Shangri-La in the Shadow of Stone Mountain
by Sherri Caldwell - The Rebel Housewife®Shangri-la [shang-gruh-lah, shang-gruh-lah].
Noun: a faraway haven or hideaway of idyllic beauty and tranquility.
Caroline Jaffee is remarkable. Just as extraordinary are her friends and co-workers: Phoebe, Ethan, Dan, Jude, Buzz, Joker, and Zeus; and Rocket, the farm cat. The others, except for Caroline and Rocket, are rescued horses, who all live on Caroline's ranch, Circle C2It, in Snellville.
Located 16 miles from Decatur Square, on the far side of Stone Mountain, Circle C2It is a haven... a Shangri-la, where kids and animals co-exist, and help each other to heal, to center and balance, to find themselves, and to discover sources of personal strength and confidence they didn't have, before they came through the yellow gate, down the dusty driveway, past the farmhouse/office, to meet Rocket the cat, stretched out in front of the barn door, lounging in the sun. A not-so-faraway haven, a sanctuary at which to be welcomed, celebrated and accepted by Caroline and her crew.
Find out what's happening in Midtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The horses are truly extraordinary: from Phoebe & Ethan, the leaders of The Herd; to Dan, the gentle giant, recovering from a career-ending jumping accident; Jude, the beautiful blonde, who loves to play hide & seek, and thinks he is "hiding" behind a skinny tree; Joker, the former rodeo pony and living canvas for Art Barn; Buzz, the youngster; and Zeus, the largest horse on the farm-- in his mind, although in reality, he is an American Mini. All seven of the horses come from different backgrounds and experiences. All are specially trained to work with children and adults who desperately need and appreciate their gentle, sensitive friendship.
Having visited several times, I am convinced you can find whatever you might be searching for at Circle C2It:
Find out what's happening in Midtownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
-- A peaceful refuge from the busy-ness of the city.
-- An amazing volunteer opportunity.
-- Equine therapy programs
-- Therapeutic riding
-- Mental health & adjunct services
-- Summer camp!
-- Community garden
-- Music & Art Barn
Caroline Jaffee is the Co-founder/Director and Equine Specialist at Circle C2It. Her vision and drive are the foundation and heart of the ranch. In addition to the horses, she is assisted by an amazing team of humans, including Darnyl Katzinger, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and families. The equine-assisted programs and instructors are PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horseback Riding) and EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified.
Circle C2It offers diverse and customized programs to individuals of all ages and all levels of ability and differences, including challenges with Autism/ASD, emotional & behavioral problems, veterans, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, victims of bullying, and LGBT teens, anyone searching for understanding and acceptance. Most of all, visitors find involvement, belonging and support.
Caroline describes working with her rescue horses and kids as “standing in the presence of a miracle.”
Although Caroline and the Directors of Circle C2It and the supporting foundation (Endless Ribbon) have cobbled together a remarkable level of support and coordination with various agencies and programs, there is always a continuing need for more: donations, sponsorship, involvement and support. Just as Caroline can’t seem to turn anyone away; as a community, we can’t turn away from the experience of Circle C2It or from helping in any way we can.
Start with a visit-- tour the website, meet The Herd, call Caroline and schedule a time to visit. Participate in Events to fundraise and support these incredible programs. Give generously.
Upcoming Events at Circle C2It:
May 18, 2014 – Autism Speaks Walk. Join Team Zeus and DONATE or walk to help raise money and awareness to support the work of Autism Speaks.
June 8, 2014 – Benefit Concert & Barn Jam
Featuring the music of Hannah Thomas & Gibson Wilbanks.
Activities & Events for all ages!
June 16, 2014 – Summer Camp!
Camp runs weekly June 16 - August 11.
The outside is calling! Summer is the time for kids to run and play and just be kids. Get them out from behind their electronic screens!. Camp C Horse is designed to help children and teens (ages 4+) reconnect with nature and peace.
June 23, 2014 - Business/Vocational Training
More info available soon: a 32-week program for young adults (ages 22 - 33) with Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders to learn and foster executive function skills toward self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Please Give Generously to a very worthy cause.
Donate online or by mail to support programs at Circle C2It:
P.O. Box 244
Grayson, GA 30017
EIN: 27-3258106
Endless Ribbon Foundation, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to furthering equine therapy programs and circling out to other non-profit organizations to maximize social entrepreneurship, land conservation, equine sanctuary needs, and much more. Your donation may be tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor.