"In the name of the best within you... Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplacable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-yet, the not quite, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won, it exists, it is possible and it is yours."
-Ayn Rand
Our mission is to provide unique services to at-risk youth that encourage, motivate, and inspire them not just to survive difficult circumstances, but to overcome them, find the fire inside of themselves and explode into a supernova of light.
We believe that children, no matter their background, have inherent goodness, integrity, and unlimited potential. We also believe that animals are excellent teachers, healers, and life coaches. We believe that by working with animals that have histories of abuse issues and behavior problems, children learn to have patience and compassion. They learn to give love and respect. The animals that they work with, in turn, are able to trust and build relationships with people they were taught to fear. They, too, learn to offer love. We believe that love, trust, and respect for all creatures are the foundation upon which our society should stand. Only through non-violent means of communication can true connection with other living beings take place. We believe that these connections are vital to the success and happiness of future generations.
Much is not dared because it seems hard. Much seems hard only because it is not dared." -Prince Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz
Spirit Fire Farm, Inc. was formed by a struggling young woman who had recognized her own need for a safe, positive space where she would be encouraged to develop her talents, achieve her goals, and grow as an individual. She was dedicated to helping youth in situations she had once been in herself. From personal experience, she knew how healing art, music, animals and relationships with caring individuals could be. By allowing that knowledge and her own experience to drive her, Spirit Fire Farm was incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania on May 7, 2009.
After sitting on a name and a mission for almost a year, the death of Aislinn's grandmother, Kathleen, compelled her to share the love that her grandmother had so freely and generously given. She decided it was time to move forward with her plans to get SFF off the ground. She involved Megan McCormick, another young woman with similar experiences and the same fierocious dedication to SFF's mission. Between the two of them, they began to network and expand. They found individuals with experience that would benefit the program and added five members to form Spirit Fire Farm, Inc.'s Board of Directors. On May 7, 2010, SFF's bylaws were approved by a unanimous vote.
On July 20, 2010, Spirit Fire Farm visited with and spoke to youth at the Stepping Stone Education Center about humane pet care, the importance of love in a human-animal relationship and the effects of abuse/neglect (see news page for more information).
Additionally, on July 20, 2010, Spirit Fire Farm spoke to the Phoenixville Rotary Club.
Board members, staff, volunteers, and donors have made possible the slow but steady progress of SFF. On August 29, 2010, SFF will be having it's first official fundraising event (see event page for details) to raise money for the application fee for the 501(c)3 and related expenses.
Megan & Aislinn
Our Name
When Aislinn had the vision of what she wanted to achieve with Spirit Fire Farm, she was stumped when it came to the name. She had a plethora of ideas, but none seemed to fit perfectly. Finally, after a few test runs with various other names, she wrote the mission statement. Then the perfect name materialized when she reread the mission: Spirit Fire Farm. It encompassed the ultimate goal of the organization: to help youth discover the fire in their spirits. She believes that everyone has a flame within their soul that has the potential to grow into a powerful, raging fire that can melt the troubles of the world. She believes that all it needs to erupt is the oxygen of love and encouragment.
Our Logo
When it was time to choose a logo for Spirit Fire Farm, Aislinn and Megan ran into another barrier. Then, in a particularly passionate conversation about trees as vital, living metaphors for the internal conflicts and struggles of human beings, a mutual agreement was formed regarding the creation of the logo. A horse, given the "Farm" in our name, was essential. Inspired by the reflection of the human soul in the life of a tree, Aislinn & Megan came to the conclusion that it was extremely important to incorporate a tree into the logo. The horse and rider jumping over the tree together symbolize partnership, trust, and love. The tree's inital facade may be that of a barrier, but it's actually assisting the horse and rider to leap as high as possible. Things that may seem, at first, impossible barriers often give us the stength that we need to make it to new heights. The tree symbolizes overcoming obstacles to reach goals, which is very much the nature of a tree: to grow taller despite the weather, to dig its roots down deep to a solid foundation and reach its mighty branches skyward, spreading its awe-inspiring strength for all the world to see. The tree is our symbol of hope.
