February Updates from HeartStrides
February 2020
Announcements & Upcoming News
Here's some news from around the ranch:
  • If you haven't heard, we launched our NEW website this month! You can view it here. We have a few sections we are still working on, but don't forget to bookmark the new link and let us know what you think!

  • We have our first annual fundraiser event scheduled for August 22nd, 2020 -- more information will be coming soon so keep a lookout and in the meantime, block the date out on your calendar so you can join us.

  • March begins our new program with youth from the Northwest School of Innovative Learning funded through the Nisqually Tribe!

  • The second cohort of The Next Mission (our 6-week military program) is beginning on March 16th and running through April 20th.

  • The first Equine-Assisted Youth Peer Support cohort of 2020 will begin with the family day brunch on March 7th and sessions will run from March 11th through April 22nd.

  • If you shop at Fred Meyer and wanted to sign up for the rewards, PLEASE see the correction below under the 'How You Can Help' section, there was a typo in the last newsletter. HeartStrides' code is actually TT806!
Family Recovery Court Pilot Program
At the end of January, we began a 4-week pilot program with some participants from Family Recovery Court in Thurston County. We had some great outcomes and wonderful feedback and comments from the participants.

All four participants' resilience scores increased over the course of the four weeks, and we saw increases in self-assurance, flexibility and adaptability, and problem-solving just to name a few.

One participant said the program was "an amazing addition to their recovery that has shown other perspectives." One of their favorite lessons was self-regulation and getting the immediate biofeedback from their horse partners.

We are currently working closely with the court administrator to secure funding to continue this program and serve more participants.
February Spotlight
We are featuring Dance for our February spotlight!

Dance is a bay Quarab (1/2 Quarter Horse, 1/2 Arabian) mare. She is registered with the Arabian Horse Association as a half-Arabian and her registered name is Impressive Dance. She was born in Vancouver, WA on March 16, 2000 making her 20 years old next month!

Dance came to Healing Hearts Ranch in July of 2013 and has been enjoying her job as an equine peer support and a lesson horse. Before becoming part of our herd, Dance was ridden in shows and competitions by a teen.
How You Can Help
Direct Donations
To donate online, please visit:
or
our direct PayPal link, here.


To donate by check, please mail to:
HeartStrides
3500 85th Ln SW
Olympia, WA 98512

Direct monetary donations are specifically used to:
  • Provide hay and care for our beloved equine partners
  • Increase the number of participants we can serve by providing scholarships
  • Host after school hours for youth
Donate Through Businesses
Amazon.com will donate 0.5% of your purchases to HeartStrides through Amazon Smile! You can do your normal shopping  and  support our mission at the same time! Shop our link and start supporting today:  smile.amazon.com/ch/27-3559358


If you shop at Fred Meyer, you can also do your regular grocery shopping and support HeartStrides at the same time. Just link your Fred Meyer Rewards card to HeartStrides with our code (TT806) and get shopping. You still keep all of your rewards, but our organization also benefits!


If you are a state employee, we are also signed up with the Combined Fund Drive -- donate today! Our WA state Charity Code is #1481074
Spread the Word
Please connect with us on social media, like and share our content, and help us build support to give our youth, families and veterans the chance to continue on their journey of healing through horses. We are looking forward to sharing more stories of hope and healing.
HeartStrides | www.heartstridestherapeutichorsemanship.com