December, 2015

Dear Friends,

What makes a difference? 

Each night many of us take a few minutes to catch up on what has happened in the world during the day.  We read a paper, look online or watch what’s happening on television and too many times what we see are negative images.  You may ask yourself why does it have to be that way and then like so many others we move on, leaving change to someone else.

At NCEFT we dedicate ourselves to making a difference and that includes changing the way we approach challenges.  The concept of Hippotherapy and equine assisted therapy involves addressing challenges in a different way.  We can’t simply identify a need; we must work hard to do something about it.

In the last 12 months we have found opportunities to do more therapy sessions than ever before and we did that with a number of changes on our staff.  We developed and implemented a unique approach to Summer Camp by having several NCEFT patients and their siblings experience camp together, and we developed and delivered a much needed Social Skills program that has made a difference.  All of that required us to implement change.

As I reflected back on 2015 I saw NCEFT embracing change in the way we deliver our services as well as changes in the services we provided.  I saw us embracing new staff members and dedicated volunteers.  One of the most significant changes was we connected with more new first time donors than ever before.

In 2016 I hope you all have the opportunity to embrace positive changes in your personal and professional lives, and as we enter a new year you will rely on NCEFT to embrace changes that will make a difference.  Each of us can make a difference in our own special way so I’m hoping you find that special something that you can do for others.

From all of us at NCEFT to all of you, your family and friends, Happy Holidays,

Gari Merendino
Executive Director, NCEFT