Saddles and Smiles Hosts First Talent Show at Jefferson Fairgrounds

Based out of Davis, West Virginia, Q & A Associates works with young adults who experience difficulty transitioning into adulthood, including those dealing with substance abuse. The company provides recovery support, offering numerous opportunities for these individuals to gain independence and enhance their life skills. As an organization dedicated to helping others, Q & A Associates supports several local charitable endeavors, including Saddles and Smiles situated in Jefferson County, West Virginia.

Saddles and Smiles is a 4-H therapeutic riding club that helps disabled children. Its horses, volunteers, and participants gather on the third Thursday of every month. However, what sets the organization apart is that it gives able-bodied children an opportunity to work directly with the horses and disabled children. This allows every child a chance to learn from each other. It also features a community project called Ponies and Promises, which allows disabled children and adults who are not of 4-H age a chance to partake in therapeutic riding opportunities.

On June 3, 2016, Saddles and Smiles hosted its first talent show held at the Jefferson Fairgrounds in Kearneysville. All people with developmental or physical disabilities were called to participate, and everyone was invited to support the special needs community. Participants sang, told jokes, and danced.

Young Adult Transition Association Symposium Planned for October 2016

Serving young adults facing difficulties transitioning into adulthood, Q & A Associates operates three therapeutic programs in the Canaan Valley of West Virginia. In addition to its work with the programs, Q & A Associates maintains membership with the Young Adult Transition Association (YATA), which is preparing to host its 3rd Annual Symposium in October.

The YATA Symposium provides a forum for members of the organization to come together to support issues and practices of common interest, while enhancing the quality of care for young adults and their families. A collaborative event dedicated to the treatment of young adults, it features a variety of educational presentations, breakout sessions, and roundtables for industry professionals. Additionally, attendees have access to networking lunches, an afternoon social, and an afternoon lake cruise.

Attendance costs $345 for members and $380 for nonmembers and the symposium will take place October 19-21, 2016 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Idaho.

Five Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy

An operator of transitional young adult programs in West Virginia, Q & A Associates focuses on helping young adults overcome challenges related to transitioning into adulthood. One technique employed by Q & A Associates programs is equine-assisted learning (EAL), which allows young adults to acquire a variety of life skills by working with horses. EAL offers a number of benefits.

1. Improves physical and psychological condition. Working with horses can improve emotional well-being and contribute to numerous physiological benefits, such as reduced anxiety, decreased blood pressure, and self-empowerment. Forming a bond with a horse also can build confidence, trust, and patience.

2. Provides low-stress social interaction. Individuals who struggle with social interactions often need a patient and nonjudgmental environment to successfully build up their social skills. Horses allow these individuals to practice their social skills and learn to form healthy relationships.

3. Develops fine and gross motor skills. Working with horses allows individuals who experience difficulties with fine and gross motor skills to receive the necessary exercise for various muscles in the body. In addition, horseback riding helps develop balance, strength, and muscle control.

4. Fosters responsibility. Caring for a horse requires a significant amount of work, including regular feedings, exercise, and social interaction. Attending to the horse’s needs fosters responsibility and helps individuals develop a sense of discipline.

5. Flexible application. Equine-assisted therapy works for individuals with a variety of challenges, ranging from physical and mental conditions to problems with addiction and mood disorders.

About Q & A Associates

Q & A Associates manages three residential wilderness camps in West Virginia. In addition to working directly with young adults, the organization offers a program designed to help parents “let go” and transition to the next phase of life. Q & A Associates offers this coaching through parent strategists who work both with parents and their young adults.

Parent strategists at Q & A Associates begin by teaching parents how to transition into a supportive role of their young adult children rather than merely enabling them unintentionally. This program helps parents empower their children to succeed on their own and take ownership of their accomplishments. In terms of the transition itself, parents learn how to “let go,” which provides the opportunities for both their young adults and themselves to make a healthy transition.

Above all else, parent strategists help parents communicate with their young adults and see themselves as supportive resources rather than critical caretakers. To learn more about parent coaching services at Q & A Associates, visit the official website at qa-associates.com.