THE HIGH HOPES MAGAZINE
2024
Hope.
Spring
Dear High Hopes Family,
Welcome to the heart of our celebration! This year marks a momentous occasion as we proudly commemorate 50 years of our therapeutic riding programs. We’re not just celebrating years; we’re celebrating lives transformed, resilience witnessed, and a journey that began with Sis Gould, our visionary founder.
Half a century ago, Sis envisioned a space where the therapeutic power of horses could bring healing, joy, and empowerment to individuals facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. That vision became our mission, our guiding star. Today, as we celebrate, we continue to hold that mission close to our hearts.
Our founder understood the profound connection between humans and horses, recognizing the therapeutic potential that extends beyond the physical act of riding. In the spirit of our mission, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of these connections, fostering growth, confidence, and joy in countless lives.
As we look back on five decades, we take pride in not only providing therapeutic riding programs but also in educating, advocating, and inspiring. Our commitment to spreading awareness about the benefits of equineassisted therapies has been an integral part of our journey.
In staying true to our founder’s vision, we’ve cultivated a community where everyone is welcome, regardless of background or ability. Our programs embrace inclusivity, recognizing the unique strengths each participant and volunteer brings to High Hopes.
This celebration isn’t just about the past; it’s about the future. We’re excited to embark on the next chapter of our journey, continuing to expand our impact, explore innovative approaches, and serve those in need with unwavering dedication.
To all our participants, supporters, volunteers, staff, and friends: thank you for being a part of this incredible story. Together, we will continue to uphold our legacy of healing, hope, and compassion.
WITH HEARTFELT GRATITUDE,
Zack Darrell, Interim Executive Director
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Alison
Journeys of Commitment & Connection
Deb Welles Volunteer
In 1995, Deb Welles embarked on a volunteer journey with her son at the Special Olympics World Games, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to High Hopes. Her son, then 15, helped provide water to the horses’ temporary housing, igniting Deb’s passion for volunteering.
From horse handler to board member, Deb’s involvement deepened over the years. Her daughters, with the local Pony Club, volunteered at the antique show—an early connection to High Hopes.
Deb, a now-retired CPA, spent 16 years as High Hopes’ Treasurer, originally mentored by former trustee, Roger Smith. In addition to her role as High Hopes’ Treasurer and an Officer of the Board of Directors, Deb has played a pivotal role in the development and visionary growth at High Hopes with many of the founding leaders. Her commitment extends further as she actively contributes to the organization’s 50th Anniversary Committee, demonstrating her dedication to shaping the future of High Hopes.
Even with a busy professional life, Deb became more actively involved in volunteering in 2000, finding solace in the connection with riders, volunteers, and staff. She emphasized the flexibility for volunteers, showcasing that one need not possess horse experience to contribute.
The commitment to riders is paramount, but Deb reassures potential volunteers that taking a day off is acceptable, knowing that High Hopes understands that volunteers are donating their time.
For Deb, volunteering with High Hopes has been an immensely rewarding experience. The joy of connecting with riders and fellow volunteers is palpable, creating a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond the typical volunteer role. She finds fulfillment not only in helping riders during sessions but also in the shared moments and camaraderie with the High Hopes community.
Deb continues to stay deeply connected and involved. Throughout the year, she dedicates her time to various programs, events, and gatherings. The sense of making a difference and the lasting impact on the riders fuel her commitment. Deb’s story is a testament to the enduring rewards of volunteering at High Hopes—a journey of commitment, connection, and continuous fulfillment.
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Missy Lamont Operations Director mlamont@highhopestr.org SPRING 2024
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Contact
I first came to High Hopes in 1995 to watch someone I had worked with compete in the equestrian competition of the Special Olympics World Games.
Her joy in the saddle told a story in itself. Fifteen years and several joint replacements later, I knew that if anyone could get me back in the saddle it would be High Hopes. And they did.
