John Grant, Rotary Club president, opened the meeting by updating members and then turned the podium over to the Rotary Club Secretary to introduce this week's guest speaker. Rotarian, Jackie Crum introduced our guest speaker, Mrs. Jessica Moore the Executive Director of McKenna Farms.
Mrs. Moore has been a frequent guest of the Rotary Club and knows many of the club members as they actively participate in helping with basic needs at McKenna Farms. She gave everyone an update and progress report. McKenna Farms has been providing therapy since 2001. Over 500 children receive therapy here on a weekly basis. They currently have 25 therapists on staff and a total of 45 employees. Recently CW Matthews helped out by paving some areas at the farm. This has been extremely helpful. May 5th will be Derby Day, an annual fundraiser that includes games, prizes, and a barbecue dinner. Still expanding their therapy services Mrs. Moore give an update on the pool for the aquatic therapy. And also thanked some Rotary club volunteers who offer their services and handling some ongoing maintenance issues.
Therapy with horses has been extremely successful in providing both physical therapy as well as emotional and occupational therapy. This helps to stimulate the muscles in the core of the body in a way that simulates the natural walking gait. Therapeutic Riding is also beneficial to many disabilities; cognitive, physical, sensory, or just self-esteem. The children who receive therapy are greatly benefited.
McKenna Farms does accept Medicaid which is one reason that they are in such high demand as many places do not. The Paulding Rotary Club was happy to present Ms. Moore with a $1000 donation to McKenna Farms. For more information please visit their website, www.mckennafarms.org or to find out more about how you can contribute to the wonderful work that is being accomplished.