Mahalo
Brighton, CO

Mane Joy Connection

EIN 83-2202859
Health & Wellness Healing & Wellness Programs Low-income
Mission

To further empower individuals within underserved communities through safe and positive equine-assisted activities, enabling participants to experience the healing effects of horses while enhancing education, community connection, personal growth, and well-being.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

About Mane Joy Connection

Mane Joy Connection is a small 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 83-2202859) founded to remove financial and access barriers to equine experiences for underserved community members. The organization operates personalized equine-assisted activities and lessons out of SonFlower Ranch in Brighton, Colorado, emphasizing safety, respect, and skill-building.

Led by founder and Executive Director Carla J. Kaplan-Gomez (Masters in Nonprofit Management; CHA-certified riding instructor), Mane Joy Connection provides sliding-scale lessons, work-exchange options, and customized partner programs designed to deliver therapeutic, educational, and confidence-building outcomes for youth (12+) and adults.

Notable achievements

Program partnership development

Designed and delivered the 'Strengthening Leadership Through Horses' program for community partners, translating equine safety and handling into leadership and life-skill lessons for youth organizations.

Sustained fundraising and community support

Successfully ran multiple small fundraising campaigns and community donation drives in recent years to support sponsored lessons and horse care, enabling direct program subsidies for underserved participants.

Established nonprofit operations

Incorporated and maintained good standing as a Colorado nonprofit since 2020 while building program offerings at SonFlower Ranch and establishing a consistent sliding-scale model for access.

At a glance

Tax status
501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN
83-2202859
Location
Brighton, CO
On Mahalo since
November 2025

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