Aislinn Vaughan (Director & President)
Aislinn has more than 12 years of experience working with animals and over 11 years of experience riding and training horses. She specializes in the rehabilitation of horses labeled "problem animals". She whole-heartedly believes that only through non-violent means of communication can living beings be truly joined together. In 2001, she adopted Eclipse, a 6-month old kitten from the Chester County SPCA who has since been rehabilitated and is 9 years old, still living happily with Aislinn. She may be contacted at: arvaughan_spiritfirefarm.org
Megan McCormick
Megan has extensive experience with art including mixed media works, sculpture, acrylic, watercolor, and oil-based painting. She is the proud owner of a rescued and rehabilitated coonhound named Bella. She currently works at Main Line Animal Rescue and attends West Chester University. She may be contacted at: mmccormick_spiritfirefarm.org
Coletta Robinson
Coletta is the President and Owner of Benefit Strategies, Inc. an employee benefit consulting agency serving employers throughout the Delaware, Lehigh and Lancaster County region. Benefit Strategies, Inc. is a Member Company - 2008 Philadelphia 100 Business Award Fastest Growing Business, and a Member Company 2009 Philadelphia 25 Employee Benefit Firms. She has served on the AETNA Broker Advisory Board for the last 5 years. She was chosen by AETNA to spearhead the Women-Owned Business initiative. She is a member of the National Association of Alternative Benefit Consultants (NAABC). She is a lifetime resident of Chester County and is the married mother of a 23-year old son.
Amber Gentile
Amber is a school administrator who loves working with young people. She believes that every child can learn and has great potential in life. She feels that it is our responsibility to provide the support to make it happen. She earned her BA from Dickinson College, her MS from West Chester University, and is currently working on her doctoral dissertation at Immaculata University. She resides in Phoenixville with her husband and son. She may be contacted at: agentile_spiritfirefarm.org
Diane Thomson
Diane serves as the Program Development and Support Coordinator in the Educational Research, Development and Technology Division of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Diane has over 17 years experience in leading project development for K-12 schools. Diane lives in Spring City, PA with her husband and daughter.
Ken Winston
Ken holds a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and a Master's degree in Education. He is the Founder and former President of the PAPA program and has twenty-two years of professional experience providing support, program development and facilitation in human services and education.
Rashad Payne
Rashad Payne is a native of inner city Philadelphia, a former Philadelphia Police Officer and is presently a Youth Development Counselor with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Mr. Payne attended the Philadelphia Police College and earned his Associate's degree in Criminal Justice at Crown College. Mr. Payne is committed to meeting the needs of youth with compassion. He believes in providing tools that assist our youth in gaining self-reliance, discovering their unique gifts, and developing their extraordinary abilities. Mr. Payne currently resides in Williamsport, PA with his domestic partner and children. He may be contacted at: rpayne_spiritfirefarm.org
"To do more for the world than the world does for you - that is success." -Henry Ford
Staff
Spirit Fire Farm, Inc. believes that "it takes a village to raise a child" and that the village should offer love and encouragement. SFF provides at-risk youth with structure, direction, and consistency through unique after school and summer programs facilitated by dedicated and caring staff. SFF staff are here to motivate, encourage and inspire youth to be the best people that they can be. SFF staff are not simply instructors. They are individuals who listen, share their own life experience, and love the youth they work with unashamedly. SFF staff are friends.
Volunteers
Loyal, dependable and responsible volunteers are an essential puzzle piece at Spirit Fire Farm. Our volunteers have the same values and beliefs as our staff, though their responsiblities may vary. Spirit Fire Farm is always looking for volunteers to assist with the development and implementation of programs, fundraising, community involvement, transportation, rescue work, research and office work.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched... they must be felt with the heart." -Helen Keller
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mohatma Ghandi
Animal Rehabilitation Program
Under the supervision and guidance of Spirit Fire Farm staff, participants will work with horses, dogs and cats that have histories of abuse/neglect and behavior problems. Participants will assist staff in rehabilitating and placing the animals in new homes. Through these activities, participants will improve communication and problem-solving skills. Participants must be creative in humanely overcoming obstacles that are presented on the road to an animal's rehabilitation. Because of animals' sensitivity to both verbal and non-verbal cues, participants will learn about the importance of tone and body language.
