Jo Simmons

April 7, 2009

Let me introduce you to Jo Simmons.  Jo very effectively runs the equine program at Salem Ranch.  Through her direction, each of the approximately fifty-five horses we may have in our ranch at any one time gets the proper care they deserve.  Jo does not keep her love of horses to herself however.  It is a contagious love that one cannot help but see when she starts talking about them.  Just spend five minutes with her and as she shares her passion she will either be beaming with joy at success stories with kids and horses, or tearing up with sadness at the poor care some horses receive outside of Salem.

Jo shares that love with each of the boys who come to Salem.  Part of the program here involves the care of our horses.  Jo shares her expertise with the boys on a variety of horse-related manners, always with the care and patience that come with the role of an appropriate mentor.  She takes boys, some of who have never even seen a horse, and teaches them how to ‘read’ one.  She teaches them how to groom them, feed them, care for them, and handle them.  But she does not do this from a distance.  Jo is right in there with them, showing them first-hand what needs to be done.

Jo’s love for horses and our boys also plays itself out in her love of Salem.  Jo has been here many years and has seen the best and worst of life at Salem.  And yet she endures with the same determination as the horses she loves can sometimes show; a never give-up, push until she cannot push any longer desire to see Salem succeed, and even more importantly, to see the lives of our young men changed from failure to success.

You are a real jewel Jo.  Thanks for your patience, endurance, and wisdom.  You are making a difference in the lives of our boys.

Brent

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