Our Advocate of the Months go above and beyond to provide inclusivity for people with disabilities. We are proud to feature Cedar Ridge Ministries as our October Advocate of the Month, who supports young men of various needs and abilities through a person-centered approach.

Cedar Ridge, a nonprofit Christian organization, supports at-risk boys through Cedar Ridge Children's Home and Cedar Ridge School. Their mission is "to reflect Christ's love as we serve others by changing lives, providing direction and offering hope," and their person-centered approach mimics Star's own mission of helping people achieve a meaningful life as they see it.

Every young man supported by Cedar Ridge faces different challenges, with some having learning disabilities, emotional needs, and behavior needs. No matter where they come from and what supports they require, Cedar Ridge's staff is committed to seeing each young man for their "whole person".

"We try to meet them where they are and then try to help them understand where they are, and we try to show them a better path forward," says Paula Shatzer, the Chief Executive Officer for Cedar Ridge Children's Home & School.

Star has had a relationship with Cedar Ridge for over 20 years through our Therapeutic Equestrian Services. Young gentlemen from Cedar Ridge take riding lessons at our Center every year, letting them form relationships with horses that benefit them both in and out of the arena. Through the teamwork of both Star's riding instructors and Cedar Ridge's counselors, the boys learn how their own emotions and reactions affect their horse, allowing them to better understand themselves in the process.

Paula notes how this connection can be profound to some of the boys, especially if they don't have connections with animals in their home lives.

"Some of them aren't around any type of animal often, let alone a horse. When interacting with a horse, they can realize that connectivity and how that can help anybody," says Paula.

Thank you Cedar Ridge Ministries for being an amazing advocate by meeting people where they are and supporting their unique needs!

 

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