Because animals are essentially helpless creatures, they are remarkably effective at evoking emotion in people. In SFF's program, participants will be engaged in interactions with animals that have been in difficult circumstances. Through those interactions, participants will learn to relate their own to difficulties to those that the animals have faced. By being part of the rehabilitation process of other living beings, participants will develop patience, compassion and understanding. Participants will learn the importance of team work and develop healthy relationships with staff and peers. Participants will experience the unfathomable joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from placing an animal in a loving, caring home. Participants will feel a sense of purpose, build self-esteem and begin to see the results of dedication, hard work and love. They will start to believe in their worth as individuals and comprehend the truth in the statement, "Anyone can make a difference."
"You cannot train an animal with shouts and expect it to obey a whisper." -Unknown
Music Program
Through the instruction of knowledgeable and dedicated staff who utilize praise-based teaching techniques, participants will learn to play an instrument of their choice. Participants will develop their musical talents, creativity and gain a healthy coping skill. Participants will overcome the frustrations that accompany learning to play an instrument. Appropriately dealing with music-related difficulties will carry over to situations participants face in daily living. Interested participants will be invited to play in a band with other youth in the SFF music program and perform at SFF fundraisers. Participants will gain confidence by performing for a live audience and feel the deep-down happiness that comes from contributing to the life of the program. Participants will feel part of a whole and realize the important role they play in the success of SFF.
Art Program
Participants will work side by side with instructors and peers to create works with the medium of their choice. Participants will learn to take direction and respond to suggestions appropriately. Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas and they will feel heard. Participants will learn to give and accept positive, constructive feedback. Participants will learn to appreciate the talents of others as well as their own. Through the construction of a piece, participants will see their vision materialize, reinforcing one of SFF's core beliefs: that hard-work yields beautiful results. Interested participants will be asked to display their art at SFF fundraisers so that, like those in the music program, they can realize the important role they play in the success of SFF and get the recognition and praise they deserve.
Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends. -Alphonse de Lamartine
Our Long-term Goals
SFF hopes to achieve the following by January 1, 2015:
1. Raise $500,000 through donations and fundraisers.
2. Gain $1,500,000 in grant funding.
3. Purchase a large facility with space for an art studio, music room, 15-20 equines, 8 dogs, and 10 cats.
4. Have 75-80 children actively participating in our program.
Our Short-term Goals
SFF hopes to achieve the following by January 1, 2012:
1. Gain status as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
2. Raise $40,000 through donations and fundraisers.
3. Gain $150,000 in grant funding.
4. Rent a small facility with space for an art studio, music room, 4 equines, 4 dogs, and 6 cats.
5. Have 10-15 youth actively participating in our program.
I am the President of a non-profit corporation that needs your assistance in order to operate. On behalf of our mission and the children and animals that we aim to assist, I ask that you please take a few minutes of your valuable time to read about our purpose, goals and how you can help us to achieve those goals.
America is fighting a war right now and I'm not talking about the one overseas. This war is much closer to home... in fact, this battle is being fought within our homes. The outcome of this war affects not just the future of our country, but the future of our entire world. The war that I am referring to is the war to save our children... and it is the war that we are losing.
Every time that a child uses violence in an attempt to solve a problem, we take a hit. When a kid trades their education for a life of crime to satisfy a void in their life, bombs explode on the home front. When an adolescent uses sex to solidify a relationship, drugs to quiet the chaos in their mind, suicide to end their pain, we lose another battle.
In the book No Matter How Loud I Shout, the author, Edward Humes, interviews a delinquent youth by the name of Richard Perez. Perez, in response to a question regarding his charges replies, "If you're strong enough to take something, why not take it?"
When did that mentality become acceptable in our society? When did it become ok to foster greed and a sense of entitlement in our youth rather than benevolence and generosity?
It did not ever become ok, yet it still happened and is continuing to happen. Without structure, consistency and positive influences, the insidious diseases of selfishness, addiction, and depression will infect our children.
The proof is everywhere, as the following statistics reveal.
In the past 60 years, the suicide rate has quadrupled for males 15 to 24 years old, and has doubled for females of the same age (CDC, 2002). In 2006, suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death for young people (ages 15-19 and 15-24); only accidents and homicides occurred more frequently (American Association of Suicidology, 2009). In Pennsylvania, the 2006 youth suicide rate was 10.2%, which was .3% above the national average of 9.9% (American Association of Suicidology, 2009).
