About Small Miracles

Mission Statement
Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation founded through love to enhance the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities.

Our History
In July, 1995, Mary Smith, RN, with the support of her family, started a pilot program with seven students to assess the need for this type of service in our area. After six months, the response from the community was overwhelming and there was a waiting list of over 35 students. Mary officially opened the doors of Small Miracles in January of 1996 in Church Hill, Tenn., and the possibilities of our future growth seemed unlimited. Today we are operating from our own facility, purchased and built in 1999, on 11 acres of quiet, country land located within the city limits of Kingsport. We currently serve approximately 75 students per week. With your support our possibilities and future growth still seem unlimited!

Benefits of Equine-Assisted Activities
(Click to visit our Programs page.)
Equine facilitated activities incorporate the experience of equine/human interaction in an environment of learning and self discovery. Through the grace of God and this unique collaboration that brings together horses, individuals with special needs, caring volunteers and professionals, the lives of everyone involved are enriched.

Physical Improvements such as increased balance, trunk control, fine and gross motor movements, coordination, flexibility and muscle strength.

Emotional Stability to improve self-image, confidence, self-esteem and independence.

Social Interaction to gain ability to work with others, increase cooperation, teamwork, and responsibility.

Cognitive Improvement such as increased attention span, motivation, vocabulary, memory and concentration.

Serving Area
The area served by Small Miracles is the upper East Tennessee region. We are located at 1026 Rock Springs Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664.

Directions to Our Facility
From I-26, take Exit 6 (Rock Springs Road / SR 347). Turn West on Highway 347 and travel approximately one mile to Rock Springs Drive. Turn right onto Rock Springs Drive. Small Miracles is approximately .3 mile on the left. (Click here for a map.)

National Affiliation
Small Miracles is a member of PATH, formerly known as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. "PATH is a membership organization that fosters safe, professional, ethical, and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, standards, and research for people with and without disabilities." PATH promotes equine facilitated therapy and activity programs in the United States and Canada. Currently, more than 650 PATH program centers serve some 30,000 individuals with disabilities. Each year, dozens of new centers initiate new programs and thousands of individuals profit from these beneficial activities. Since 1969, PATH has ensured that therapeutic riding is both safe for, and accessible to, those in need. Small Miracles has been a member since our inception in 1995 and follows their operating and safety standards.

Staff
Small Miracles staff consists of the Executive Director, Program Director, Program Development Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Instructors, Equine Assistant, and Facility Manager. All of our instructors have been trained and certified by PATH and have completed all of the requirements for becoming a registered therapeutic instructor. Small Miracles does not discriminate in the hiring of staff on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities.

Volunteers
Small Miracles is a volunteer based organization and relies heavily upon our volunteers for the success of our program. All beginning riders require one to three volunteers for their lessons. Volunteer training is provided on the Saturday before each session starts at our facility. Volunteers are also needed for special events and fund raising, barn work, and office work. View our Volunteer Handbook here.

Funding
All donations to Small Miracles are tax deductible due to our 501(c)(3) status and directly benefit the participants of our programs. We are primarily funded through grants and the generous donations of individuals, businesses, and organizations. Although a lesson fee is charged, it covers only a small portion of the actual lesson cost. We strive to make our services available to anyone who can benefit from equine-assisted activities. Full and partial scholarships are available as needed.