May Local Spotlight | Serenity Sunset Ranch
This month, we are excited to introduce Stacey Baxter from Serenity Sunset Ranch! Stacey leads a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting children in our community who are facing challenging circumstances. Through her work at the ranch, she provides a safe and supportive environment where children can connect with horses. Horses are known for their sensitivity to human emotions and interactions and play a crucial role in the healing and growth of the children at Serenity Sunset Ranch. Learn more about Stacey's impactful contributions and the unique support system her program offers to young individuals in need below.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Stacey Baxter and I live in Maysville, Georgia with my family Nick, Hayden, Joely and Liam. We have two dogs, Lila and Blaze along with our horses. I have been a special education teacher for 17 years serving in the Jefferson City School System and the Jackson County School System. I attended Emmanuel College where I played softball and soccer. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. I have a master's degree in Special Education and a specialist’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction both from Piedmont University.
I love to work with horses and kids. Seeing the light in their eyes and smiles when they are working with the horses drives my passion and dreams. My love for horses began from the moment I first locked eyes with one.
I love to ride with my family, Crossfit, and continue to work towards building my dream at the ranch. We love our church, Maysville Baptist, and I continuously try to grow in my faith and learn the bible.
Q: Tell us about your organization
Serenity Sunset Ranch is a non-profit who facilitates healing to those children who are facing challenging circumstances. No matter what the circumstance is, we are dedicated to providing hope, healing, love and acceptance to young minds through a supportive and safe farm environment. Although we do not offer clinical or medical therapy, our hopes are to replenish the heart and soul. Hardships can include loss of a parent or loved one, behavioral issues, autism, communication issues, grief, anxiety, depression, sensory issues, cognitive disabilities, etc… The program focuses on children aged 4 to 18.
Q: What inspired you to start your organization?
As a special education teacher, I have seen many children that come through the schools who could benefit from hope, love, and healing through the use of equine. I wanted to come up with a way to help children battling hardships in life through the use of something I love and care about so much, and that is horses. Horses are majestic animals who are very responsive and in tune with human beings. I wanted to use my horses to help our community and children feel a sense of acceptance, hope, love, and healing. I have seen the impact horses have on children dealing with hardships in life and this is the vision behind my dream.
Q: What resources and assistance do you provide to the community?
We facilitate healing to those children who are facing challenging circumstances with the use of equine. No matter what the circumstance is, we are dedicated to providing hope, healing, love and acceptance to young minds through a supportive and safe farm environment. Although we do not offer clinical or medical therapy, our hopes are to replenish the heart and soul. My mission is to support our community by providing mentorship programs where both volunteers and equine companions work together to inspire growth in individuals in need.
Q: What areas do you serve?
We serve youth from ages 4 or 5 to 18. When it comes to helping those in need, we are committed to serving youth experiencing crises such as loss of a parent or loved one, behavioral issues, autism, communication issues, grief, anxiety, depression, sensory issues, cognitive disabilities, etc… The transformative power of horses knows no bounds. Children will be paired with a horse and a mentor/volunteer to groom and learn about our horses. We serve the community of Jackson County, Hall County, Banks County, Clarke County. If people are willing to travel to the ranch, they are always welcome no matter where they are from.
Q: How can the community get involved?
I always need volunteers and another way to get involved is to act as a mentor. Volunteer opportunities range from acting as a mentor, groomer, leading art activities, helping with feeding, horse care, watering, making repairs, and more. If someone has horse experience, they will be able to lead children around on our horses. The community is welcome to sponsor a horse, join the cause with donations, and just by spreading the word about our program. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so all donations are tax deductible and I can write receipts for tax purposes.
Q: What’s good in your life?
Everything!! Life is crazy busy but I love every aspect of doing life with my family. I can only attribute this beautiful blessing we have to the Lord. He has blessed us so much and I thank Him everyday for allowing me to live out this dream.
I love watching my kids grow up and experience all life has to offer. I am so thankful for all the support my family and friends have shown me throughout beginning this journey. A big shout out to Nick, my biggest supporter, for helping me live out this dream.
Thank you for sharing your organization with us, Stacey!
If you’re interested in learning more about Serenity Sunset Ranch or interested in volunteering send Stacey a message on the Serenity Sunset Ranch Facebook Page.
If you're a local business owner or know a local business or service deserving recognition, please email us the details!