Or mail checks made out to Team Velvet, Inc. to PO Box 268, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553-0268.
Special Event
Rockin' Horse Band
and the Candy Cane Singers
This year has a SPECIAL EVENT as the ROCKIN’ HORSE BAND takes the stage as a benefit to
raise money for therapy horse Precious’ medical bills resulting from her life-saving cancer surgery earlier in the year. With black-and-white paint horse Buddy on the bells, brown- and- white miniature Little Annie playing the pink piano and palomino Precious on the floor keyboard, the ROCKIN’ HORSE BAND will open the holiday season with a unique version of JINGLE BELLS, accompanied by background percussion and the CANDY CANE SINGERS of the Young Volunteers of Team Velvet Inc.
The BAND takes the stage from noon to 12:25 and the Photo Opps with Santa runs from 10am
to 3pm at Journeys End Farm, 79 Old Clinton Road, Flemington, NJ 08822. Bring your camera!
Donation to fundraising event is $15 a carload.
Team Velvet Inc. is a 501 c-3 organization. For more information go to www.teamvelvet.com or phone
609 924 4330. Come and enjoy a fun day – rain or shine!
** Please note: Insurance regulations prohibit animals on the farm and food and drink are also
not allowed on the property.
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Psychologist Dr. Susan Edwards and the helping horses of Team Velvet inc. are offering an educational series of group sessions for children ages 10 to 12 to help them grow in ways related to strengthening good mental health. Entitled “Overcoming Obstacles and Anxiety”, the program utilizes the true life
experience of one horse, an American Mustang horse named Shy Boy, whose story is told in two children’s books by well-known American horse trainer Monty Roberts. The seminars illustrate ways one horse learned to face and rise above his fear of the unknown and develop a special life purpose helping people learn new ways to appreciate horses. Topics include:
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Session One - September 28: Growing up in the Wild Understanding the Safety of a Herd and
Recognizing Danger Coping with Fear -
Session Two - October 5: Communication Between Horses How Monty Roberts Learns How Horses Communicate Coping with Anxiety
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Session Three - October 12: Courage and Change Moving from the Wild to Living with People Learning to Cope with Change
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Session Four - October 19: Recognizing It Is OK to be Happy How Shy Boy Became Famous
All sessions include learning goals and an interactive horseball activity at the end. Parents must accompany their children but sessions are focused on child learning. The program is FREE but registration is required via email to: kpiparo64@gmail.com. Email child’s name, age, and session date(s) attending. Group size is limited so register early.
SESSIONS ARE SATURDAY, 10:30AM TO NOON OR 1-2:30PM and held in Flemington, NJ at Journeys End Farm. Program Leaders are Susan Edwards, PhD, Psychologist and Volunteer Program Staff. Therapy horses are Buddy, Precious and Little Annie.
Team Velvet Inc. is a 501 c-3 organization providing non-mounted horse therapy to children who have experienced trauma/loss at no fee to families. To refer a children phone Dr. Edwards at 609 924 4330. The program is supported by grants/contributions which may be donated here on our website or via mail at Team Velvet Inc., PO Box 268, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553.
Visits with Horses Child Seminar Series:
Overcoming Obstacles and Anxiety
Help for Precious's Medical Bills
We need your help. Our wonderful mental health therapy horse Precious had a cancerous tumor removed some time ago. Unfortunately, the tumor grew back and in order to save her life, her eye needed to be fully removed.
We are an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that provides free mental health therapy for children 5-12 who have experienced trauma. All Team Velvet Inc. services are provided by licensed psychologists and the program works with a small herd of three therapy horses, volunteer handlers and peer mentors to help children transcend adversity resulting from traumatic loss, violence, witnessing death of loved ones and profound adversity.
The loss of Precious' eye was necessary in order to save this amazing horse's life, a horse who has helped so many on the road to recover. She has shown us through this difficult time, medical courage with which she faced cancer and she will continue to work with children, some of whom may have physical manifestations as well as psychological ones.
We ask for any help you can give us to reduce these massive medical bills for a horse of boundless love. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Christmas in July with
Team Velvet, Inc.
There are many sad events that can change a child's life.
Since 2009 when Team Velvet, Inc. began, our charity has helped children transcend many types of trauma and profound loss. Some include parental death, devastating illness/suicide of a loved one, physical disfigurement, witnessing/experiencing violence, and psychological bullying, among others.
The kids are 5-12 years old. Our equine mental health therapy services are FREE because of donations like yours and Christmas in July is one of our major fundraisers.
Help us Help Kids Live Happy
Saving Christmas in July
Christmas in July without Mrs. Santa? Well, almost.
