Andi Holland
Executive Director
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Lots of exciting news to share! |
Savannah Station was honored to have been chosen as one of five Impact Oklahoma finalists! Two very deserving nonprofits were each awarded $100K at the Impact Oklahoma Annual Meeting on May 9. Impact Oklahoma is a group of women who are out to make a difference in Central Oklahoma. They pool their money to help nonprofit organizations make a bigger impact. Ladies, please consider joining this worthwhile organization. All the information can be found at impactok.org.
Plans are coming together for our Administration Center expansion. The materials for the building have arrived and are on site. We should be approved for a building permit very soon and work will begin! The Administration Center will provide much needed training, gathering, office space and restrooms! This investment in infrastructure is critical to the continued growth of Savannah Station.
As we have grown our need for more fundraising has grown too. In an effort to develop a strictly fundraising event to meet future revenue needs we will be separating the fundraising event from the recognition event. The recognition event will continue to celebrate the family and community that has been so faithful through the years, while the other will keep our program financially moving forward. Following are the details:
Horseback Heroes Gala, Saturday, September 28, 6 p.m. - This will be the second year for this high octane fundraiser. The event was incredibly successful last year, raising over $154k! Tomas Manske and Mecca Lovick are chairing a powerhouse gala committee. It is sure to be a tremendous fundraiser for Savannah Station! The Horseback Heroes Gala will be held at the Petroleum Club in Downtown Oklahoma City. A full list of sponsorships is available now at savannahstation.org/Horseback-Heroes-Gala
Horsin' Around, Saturday, August 10, 6 p.m. - A fun BBQ and dance party for our family, friends and community to celebrate all that God has done, is doing, and will do at Savannah Station! Lori and David Mathena are graciously hosting the festivities at their lovely farm in Yukon. Entertainment will be provided by Kyle Dillingham and Horseshoe Road Band. Tickets are $45.
Mark your calendars for these two big events in the life of Savannah Station.
Thank you all for your support!
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Join us for Savannah Station’s Annual Gala - A beautiful evening together in support of our mission of offering Hope and Healing to people with special needs through the amazing power of the Horse. The event is full of breathtaking views, delectable cuisine, and the company of like-minded individuals coming together in support of the life-changing work of Savannah Station.
The bond between our amazing horses and our riders creates profound moments of connection and growth. Participants gain newfound confidence and resilience as they experience the joy of riding, defy disabilities, and create lifelong friendships with the horses, our volunteers, and each other.
Your support is critical in making these life-changing moments possible. We invite you to become a part of this transformative journey by joining us as a sponsor. There are many opportunities to choose from and we are grateful for each sponsorship.
Your selections can be made by clicking the Sponsorship button below. Your generous support directly impacts the lives of our participants, helping them overcome life’s challenges and achieve their dreams.
Seated Dinner, Silent and Live Auctions, Open Bar, Powerful Stories
and Much More!
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Apollo, Clem's name for Pollo, the majestic horse at Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program, is more than a therapeutic animal to Clem, a young boy with autism; he is a guiding light and a soulful companion. Together, they share a profound bond that transcends the typical interactions between a horse and rider, illuminating their path with joy, understanding, and a delightful dose of mutual stubbornness. In the arena, their sessions are more than therapy; they are a dance of wills and personalities, where Apollo’s occasional detours and Clem’s firm ideas create a playful yet deeply meaningful exchange. This dynamic not only adds a layer of fun to their meetings but also enhances the therapeutic experience, teaching Clem vital life skills such as patience, resilience, and the art of negotiation. Each moment of mischief and stubborn standoff is a lesson in empathy and adaptation, wrapped in laughter and light-heartedness. Apollo’s intuitive connection with Clem goes beyond the physical strides they take together; it reaches into the realms of emotional and psychological growth. As Clem sits atop Apollo, he isn’t just riding; he’s leading, learning, and loving every minute of the interaction. Each session is a step toward empowerment, a testament to the incredible journey of growth that occurs when two spirits are perfectly aligned. Apollo doesn’t just carry Clem across the arena; he carries him towards new levels of confidence and joy. Their partnership is a beacon of hope and a celebration of the unique, unspoken dialogue that can exist between a boy and his horse. It’s a reminder that the most significant strides in life sometimes come from the joyous interplay of strong wills and loving hearts. Together, Clem and Apollo are not just navigating a therapeutic course; they are soaring towards a brighter, more inclusive world, demonstrating the beautiful possibilities that arise when we connect heart to heart, soul to soul.
