Horses with Hope Stays Busy Over the Winter Months Tim Gagne
W h i l e We s t e r n Pennsylvania is winding down for the winter, Horses with Hope Discovery, Growth & Learning Programs, which earlier this year moved to the Upper St. Clair Historical Society’s Gilfillan Farm, is still going strong with a variety of programs and events.
Equine Assisted Learning Horses with Hope’s Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs for groups of six or more are designed to promote personal growth and the development of positive social/life skills in a fun and supportive environment. EAL uses a research-based curriculum of activities designed to address individual goals and needs. Each equine interaction is un-mounted and framed to help individuals learn and grow. All programs are taught by a PATHintl TR instructor and/or an EAGALA-certified equine specialist at Horses with Hope’s indoor facility on Brush Run Road in Bethel Park.
Giving Tuesday and United Way Campaigns Giving Tuesday will be held this year on Tuesday, November 30. The idea behind Giving Tuesday is to take a break from the bedlam of holiday shopping to focus on helping those in need in our own community. Please consider Horses with Hope in your 2021 Giving Tuesday contributions. To donate, visit https://www.horseswithhope.org/donate. Does your company conduct an annual United Way campaign? Or maybe you give to the United Way and the myriad of nonprofits it supports. Horses with Hope is a beneficiary organization of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. If you’re planning a United Way donation, please specify that you’d like your contribution to go to Horses with Hope. Annual Bowling Fundraiser You’ll be bowled over by the amazing time you’ll have at Horses with Hope’s annual bowling fundraiser on Sunday, November 14, noon–3 p.m. at Meadows Lanes, Meadows Racetrack & Casino, 210 Racetrack Road in Washington, Pennsylvania. Twenty-four lanes are reserved for this event, so it’ll be a great way to interact with staff, volunteers, and supporters while raising money for Horses with Hope’s programs. The cost is $200 per lane or $35 per person. Register by contacting Joanne Slappo at 412-576-4154 or laslappo@verizon.net. Volunteer Opportunities Becoming a Horses with Hope volunteer is an ongoing opportunity that is more than just helping out. Volunteers are an integral part of the team. It’s through
their enthusiasm and dedication that the group is able to make a difference in the lives of others in our community. Volunteer opportunities exist within a variety of options. Not only within the stable and helping with the riding programs, volunteers are also welcomed in the areas of fundraising, student mentors, community events, animal care, and more. Volunteers must be 14 years of age to assist with therapeutic riding lessons. Volunteer forms and information can be found at www.horseswithhope.org/volunteer. About Horses with Hope Horses With Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The group’s programs focus on improving the lives of children, youth, and adults by assisting them in reaching beyond their abilities, allowing daily success and milestones to be accomplished through the partnership developed by horse and rider. n For more information on Horses with Hope Discovery, Growth & Learning Programs, visit https://www.horseswithhope.org.
Meet Buddy Meet Buddy, a new addition to the Horses with Hope herd that you may see as you walk or drive by Gilfillan Farm. This nine-year-old Haflinger arrived with the name “Buddy,” and it fits him perfectly! Always right by your side, he Buddy is proving to be everyone’s buddy. Entering the therapeutic riding program in the 2022 season, the Horses with Hope staff is confident that he’ll be a favorite among participants. n Visit Facebook @HWHTherapeuticRiding to see more animals coming soon to Gilfillan Farm.
Winter 2021
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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