Horse charity Team Velvet Inc. relies on fundraising through its annual Christmas in July online campaign in order to provide year-round therapy services to traumatized children. As a result of donations, child mental health horse therapy services for kids 5-12 may be provided without charge to families. This year, a tragic event nearly endangered the July campaign as well as the life of a beautiful palomino therapy horse named Precious.
Mrs. Santa –costumed Precious who, dressed as Santa’s wife, appears in the group’s November Fundraiser “Photo Opps with Santa and His Holiday Horses”—received severe medical news. In mid-June she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer growing from a tumor within her eye. The tumor was removed and within a week grew back. A clinical lab report revealed that unless the entire eye was removed, this rapidly spreading cancer would claim her life.
Precious experienced cancer-caused immune system weakness and subsequently underwent specialized eye surgery at B.W. Furlong & Associates in its equine surgical facility in Oldwick, NJ. After comprehensive post-op care, she was returned home to her barn in Flemington, NJ, where she was met with ‘Welcome Home, Precious’ signs from kids, a life size Blessings Tree hanging on the barn wall and get-well cards and drawings to help her feel surrounded by love and encouragement. Children made posters symbolizing her special gifts that make others happy.
Dr. Susan Edwards, Psychologist/Director, explained the total medical expense involved surgery as well as pre and post hospitalization medical care. A total amount of $9,000 was paid by the charity for care which she described as “highly specialized and extremely kind, presented by a dedicated group of equine medical professionals who saved the life of this special horse.”
“Precious is an important presence in many children’s lives,” Edwards said, “and they love her.”
“This year our Christmas in July fundraiser message is straightforward, “ Edwards continued, “We ask for any help that can be given, donations of any amount, to help us pay the life-saving medical costs for a child therapy horse with boundless love.”
SPONSORSHIP FORM
June 8, 2024
Hunterdon Foundation
P.O. Box 393
Quakertown, NJ 08868-0393
hunterdonpolo.org
email: hunterdonevents@gmail.com
Team Velvet Inc. is honored to have been selected as one of the named charities for the 2024 Hunterdon Polo Classic to be held June 8, 2024. Sponsorship forms are available at hunterdonpolo.org or from kpiparo64@gmail.com. To donate/designate patron tailgaits to Team Velvet Inc. with full payment to be received by May 25, 2024.
Visits with Horses: April 2024 Team Velvet Inc. News
by Susan Edwards PhD
Team Velvet Inc. welcomes in Spring with our annual Visits with Horses: Child Seminar Series Helping Children Grow in Emotional Intelligence and Resilience. Every year during Mental Health Awareness Month [May], statistics on child self-harm are presented by the government CDC which illustrate alarming trends. From concern over the impact of peer bullying to the witnessing of violence, figures from two years ago reflected that the 8th largest factor in pediatric death in children under l2 was self-inflicted injury. It is very disturbing to imagine pediatric suicide a significant cause of death in America.
Team Velvet Inc., an all-volunteer non-mounted horse therapy charity housed on Journeys End Farm in Flemington, has developed a seminar series teaching children ages 10-12 emotional intelligence and resiliency concepts. When faced with emotional stress, such concepts provide coping skills for kids.
Based on the classic childhood Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, children attending the seminar will have the opportunity for skill building as well as interacting with the therapy horses of Team Velvet Inc. The seminar is a series of four programs and a parent is required to accompany the child to either a morning [10-11:30am] or afternoon [1-2:30pm] session.
Topics include:
Session 1: Saturday, April 13 -- Growing in Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
Session 2: Saturday, April 20 -- Handling Worry and Stress
Session 3: Saturday, April 27 -- Coping with Fear and Anxiety
Session 4: Saturday, May 4 -- Overcoming Obstacles
The program is FREE but registration is required via email to kpiparo64@gmail.com with child’s name, age and session/date attending. Group size is limited so register early. Team Velvet Inc. provides equine-assisted mental health services for children ages 5-12 with emotional trauma and adjustment issues. For more information call Psychologist Dr. Susan Edwards [609 924 4330] to refer a child. The nonprofit is funded totally by donations and grants.Donations may be made via the website or via mail at Team Velvet Inc.,
PO 268, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553.
Community News
Team Velvet Inc. was selected as one of 87 horse-assisted charities across the United States to participate in a national media campaign to help the public recognize and understand the increasingly important role of horses in mental health programs.
Starting this month and peaking in May, which is National Mental Health Awareness Month, the Horses in Mental Health program will share articles, films, videos, and web-based material on the unique contribution of mental health therapy horses to individuals coping with depression, anxiety, grief, and traumatic loss.
Founded in 2009, Team Velvet Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit providing clinical horse therapy services to children ages 5-12 who have experienced traumatic loss and adjustment. An all-volunteer organization, the group provides therapy and mental health education for children at no cost to families. Our work will be included in this public awareness program.
