Gratitude for our Supporters

A Note from our Founder

I am sitting with my morning coffee after doing a final review of the Mane Joy website but cannot drink it because I have a huge lump in my throat. I am feeling emotional and full of gratitude for the support I have had in bringing a dream and a vision to fruition.

I am realizing that I have created something bigger than myself that will be a service and benefit for many people (and horses) for many years to come — and I realize, I didn’t get here alone!

At Mane Joy Connection, it is our mission to further empower individuals within underserved communities through safe and positive equine-assisted activities to experience the healing effects of horses by enhancing education, community connection, personal growth and well-being.

I have beautiful supporters and cheerleaders comprised of dear family members and friends that have made this dream a reality. It all began in the comfort of a lovely cottage in the Black Forest. I am grateful for the healing and judgement free space created by Ron and Judy of Easy Manor which fueled vision to come to Light.

There were dark times too when I didn’t think this day would ever come. I couldn’t have accomplished anything without the encouragement and support I have received throughout this process. My husband and daughter were by my side on this roller coaster ride. I am forever grateful and eager to give back to my supporters and my community.

I was intentional about who I reached out to for support in the development of Mane Joy Connection. I chose people that I trusted and had earned my respect based on how they conduct themselves personally and professionally. Most importantly, how they make me feel when I am around them.

I have built my Board of Directors with people that have been a stronghold for support in my life. It is a dynamic and diverse board consisting of community leaders that I admire for their passion, skills and integrity that will serve Mane Joy Connection well with transparency and accountability.

Natasha of Pulse Perfect Consulting, was another person that exemplified the excellence I wanted present in Many Joy Connection. I met her through a former employer, Mi Casa Resource Center, when I graduated from her social media marketing class.

I was impressed by Natasha’s professionalism, class organization, and overall charisma. I was blown away by her social media expertise and mind for strategic planning. I knew that if I ever had the opportunity to develop any project of substance, I wanted Natasha by my side!

Natasha is a brilliant mastermind of business advancement with immense skills in logo and website development. She has guided the creative process and navigated me through the growing pains of establishing Mane Joy Connection.

She listened to my vision, was encouraging, and provided clear steps with accountability for progress. Her talent and expertise have achieved the excellence and visual impact I desired and that would be needed to properly present Mane Joy Connection to the world.

Natasha and her team customized my logo from a portrait of my horse Bourbon and created my website to tell the story of Mane Joy Connection while reflecting the beauty and welcoming that is inherent to our organization.

Once again, a heart-felt “Thank You!” to my husband, daughter, family, friends and colleagues that have made Mane Joy Connection a reality! Together, we have created the foundation for a strong legacy, a fabulous opportunity and an organization that will be enjoyed by many.

“Come on Babe, let’s go ride!”

Respectfully,

Carla J. Kaplan-Gomez, Founder and Executive Director