Lessons from Joy and Eeyore
October 30, 2023
The Foundation’s Youth Council visited Joy Ranch as part of its October meeting.
The council, made up of six high school juniors and seniors met with Joy Nelson, the ranch’s founder, and Eeyore, the ranch’s resident donkey for a behind-the-scenes tour.
Joy discussed with Youth Council members the ranch’s mission to utilize horses as an instrument for healing, the nationwide impact the organization is making, as well as the highlights and challenges that come with leading a non-profit.
The Youth Council started in 2001, recognizing that youth should have a voice in philanthropy. Over $150,000 in grants have been awarded by the Foundation’s Youth Council to Watertown’s youth-serving organizations.
Roaming the Ranch>>> Pictured from left to right are Youth Council members Josie Althoff, Carter Schmidt, Isabella Horning, and Halle Olson; Eeyore and Joy Nelson from Joy Ranch; and Youth Council members Hannah Herzog, and Lucy Walker. The Youth Council meets monthly during the school year, often visiting a local non-profit organization to gain insight into the needs of the community.