Friends,

Let us take a moment to pause in gratitude and reflection, and with hearts turned toward reverence and hope, we offer this prayer:

Heavenly Father,

As we gather to witness the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, we seek your divine protection over all participants: jockeys, handlers, horses, trainers, owners and spectators.

May your grace surround them, guiding their hearts and minds in safety and sportsmanship. Let the thrill of the race remind us of the joy of community and the beauty of your creation.

We ask for your blessings upon this day, that it may be filled with excitement and joy, and that all may return home safely.

In your holy name, we pray. Amen

Dear Friends,

As spring unfolds around us, we give thanks for the many blessings this season has brought to our ministry and to the backstretch families we are privileged to serve.

This month, our hearts are especially full as we reflect on the outpouring of love and support around Mother’s Day. From Belmont to Saratoga, each chair was filled, each heart lifted, and every mother honored. We are deeply grateful to all who made these celebrations possible, including the generous partners of West Point Thoroughbreds. 

In Saratoga, our Kentucky Derby party was a joyful gathering. A special thank you to the Neighborhood Kitchen for providing a delicious dinner, and to the Saratoga Savvy Sisters, who not only served, set up, and brought an amazing dessert, but also beautified the garden outside the Rec Hall, bringing new life and color to our space.

Our Farm Ministry continues to grow, both in spirit and in fellowship. We were blessed by a beautiful evening of food prepared by the kind team at Questroyal Farm, in community and partnership with our friends from Starpoint Church.

Easter brought special joy this year, with not only traditional celebrations but a new twist: an Easter egg hunt for the adults on the backstretch, which brought such laughter and connection that it has continued into May.

We were honored to host the final recital of our dance classes, taught by the José Limón Dance Company, with a joyful family celebration. Our deepest thanks to Tina and Wayne Evans for sponsoring these classes, which brought movement, music, and meaning to our young participants.

We also extend heartfelt appreciation to Robert Hines and the NYRA team for welcoming our teens to Aqueduct. It was a wonderful day of inspiration and discovery, as they learned more about the diverse careers available within the Thoroughbred industry.

Finally, thank you to our longtime friends at Impressions of Saratoga for their continued generosity and thoughtful gifts to our backstretch families. Your kindness is a reminder that we are surrounded by a true community of care.



As always, we are humbled by the grace of God and the steadfast support of friends like you. Your prayers, your generosity, and your presence make our work possible. We are grateful beyond measure.



With love and gratitude,

Chaplain Humberto Chávez

Lead Chaplain and Executive Director

BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM

Our annual Back to School Program provides our children with a backpack filled with the specific supplies required by their teacher, as well as a brand new pair of sneakers.

The distribution of backpacks and sneakers is a festive celebration complete with first day of school haircuts. Your support has allowed this program to flourish and we thank you! You may participate in the 2025 program by clicking the button below.

THANK YOU TO OUR ORGANIZATIONAL SPONSORS