“Caring for those who live their lives in service to others.”

The People, Horses, & Dogs Program

Those in ministry, first responders, and veterans face unique stressors. In caring for others, they regularly expose themselves to the pain and suffering of others. These experiences can have a profound impact on the mental and emotional well-being of these guardians, and puts them at risk for ongoing mental health issues, and PTSD.

Studies show that they are at a higher risk for developing PTSD or trauma related emotional injuries than the general population.

What does trauma look like?

Intrusive distressing memories,

Nightmares and sleep difficulties,

Flashbacks (a sense of reliving the event),

Anger and irritability,

Avoiding places, events, objects that may remind of the experience

Avoiding topics

Being easily startled

Difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction.

For a more thorough list visit: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

What we offer:

Linking to licensed mental health professionals who are specially trained and experienced in working with trauma. Our mental health partners provide traditional Cognitive Behavioral therapy along with EMDR, BLS, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, and other proven effective therapies.

Financial support: Our mental health professionals offer financial assistance to help those who are uninsured or under-insured.

Professional evaluations: We offer professional evaluations for PTSD for veterans who are applying for VA disability benefits for Post Traumatic Stress disorder. We can also help completing necessary paperwork for your required Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and Nexxus letter.

In the future: we want to provide Equine Facilitate Psychotherapy at our program.

At this time, we are working with volunteers to rebuild our barn that was destroyed in Hurricane Milton.

No cost accommodations for those who are traveling out of state. This will allow individuals, and their families to stay locally while they receive healing therapy and support.

We want to acquire the land to build a covered arena where we can provide equine assisted services regardless of the weather. The arena will help to provide shade in the heat of summer, and cover during the rain.

Rescue of Horses and Dogs in need. While the animals are recovering and rehabilitating, they can help the humans who are also recovering.

Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is a form of animal-assisted therapy that utilizes horses to help individuals recover from symptoms of traumatic stress. 

In 2024 the VA released statistics that among all US adults in 2022, there were on average, 131.2 suicides per day, with 17.6 veterans suicides per day. This is too many. Let’s make a difference!