Half of teens (50%) have tried an illicit drug by the time they finish high school (Monitoring the Future, 2005). In 2005, 9.9% of youths ages 12-17 were current illicit drug users (SAMHSA, 2005). An estimated 116,000 illicit drug users in Pennsylvania were between the ages of 12 and 17 (US No Drugs, 2009). An estimated 265,000 illicit drug users in PA were between the ages of 18 and 25 (US No Drugs, 2009)
According to a 2007 survey by the CDC, 35.5% of youth in grades 9-12 reported being in a physical fight in the past year. Juveniles accounted for 16% of all violent crime arrests and 26% of all property crime arrests in 2007 (Puzzanchera, 2009). In 2007, 1,350 juveniles were arrested for murder, 3,580 for forcible rape, and 57,650 for aggravated assault (Puzzanchera, 2009).
One third of girls in the United States got pregnant before age 20, and more than 435,000 babies were born to teenagers 15-19 in 2006 (CDC, 2009).
Every 4 minutes, a child is arrested for drug abuse. Every 5 minutes, a child is arrested for a violent crime. Every 4 hours, a child commits suicide.
The evidence of the deterioration of the hearts and souls of our youth isn't just in numbers. It is written in the depressed cheeks and bony limbs of kids that got caught up in the hurricane of addiction. It is carved into the furrowed brows and angry stares of young drug dealers. It is stamped as a failing grade into the report cards of former honor students, children who never learned how to deal with pressure. It is etched into the gravestones of our children, children who lost their lives in this war. It is screaming from behind the eyes of those who are left. It cannot be changed by people who do not love and care about our children. It cannot be silenced by half-hearted attempts to reach out to young people. By continuing to endorse such things, it seems we're surrendering to this problem.
If the trends continue, we will be left only with memories of what our children's hearts used to look like, before they were polluted with the filth of violence, addiction, crime, depression, suicide, and the many other loads of garbage that are hurled in their direction. Yes, it's true that if we take no action, all the things we wished for our children will remain wishes. The images of what could have been will be all that we'll have left to flip through like a Rolodex as we lay down at night, trying to fall asleep, wondering if we could've done more. And, after reading this letter, you will not question whether or not you could have done more, because you can do more. You can do more today, right now!
By donating to or volunteering at Spirit Fire Farm, Inc., you will be investing in the development of hope in young people. We will use music and art as a means of positively channeling creativity. We will provide tutoring and homework help to encourage youth to stay in school. We will rescue abused and neglected animals and the youth in our program will work alongside staff to rehabilitate them and find them loving homes. Children who have been through difficult circumstances themselves can relate to such animals, who stir up emotion and teach compassion and empathy. When kids are given the opportunity to help other living beings and see what love can do, they are more willing to give it. By employing dedicated, loving staff that share our mission and wish to cultivate the dreams of young people, we will be successful in achieving our goals.
Thank you for your valuable time.
Love (yes, I said it),
Aislinn Vaughan
President
Click Here to Donate
Spirit Fire Farm currently has no upcoming events.
Chow & Tunes was a huge success. Check out the News page for more details.
If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring an event, please e-mail arvaughan_spiritfirefarm.org.
"Do not ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. Then go and do that, because what the world needs are people who have come alive." -Horward Thurman
Spirit Fire Farm was welcomed with open arms at the Phoenixville Rotary Club. Aislinn spoke with members about SFF's primary purpose, goals, and upcoming fundraiser. She gave the organization's history and discussed the reasons for her firm and unwavering dedication to Spirit Fire Farm's mission. Aislinn was extremely honored to be a guest of such a notable community orgranization.
Spirit Fire Farm took Cletus, a 7-year old Lab, to visit with and speak to youth at the Stepping Stone Education Center about humane pet care, the importance of love in a human-animal relationship and the effects of abuse/neglect. The children spoke about their pets and told Aislinn and Stephanie about Lollipop, the class hamster. Every little hand in the room shot up when they were asked, "Who likes animals?" The children were delighted to have Cletus as their guest and took turns petting him and giving him treats. Needless to say, Cletus was happy to be an educator.
Spirit Fire Farm received a beautiful "Thank You" card from the children at Stepping Stone shortly after our visit. They made a list of what they'd learned about dog safety and drew a horse and a dog. Thank you for having us as guests!
