped them to develop a closer relationship and open up communication between them.  He even told me that he wished that his wife had been a part or the program for the same reason.  I do hope that you might be able to do something similar in the future, subject to space availability.

On behalf of Washoe County Department of Social Services and the children in our care and custody, I want to thank you for giving our children the opportunity to further their development and life skills through your program.  Through its name, Horses for the Spirit so aptly reflects the purpose and goals of the program.  Again, thank you for giving so many children an opportunity of a life time.       

Colette Imasaki

Social Worker

Washoe County Dept. of Social Services

PO Box 11130

Reno, NV  89520-0027

(775) 337-4500  Phone

(775) 337-4495  FAX

cimasaki@washoecounty.us