WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Through Winter Garden nonprofit 8 Waves, volunteers help children improve their reading skills and make it fun.
One of the ways they do so is with monthly “Read with Me” field trips to volunteer Susan Nastasi’s ranch.
Nastasi, who owns Soul Haven Ranch in Winter Garden, introduces students to unique animals like miniature horse Stormy, which sits alongside them and helps the students gain the confidence they need to sharpen their reading and critical thinking skills.
“I believe the nonprofit is extraordinarily important. It engages the community involvement with children and gives children opportunities that they might not otherwise have, and I think there’s programs there that help the confidence and build community amongst those children and really build them up,” Nastasi said.
Sara Meyer, founder and executive director of 8 Waves, said the organization wanted to find a new way to connect with students.
“The number eight represents new beginnings, and so we wanted to just help create new beginnings for students and families here within our West Orange community as well as Orange County,” Meyer said.
One student who takes part in the sessions said he enjoys the experience.
“8 Waves is such a great place where kids can have fun and learn and do all types of activities,” seventh-grader Logan Brunson said.
Meyer said the organization owes great thanks to volunteers like Nastasi who are always eager to lend a hand and help others.
“When we met Susan and she first engaged, it was right when we were opening in 2021 an after-school program. And she just immediately locked in,” Meyer said.
Nastasi said the miniature therapy horses help give students an extra push.
“Volunteering has been a lifelong thing for me and because of the miniature therapy horses, I’ve really been able to engage in a different way,” Nastasi said.