We will also again be offering our Visits with Horses Seminar Series for children ages 10-12 on Strengthening Emotional Intelligence and Resiliency. These programs will be offered on four Saturday mornings 10-12am or afternoons 1-3pm during the month of May and are based on the children’s classic Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.
Team Velvet Bookshelf
Community News
Little Annie All Dressed Up
Photo courtesy Team Velvet
People will often explain how the influence of trauma has changed the trajectory of their lives. I remember on eight-year-old. He wrote a story about the September eleventh tragedy which went something like this:
“A mother has five sons. ‘I love you sons’ she said. She worked in the towers in New York. When the plane hit the towers, the love ran out of her and into the sons. Here is one of them. When he grows up, he will help in the world. He has that much love.”
Team Velvet, Inc. is currently having child volunteers craft a Kind-ness Tree in the horse barn to remind all of us many ways kids transform trauma and obstacles into kindness toward the world. Such kindness can help nature, family, animals, and other children.
The Kindness Tree will display drawings from kids 6-12 that illustrate children’s ideas. Mail drawings to Team Velvet, Inc., PO Box 268, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553 along with the first name and age of the child and parent email address. All drawings will be posted on the Kindness Tree and parents who send an email address will receive an email certificate for each young artist.
Upcoming events: In March, the announcement for the next Visits with Horses class for children ages 10-12 will be posted. The four-week program involves strengthening emotional intelligence and resiliency in kids based on the childhood classic Black Beauty. Parents must accompany the child and there is no fee for the program which is held at our therapy horse farm in Flemington. Details follow in March.
Team Velvet, Inc. is a 501c-3 organization that provides nonmounted equine mental health counseling for children ages 6-12 who experienced trauma. For more information call Psychologist/Director Dr. Susan Edwards at 609 924 4330 to refer a child. Donations can be made at the website or via mail at Team Velvet, Inc., PO Box 268, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553.
Community News
Photo courtesy Team Velvet
Group photo of program volunteers including therapy horses Buddy (left), Precious (center), and Little Annie (far right). Board members front, far right Dr. Susan Edwards and Dr. Kathy Piparo Team Velvet Inc. Board of Directors Secretary Dr. Kathy Piparo and President Dr. Susan Edwards recently honored program volunteers at Team Velvet’s therapy facility Journeys End Farm in Flemington, NJ.
“Without volunteers like you,” Dr. Piparo explained, “we could not provide our horse therapy program for child trauma. Your selfless acts of kindness are the backbone of running a successful all-volunteer organization.”
Team Velvet volunteers work inside the barn, help with facility and pasture maintenance, and decorate the farm with seasonal displays. They also staff fundraisers like the recent “Photo Opps with Santa and His Holiday Horses” and ongoing programs. Some groom the therapy horses and serve as horse handlers in the “Visits with Horses” program designed to strengthen emotional intelligence and resiliency in children ages 10-12.
Dr. Edwards describes the diverse nature of Team Velvet’s dedicated group. “We have volunteers who just like helping , others who are ‘giving back’ to life in gratitude for what they feel has been given to them, and still others who honor a deep love of children by assisting a children’s charity that provides horse counseling in child mental health offered free to families.
Some volunteers are reminded of their country roots when they enter our farm and some just like horses. The sense of peace accompanying entry into a horse farm is a powerful emotion difficult to explain. “
Edwards continued: “I recently asked a newer volunteer who works about four hours a week what she liked about volunteering on the farm. An executive woman with an impressive career who is weekly mucking stalls and sweeping barn aisles offered a response that surprised me.”
“It’s the magic,” Mary said. “Horses and being close to the earth remind me of the powerful love that animals and nature have to offer. In my day-to-day life, I often forget that. When I leave here I always have a smile on my face.”
Dr. Kathy Piparo reminded the group that ultimately their efforts assisting Team Velvet Inc. help children heal from the effects of trauma when she said, “Your selfless kindness can help us make a difference in a child’s life. “
For more information on Team Velvet Inc. or to refer a child age 5-12 call Psychologist/Director Dr. Edwards at 609 924 4330.
Team Velvet Inc. is a 50l c-3 all-volunteer charity totally funded by donations and grants. Tax-deductible donations may be made via the website/PayPal or via mail to Team Velvet Inc., PO Box 268, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553.
Community News
Photo courtesy Team Velvet
Author’s Note: Earlier this month we received a grant to provide non-mounted horse therapy for a year to one child age 6-11 with multiple handicap and/or developmental disability who has experienced trauma. A parent or helping professional can refer the family of the child to Dr. Susan Edwards, Psychologist/Director via email at sedwardsnj@earthlink.net, answering service 609-924-4330 or cell 609-216-1910. Please share this note as there will be no fee for this service.
December 2023
At this time of year we look both back at the events of the past year and forward into the goals of the coming one.
