Words of Endorsement
My name is Candie Gordon, I am 38 years old. I have been attending the Ranch for 4 years now. When I started coming here I had no knowledge of how to work because I had never been given a chance to work as I am in a wheelchair. Since I have been here, I have been involved with a lot of different things; feeding, filling water buckets (this is important because horses need a lot of fresh clean water daily), cleaning horse stalls, learning to drive the gator (I operate the steering wheel and staff control the peddles for me). I also improved my organization by keeping work spaces around the barn tidy including sweeping and sanitizing as well.
I feel happy, appreciated and like I have value now. When I first started, I had no self confidence. I still have days where I am down but once I get to the Ranch all my stress stays right at the front sign that reads "Ahhh Relax, you are here." At the ranch I have noticed over my years here that the staff and volunteers don't look at anyone for the disability, they only see our abilities.
Candie Gordon
Grand River Ranch is a very inspiring place for any person with disabilities. Since Bobbi-Jo started 3 years ago it certainly lifted her spirits, and helped with her speech and mobility. Her outlook on life itself has definitely changed! All thanks to this wonderful spot! And the animals of course.
Donna Leclair
Grand River Ranch offers alternative programming for all abilities. This Employability-based program will benefit the residence of West Prince with the chance to work at the ranch to develop life skills. Working at the ranch will improve the lives of those individuals by allowing them to become more independent.
Grand River Ranch's proposal will offer valuable work experience and improve the mental health for individuals employed at the ranch. We will work closely with Heather to provide safe and affordable transportation, thus improving their independence.
Sherry Tremblay
Transportation West
Operations Manager
A lot of people don't get a fair shake in life and I think places like the ranch really provides a sense of purpose and belonging for the participants and it is also beneficial to the staff as well.
Adam Rafferty
My name is Cindy Howard, I am the learning manager for the Human Resources Program at Holland College, West Prince Campus. It is my pleasure to write a letter of support for Grand River Ranch. The Human Services Program has a practicum component which gives students the opportunity to practice and learn skills to work in the Human Services field. The current student is enjoying the placement and he has reported that the placement is a wonderful learning opportunity. In addition, it is my understanding that in the previous 3 years, Grand River Ranch has hosted 4 other students of the Human Services Program from the Prince of Wales Campus. To my knowledge the placements were successful in that the students had an enriching and safe learning environment and they were also offered employment beyond the placement opportunity. I look forward to a continued partnership with Grand River Ranch in the future placements.
Cindy Howard
Holland College;
Human Services Program
Learning Manager
As a professional involved in community counseling for over 40 years, I am very impressed with the positive impact that Grand River Ranch has on personal development for people of all ages, i.e. confidence, trust and positive relationship building with others. These are what we often times discuss in counseling; however, when a person can experience in a positive way like the Grand River Ranch program, this is when we get positive growth and transformation. It has been an honour to come to know this program and see the amazing personal gains in all who have come.
Eileen Conway-Martin
PEI Council of People with Disabilities has had an opportunity to see firsthand the impact of Grand River Ranch and Ms. Blouin have had on our clients. We are pleased to see the progress made toward developing inclusive programming, and design including accessibility for people with mobility challenges and we are excited for their future plans. As employment specialists for individuals living with disabilities, we often see the lack of life skills become a major barrier to a person’s employment goals. These skills are paramount to the success of many of our clients. Increased programming will provide access and opportunities for people with disabilities to work, volunteer, visit and attend programming.
Miss Devon Broome
PEI Council of People with Disabilities;
Employment Services Manager
Each Summer, Lennox Island Youth participate in programming which aims to develop their life and employability skills. This Summer we were fortunate to have partnered with Grand River Ranch. The youth absolutely loved their time there and the learning which happened was mesmerizing to watch unfold. We hope to continue partnering with Grand River Ranch as it has proved to be a place where youth can attend as a group while growing at an individual pace starting wherever they are at in their lives. Non-Judgemental. All Inclusive.
Sabrina Milligan
MCPEI Employment Services;
Employment Counsellor
We are very pleased with our partnership with the Grand River Ranch over the past two years. Our members have gained employability skills, life skills and self-esteem through the programs offered at the ranch. The employability program has given our members an opportunity to gain valuable work skills in an engaging, rewarding and accepting environment. All placements have been successful and invaluable for our member's future employment and overall mental wellness. We hope to continue our partnership with the Grand River Ranch in the future to allow more members to have the same great opportunity.
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"I am thankful for a supportive, wecloming employer."
- C.G.
Torri Dexter
Canadian Mental Health Association;
At Work Project Coordinator
In reference to Grand River Ranch Equine Therapy, I have known Heather Blouin's work for 5 years. She is well-known throughout the entire Prince County region as a skilled professional horse handler, and an exemplary accredited coach in the field of social work. Evidence from linear studies gives us full assurance that horsemanship is therapeutic as a life skill through horse care and interaction whether it is with youth, youth at risk, indigenous youth, adults, challenged adults and even incarcerated folks. Her work has a reputation for consistently delivering safe, skilled and effective programs.