Quantum Leap Farm for Veterans
Contact: Edie Dopking, Ph.D. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telephone: (813) 920-9250 February 6, 2010
Email: quantumleapfarm@verizon.net
GENERAL PETRAEUS COMMENDS QUANTUM LEAP FARM FOR VETERANS PROGRAMS
Nonprofit Receives Certificate Of Appreciation For Equine Facilitated Reintegration Programs Quantum Leap Farm, Inc., Odessa, FL (www.quantumleapfarm.org) announced today they have received a Certificate of Appreciation from General Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, for their continuous work supporting veterans, soldiers, and their families. The commendation states, “On behalf of the men and women of United States Central Command, I wish to express my heartfelt
appreciation to Quantum Leap Farm for the Warriors in Transition Workshops and Wounded Warrior Programs.” The general is the commanding officer for U.S. and coalition forces operating in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Central Asia theatre of operations.
General Petraeus’ commendation goes on to say, “These equine assisted therapy programs facilitate successful returns, reunions, and reintegration for service personnel and their families and therefore, are very much appreciated.” The programs offered at Quantum Leap include Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and therapeutic riding programs. The organization also holds
monthly Family Fun and Reintegration Days, bi-weekly Couples Nights, and individual sessions through the At E.A.S.E. (Equine Assisted Self-Exploration) program developed by Carla Staats, MA, LCDC, CAP of Staats Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC. All are provided at no charge for veterans, family members, and caregivers through a BRAIVE Fund grant provided by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice, FL.
The commendation adds, “Programs and events such as this do much to build strong, resilient families and are much appreciated.” The Warriors in Transition Workshop is a two day program integrating emotional fitness skills, non-verbal communication, and ground exercises with horses. It was co-created by Linda Kohanov, The Epona Center (Vail, AZ) and Terry Murray, Performance Transformation, LLC (Venice, FL), who also co-facilitates the program with the Quantum Leap Farm staff. “The generosity of the BRAIVE Fund and the Community Foundation have enabled us to build a
strong portfolio of services in support of these remarkable Americans,” said Edie Dopking, the founder and Director of Quantum Leap. “Like all grants, however, they do run out. We are currently appealing to the community for additional support so we can continue to provide these free-of-charge services to these heroes that continue to sacrifice so much in order to maintain our way of life. As a nonprofit organization, any help is always appreciated.”
Quantum Leap Farm exists to enrich and enhance the lives of active and veteran military service members and their families, and civilian adults with mental and physical disabilities. Quantum Leap is a “grass roots” nonprofit founded in 2000. To make a donation or find out more information as to how you may help, please visit www.quantumleapfarm.org.