It was, though, so much more than just getting into the saddle. I learned about riding while working on maintaining core strength and balance in an aging body. My instructors opened the door to a whole world of learning about the horse, this wonderful animal I have so dearly loved all my life. I learned the lessons the horses taught as well. They taught me that the slightest shift in balance could make a large positive change. They taught me that seeing things through the eyes of another, human or equine, brings a broader perspective to the view. They taught me the best connections to others are forged over time, with patience, care for the other, and absolute honesty.
In all my time at High Hopes, there has never been a day, no matter how stiff or limited I may have been, that being on or with a horse hasn’t made it better.”
If you have not yet met Teddy our 26-year-old Morgan Gelding who arrived to High Hopes in 2007, he is eager to meet you.
Teddy was bred at the University of Vermont at Manchester in their world-famous Morgan breeding program. He will fall asleep while grooming and his short legs make for a bouncy trot which makes our riders smile and laugh with joy. We are so happy this fun-loving character is part of our herd. He is always up for something mischievous in his paddock.
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Judith Cohen Participant
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Teddy Herd Member
JOURNEYS OF COMMITMENT & CONNECTION
The Oliviers Donors
Lee and Bernadette Olivier, philanthropists, have invested in High Hopes for decades. Their unwavering commitment to our mission has had a tremendous impact on participants and families, volunteers, the herd, and staff. Their approach to philanthropy is to learn more about the current priorities and make gifts that have an immediate impact. Their giving has supported the High Hopes Fund, June Benefit, and scholarships. Lee has also championed corporate support by Eversource Energy. Their recent gift to establish the Lee and Bernadette Olivier Technology Fund improves our business practices and allows the talented High Hopes team to focus their energy on our mission. While our services are rooted in horse and human interactions, the infrastructure to support these services is rooted in technology. High Hopes is deeply grateful for their thoughtful and generous support.
Overabove Business Partner
Overabove, a strategic marketing firm headquartered in Chester, Connecticut, has been a committed High Hopes partner for decades.
Their guidance has included strategic positioning to communicate the High Hopes difference powerfully and persuasively, along with creative services for the High Hopes Fund’s annual campaigns. Overabove has also helped evolve the High Hopes visual brand, including the logo’s 50th Anniversary refresh.
CEO John Visgilio has long been aligned with High Hopes’ values:
Many in the Overabove family have a personal connection to High Hopes, so it’s been an honor to use our expertise to help further their mission. We drive action by putting our clients’ unique stories in front of the right audience, and telling the High Hopes story has had a profound impact—on donors and the Overabove team alike.”
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THE MISSION
The magic isn’t confined to the physical realm. Emotional bonds formed between individuals and horses foster a deep sense of companionship and trust.
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Engaging with horses in therapeutic activities goes beyond the surface, delving into the profound ways these incredible animals contribute to human well-being.
Consider the physical benefits—riding a horse demands balance and coordination, promoting core strength and motor skills. The rhythmic movement of a horse’s gait stimulates muscle development and enhances flexibility. It’s not just about riding; it’s a dynamic exercise in physicality.
Yet, the magic isn’t confined to the physical realm. Emotional bonds formed between individuals and horses foster a deep sense of companionship and trust. Horses, perceptive creatures attuned to human emotions, become empathetic partners. Through these interactions, participants develop emotional awareness and learn to regulate their feelings.
Equine-assisted activities also shine in social arenas. Teamwork, communication, and cooperation are essential when working with horses, offering opportunities to build social skills and forge meaningful relationships. Group activities create a sense of community and shared accomplishment, enriching the overall experience.
On a cognitive level, engaging with horses involves following instructions during tasks, improving memory, and honing problem-solving skills. The concentration required in these activities contributes to mental focus and attention.
The non-judgmental nature of horses creates a safe space, enabling individuals to overcome challenges and build self-confidence.
Empowerment is a key theme. Mastering equestrian skills instills a sense of accomplishment, fostering feelings of empowerment and independence. This is particularly poignant for those facing physical challenges, where the experience of controlling a powerful animal becomes a symbol of strength.
