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AFL Awards Hope Remains Ranch $5,000 Grant

Published Date

Spartanburg, SC – AFL , an international manufacturer of fiber optic cable and accessories, awarded a $5,000 grant to Hope Remains Ranch, an organization devoted to providing a Christ-centered environment of hope and healing for children, adults and families by utilizing equine therapy. The grant supports Hope Remain Ranch’s Mane Event, a free mentoring and experiential program offered to children ages 5 to 17, and Healing Hooves Program, a counseling therapeutic program for ages 5 through adults. Funds will be used for an outdoor covered sensory playground.

AFL Presents Grant to Hope Remains Ranch

“Many of the children and youth served in these two programs are not engaged in outdoor activities and deal with various levels of sensory issues,” explained Melanie Watt, Founder and Executive Director of Hope Remains Ranch. While one of our primary focus areas at the ranch is to utilize equine therapy with those we serve, we also want to offer alternative therapeutic activities to meet the needs and demands of those children and youth that need additional services to prompt proper developmental growth and success.”

The sensory playground objectives and activities include providing a resource for sensory growth and exposure; a resource for language development, cognitive growth, motor skills, problem-solving and social interaction; and an increase in physical activity for children/youth that have limited or "no play" opportunities. Activities will include water, therapeutic swings, balance rails, educational panels (alphabet, numbers, sign language, music, emotional, colors, gears, etc.), spinners, sliders, climbing walls, creative play area, mailbox, and sensory sections. 

“The health of vulnerable children in our community has always been a concern, yet has worsened with the onset of COVID. Children have been spending more time at home over the past year with many of them in compromised situations,” commented Corie Culp, community relations manager for AFL. “It’s exciting to see organizations like Hope Remains Ranch positively impact their lives by providing a safe and trustworthy environment that promotes positive change and growth for children who need care. The sensory playground will supplement the tremendous work they already do and provide support for years to come.”

Hope Remains Ranch is located on 27.5 acres with ample room for activities across the campus. The sensory playground will have a focal area next to the new administrative building and various playground "active play" components will be placed along the ranch walking trail.

AFL’s Community Outreach Program includes grants, sponsorships, volunteer and environment initiatives, disaster relief, scholarships and more. For additional information on AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About AFL
Founded in 1984, AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale and industrial markets. The company’s products are in use in over 130 countries and include fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectivity, test and inspection equipment, fusion splicers and training. AFL also offers a wide variety of services supporting data center, enterprise, wireless and outside plant applications.
 
Headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and “like us” on Facebook. Review our blog or subscribe to our bimonthly e-newsletter.
 
Contact
Corie Culp
Community Relations Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
Corie.Culp@AFLglobal.com