Special thanks to Janet Hunter for orchestrating this event. To Linda & Tony Tecce for partnering with us to allow Cletus to demonstrate his immense amount of love and patience.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Spirit Fire Farm had the opportunity to set up a table during "First Friday" in Phoenixville. Megan, Aislinn and Anne Marie used the opportunity to make connections with members of the community. They spoke with individuals and families about the focus of Spirit Fire Farm. They promoted the "Chow & Tunes" fundraiser, collected donations, and spread SFF's message. The ladies also stressed the need for a program such as SFF in the Phoenixville community and surrounding areas. The girls had a great time interacting with each other and the community. They were grateful to have the chance to spend time with the people of Phoenixville.
Spirit Fire Farm would like to thank Ellie's Choice for suggesting our participation in this monthly event.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Spirit Fire Farm was featured in the Pottstown Mercury on Sunday, August 8, 2010. Aislinn explained the need for more at-risk youth programs in Chester County. She told reporter Dennis Wright about Eclipse's influence on the development of Spirit Fire Farm and discussed the upcoming "Chow & Tunes" fundraiser. She also stressed the importance role that animals will play in accomplishing Spirit Fire Farm's goals. The article may be viewed on The Mercury's website by clicking here.
Spirit Fire Farm was also featured in the August edition of The Equine Marketer on the Events Calendar.
Spirit Fire Farm would like to thank Dennis Wright for a great article and The Pottstown Mercury for publishing said article.
From Petrucci's water ice, generously donated.
Spirit Fire Farm held its first fundraising event on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at Rock & Roll After School in Phoenixville. "Chow & Tunes" was opened with a set by Bad Room Music, followed by Dianthus of Maria. Megan and Aislinn then spoke to the audience about Spirit Fire Farm. Following their speeches, Captive Kin took the stage and wowed the audience with their "tunes". Event attendees munched "chow" between sets and entered raffles to win baskets that were so generously donated by the event sponsors. Then Hillary Wallace blew the crowd away with her powerul voice. Ed Roper followed suit and The Rainy Day Fools brought the event to a close with thier unique trio. The turnout was great, bringing almost 150 guests throughout the afternoon. Spirit made well over their goal thanks to the generosity of donors and attendees.
Spirit Fire Farm would like to thank the following for their gifts, merchandise, assistance, time, and patience:
FOOD:
Wasko's Catering
Petrucci's
Rocco's Pizza
TD Alfredo's
Subway of Phoenixville
Brown's Cow Ice Cream
Cooney Provisions
Kristy Jones
Katie Brill
Sue Varley Morris
MERCHANDISE:
Ellie's Choice
Charmed Spirit
Artisan's Gallery & Cafe
Gould Frame
SR Photography
Bed Bath & Beyond
Markie's Mini Golf
Seven Stars Restaurant
Molly Maguire's Irish Pub
Sam Ash Music
Tom's Pet Outlet
Jennifer Morrison
Lisa Davidson
Brian Standen
John Duffy, Inc.
Anonymous
The Philadelphia Flyers
Diving Cat Studio
Lederach Golf Club
Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Colonial Gardens
Sears Hardware of Phoenixville
Jean Townsend
Dover Saddlery
Staples
Chevrolet
SERVICES:
The Rosati Family
The Jones Family
Randy Norris
Don Thompson
Caroline Simmons
Anne Marie Carraci
Kelly McJilton
Anne Marie Regin Galleli
The Vaughan Family
Marcus Keirn
BANDS:
Bad Room Music
Dianthus of Maria
Captive Kin
Hillary Wallace
Ed Roper
The Rainy Day Fools
Ethan Vaughan
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
The E. Chelsea Campbell Memorial Foundation
and
The Phoenixville Rotary Club
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Spirit Fire Farm was again featured in the Pottstown Mercury, as well as The Daily Local News. The article, by Dennis J. Wright, covered the event. It may be viewed by clicking here.
"Our children are like diamonds in the rough. We need only dust them off to truly see them shine" -Unknown
Spirit Fire Farm, Inc. is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. We need your suggestions and comments to operate effectively. Members of the community play a key role in our organization.
Thank you for your interest in our program! Someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
VISIT US ON FACEBOOK: Spirit Fire Farm, Inc.
OFFICE:
info_spiritfirefarm.org
452 Emmett St
Phoenixville, PA 19460
(610) 608-3525
©2009-2010 Spirit Fire Farm, Inc.
Gevin Brown: gevin_solutions_wix.com
Mark Jacobs: mark_solutions_wix.com