The therapeutic impact extends to mindfulness and stress reduction. The calming presence of horses, combined with the rhythmic motion of riding, reduces stress and anxiety. Outdoor settings contribute to the overall therapeutic experience, creating a natural and tranquil environment.
In essence, equine-assisted activities tap into the unique qualities of horses—their sensitivity, nonjudgmental nature, and rhythmic movements. The connection forged between humans and horses transcends the ordinary, offering a holistic approach to well-being where physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects intertwine, creating a wealth of healing and empowerment.
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Staff Profile: Missy
Meet Missy Lamont, Operations Director at High Hopes, with over 15 years of experience in equine-assisted therapies in Southwest Florida. Her journey in this industry commenced as a volunteer at a therapeutic riding center, as she looked for ways to find her “horsey fix”.
Evolving from a volunteer to roles such as Volunteer Coordinator, Program Director, and ultimately Executive Director, Missy’s passion led her to High Hopes in December 2023. As the organization marks its 50th anniversary, she sees it as an honor to contribute to its legacy.
Working with the dedicated staff and volunteers, Missy embraces her role, supporting High Hopes’ mission to positively impact participants through the transformative partnership of humans and horses.
Certified as a PATH Intl. therapeutic riding instructor,
she brings both passion and expertise to her work.
Missy’s active involvement with PATH Intl, currently serving on the governance committee, underscores her commitment to industry standards.
Beyond her professional life, Missy has a genuine love for horses and shares a connection with her retired horse in Texas. This personal bond enhances her understanding of the connection between humans and horses, reinforcing her dedication to the equineassisted therapies industry.
Missy Lamont Operations Director mlamont@highhopestr.org
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IN CONNECTING WITH MISSY?
Missy Lamont Operations Director
INTERESTED
Innovative Ways to Give
Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund, or DAF, is like a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a donor-advised fund, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Then those funds can be invested for tax-free growth, and you can recommend grants to High Hopes or any eligible IRSqualified public charity. Donor-advised funds are the fastest-growing giving vehicle because they are one of the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to give to charity.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
If you are 70 ½ or older, in 2024 you can contribute up to $105,000 tax-free from a traditional IRA to High Hopes without being subject to federal income taxes on the distribution. The gift must be made directly from the custodian of your IRA to High Hopes. Your rollover gift will be excluded from your gross income, and it counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD).
Gifts of Appreciated Stock
The stock market rebounded in 2023. Often, gifts of stock are a tax-wise option to give instead of cash. When you make a gift of long-term appreciated stock, your gift amount is the current market value of that stock and you avoid capital gains tax when the stock is transferred directly to High Hopes.
In our 50th anniversary year, we are proud to announce the High Hopes Legacy Society is renamed the Sis and Lytt Gould Society.
The society celebrates donors who have made a planned gift to invest in our future.
In 1974, Sis Gould founded the Lower Connecticut Valley Educational Riding Association (now known as High Hopes Therapeutic Riding). Horses were the center of Sis’ bold and creative spirit. Working so closely with horses over much of her life, she understood their potential for human healing and growth. Her husband Lytt, was always at her side, championing her vision.
Sis was a doer, a person who believed that if she tried hard enough it would make things better. She saw a need for helping those with disabilities through horsemanship. She turned her energy and attention to creating an equine-assisted therapy program that would provide some of the same experiences with horses that highlighted her life. Known for rallying friends from many corners of her life to support those missions in which she believed, she pressed them into service for this newly created program.
Like Sis and Lytt Gould’s vision, planned giving ensures the vibrant future of High Hopes for generations to come. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your planned giving options.
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PHILANTHROPIC SOLUTIONS
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SPRING 2024 WANT MORE GIVING INFO?
Contact Claire Gadrow Chief Philanthropy Officer cgadrow@highhopestr.org