Team Velvet Inc. continued to provide nonmounted clinical horse therapy without fee to trauma children as well as provide general developmental strengthening of emotional intelligence and resiliency through the Visits with Horses Program, Parts One and Two. Using the text Black Beauty by Anna Sewell as well as providing live interactive activities with the program’s therapy horses, the feedback from parents and children was exceptional. We will continue to offer this program for 10-12 year olds in the coming year and may expand into psychoeducational services for nine year olds.
We are looking for two donations of $2,000 each that will allow us to publish a book on managing traumatic flashbacks for kids and one on emotional healing. We also seek permanent supporters whose donations will strengthen the sustainability of our charity.
Thank you to everyone who contacted us with kind words and donations in special memory of our beloved therapy horse Velvet. His picture is included in the electronic edition of this month’s edition along with the quotation under his photo in our barn. “Forever Velvet: his love lives on through us.”
Team Velvet Inc.
Christmas Lights with Santa!
Thursday December 7th & Friday December 8th, 6-8 pm
See SANTA & this Explosion of Lights which is one of the largest private Christmas light displays in Hunterdon and surrounding counties. This is a slow drive-by event where Santa will greet passersby and accept voluntary donations to benefit Team Velvet, Inc. CLICK HERE for event details and to RSVP.
We are pleased to have this kind, gentle gelding join our
helping herd for children.
Buddy is a draft/Quarter horse/paint mix with a kind spirit who will carry on the special bond established by Velvet as the lead male horse in the herd. We thank everyone who is helping
Buddy feel at home.
CLICK HERE to read more about our new horse Buddy!
Childhood Trauma
Each day there is a child who experiences the death of a loved one, witnesses violence, is victimized by crime of intense bullying, disfigured by an accident, or other countless events - all resulting in severe childhood trauma. In the extreme, child trauma may cause flashbacks, blackouts, and may result in severe and harmful physical behavior.
Team Velvet, Inc. provides multi-modal horse therapy for traumatized children ages 5-12 with psychologist Dr. Susan Edwards. Therapy horses may be involved in interactive games, kick a soccer ball, dance or be taught liberty performance. Children do not ride the horses, they interact while working towards goals of increased self-esteem and resiliency over adverse childhood events.
Team Velvet has treated 40 families with children who have experienced severe trauma. Many of these children have been referred to us by other professionals who found the child's problems intractable with traditional therapies. We do not have the funding and resources to treat all of the children referred to us. Therefore, we are seeking generous donors to help us to be able to accept all referrals of the most emotionally vulnerable children.
Our successful, continuing counseling service is located on our farm in Flemington, NJ. If you have any questions whatsoever about our history, therapy methods, potential therapy costs (if any) beyond insurance coverage, success stories, to arrange a visit to our farm etc., see out "Contact Us" page on how to contact Dr. Edwards directly.
Psychologist Dr. Susan Edwards and the helping horses of Team Velvet, Inc. are offering a series of group sessions for children ages 10 to 12 to help them grow in two ways related to good mental health. The program includes non-mounted activities with the horses designed to address emotional intelligence so that children are more able to recognize and cope with feelings - their own and those of others, and to help strengthen child resilience in facing and overcoming life's obstacles. Parents may accompany their children but sessions are focused on child learning.
SESSIONS ARE SATURDAY 1-3pm
Children can attend one session or the entire series.
Session 1 - July 8th - Growing in Positive Power and Self Confidence
Session 2 - July 15 - Self Esteem
Session 3 - July 22 - Self Image
Session 4 - July 29 - Self Efficacy
The program is FREE but registration is required via email to: kpiparo64@gmail.com
Email child's name, age, and session date(s) attending.
Group size is limited so register early.
Program Co-Leaders:
Susan Edwards PhD, Psychologist
Christina Piparo, Peer Mentor/Former Volunteer of the Year
We Make Children Smile
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YOU Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Child
The continued success of Team Velvet depends on generous contributors like you. We are in urgent need of funds to ensure our continuing operation. Your donation provides therapy scholarships for children and help feed and care for our therapy horses. Your dollars can help to heal a child's heart and mind, one smile at a time.
Tax-deductible monetary contributions can be made through PayPal via our "Tax Deductible Donations" page or mail checks made out to Team Velvet, Inc. to PO Box 268, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553-0268.
Click on image to see our Virtual Farm Tour on Youtube
Happy Fall
From Little Annie, Buddy, and The Therapy Horses of Team Velvet Inc.
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Team Velvet, Inc.
A Non Profit 501(C)(3) Charitable Organization
Equine Facilitated Mental Health Services for Children
Understanding Bereavement, Giftedness, Grief and Loss, Treatment of Trauma, Adjustment Issues
"Our horses work in the arena of a child's heart"
Services are provided at NO CHARGE to the families.