A candlelight vigil is being held on Tuesday at an equestrian therapy center facing foreclosure. Supporters of Parkwood Farms in Snellville say the center can't be easily replaced.
Ever since 9-year-old Lilli Waldrop was diagnosed with autism at age 3, she's sought therapies to help her grow and develop. Four years ago Lilli took her first therapeutic ride at Parkwood Farms.
"Lilli has a life there, people accept her for who she is," said Theresa Waldrop, Lilli's mother. "I believe it's given her more confidence "
Lilli recently won two bronze medals in the Georgia Special Olympics. But now that's now threatened because the bank has foreclosed on Parkwood Farms Therapy Center in Snellville.
Director Marilyn Peterson says she's filed a federal lawsuit to negotiate new terms with the bank. But until something is resolved, there will be no children or the horses they ride. The only animal left is Gizmo the cat.
On average, Parkwood Farms was helping 35 to 40 children with special needs every week.
"This is the first time we've really had to close down in 11 years, so that's also sad, but if you come here and see the smiles on these children's faces," said Peterson.
Children like Lilli may not have many other options.
"There are a couple of other facilities around the metro area but they're so far, it's not practical for us. I don't know what we'll do. It would be just such a loss," said Theresa Waldrop.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:24 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:24:30 GMT
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:10:38 GMT
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters.
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters during Sunday's downpour.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:00 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:00:39 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, telling graduates to take the power of their example-- as black men graduating from college-- and use it to improve people's lives.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:53:40 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday, marking the first time a sitting president has made a commencement address in Georgia since 1938. See photos from his visit to Atlanta here!
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:09:05 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