-Parent's of Clem
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Hope & Healing Through Her Eyes
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Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program is a special program that I have committed my whole heart to. I am so very fortunate and blessed to have been able to become a part of this program and loving family for 6 years now. As a volunteer I get as much or more from this program as I give. From the amazing staff, other volunteers, families and the wonderful kids I have a place that helps to heal and promote kindness and love. The program has had many changes over the past 11 years, but the mission remains the same; Offering Hope and Healing to people with special needs through the amazing power of the Horse. From the beginning until today this proven form of therapeutic activity is offered to families of those with special needs free of charge. Currently there are 85 special needs riders, 14 amazing therapeutic program horses, a committed board of directors, six staff members and over 200 highly valued volunteers. The benefits of equine assisted activities are undeniable, and our services are in demand with a waiting list of hopeful participants. Deepening our impact is the driving force. Located on 20 beautiful acres in Yukon, Oklahoma, Savannah Station has been changing the lives for people with disabilities since 2013. The organization serves a large population center as the only therapeutic riding program in the Oklahoma City metro. Our instructors are rigorously trained and certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl). Savannah Station TRP is a PATH Intl. Member Center, working towards Premier Accreditation, the highest level of ac-creditation possible. Why is Savannah Station and equine assisted activities worthy of your support? Savannah Station is a place for families who are dealing with the additional responsibilities of a child with special needs. It is a place of acceptance in the kind eye of a horse, a place of peace and joy. It is a place where those in wheelchairs experience the sensation of walking. On a daily basis, we see improved coordination, balance and flexibility. We've seen nonverbal riders begin to speak and once weak muscles become strong. We have watched time after time the level of pride and self-confidence revealed in beautiful smiles. We've shed many happy tears as we watch our riders make surprising breakthroughs that were never supposed to happen. Because of Savannah Station, there are now children who have avoided additional surgeries, children sitting tall and riding independently, children winning gold medals and having the self-confidence to impact their schools and communities. If you have any questions or are interested in helping the program in any way you can contact the Director, Andi Holland, or me personally. Just a warning I can talk forever and share so many stories of love and passion about this program.
Marjory Jones, Volunteer
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Life.Church's Campus Serve Day
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A huge THANK YOU to Life.Church Yukon for coming out in mass on April 6th and working so hard to complete several projects that would have taken us months to accomplish! They cut down dead trees, outlined the office drive with pavers and cleaned up the grounds around temporary housing all in record time! We appreciate our partnership with Life.Church and all they do in support of Savannah Station!
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Interning at Savannah Station
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Samantha
Nursing
Oklahoma Christian Univ.
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1. What school do you attend, what is your major? Why did you choose Savannah Station to complete your intern hours? I attend Oklahoma Christian University as a Nursing Major. I chose Savannah Station because I have a passion for horses and all things western. A friend told me about Savannah Station when I was asking about places to volunteer for my missionary class. The barn ended up being 10 min from my house!
2. What skills, techniques or knowledge have you gained during your time at Savannah Station? The skills I have gained during my time at Savannah Station are techniques that can be carried throughout my journey in life. Being around horses requires calmness and patience and even more with our special guests. Being someone who struggles with stress, being at Savannah Station is teaching me to be at peace even when things can potentially go wrong.
3. How can you apply what you have learned at Savannah Station to your major? What I have learned at Savannah Station can of course be applied to my nursing major, but these skills go beyond nursing. I believe nursing is a holistic profession that addresses the mind, body and soul of each patient just as Savannah Station cares for their horses and riders.
4. What would you tell other students who are looking for an internship opportunity? Other students who are looking for internships opportunities or need volunteer hours, Savannah Station is the way to go! Watching these special kids face their fears and work through their disabilities to connect with such a fascinating animal who understands them, is like connecting souls. Maybe you will heal too!
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Abigail
Pre-OT/Exercise Science
Southern Nazarene Univ.
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1. What school do you attend, what is your major? Why did you choose Savannah Station to complete your intern hours? I attend Southern Nazarene University and my major consists of both Pre-Occupational Therapy and Exercise Science. I chose Savannah Station to complete my internship hours because I was already a volunteer and it allowed me to expand beyond the typical clinic setting.
2. What skills, techniques or knowledge have you gained during your time at Savannah Station? I have learned so much during my time here about horse care, displaying confidence, and of course the riders! I have learned their preferences and what makes them have the most fun with the best outcomes.
3. How can you apply what you have learned at Savannah Station to your major? I find myself applying my occupational therapy courses the most when it comes to the riders mounting/dismounting the horse and protecting their bodies. There is also importance in creating a relationship with riders to increase excitement and encourage improvement in classes.
4. What would you tell other students who are looking for an internship opportunity? Savannah Station is definitely a unique opportunity for an internship that many students may not even think about. Students with a therapy related major may feel unsatisfied in a typical clinical setting but not here! This has been a great environment to expand my interests alongside great leaders and instructors.
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Lety
Human Development & Family Science in Child Development Univ. of Central Oklahoma
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1. What school do you attend, what is your major? Why did you choose Savannah Station to complete your intern hours? I attend the University of Central Oklahoma and I am majoring in Human Development and Family Science in Child Development. I chose Savannah Station to complete these hours because I had heard how great it was there and how fun it was to help there.
2. What skills, techniques or knowledge have you gained during your time at Savannah Station? I have gained quite a few at Savannah Station I have learned patience, working together, and knowing how to be more responsible.
3. How can you apply what you have learned at Savannah Station to your major? I can apply all these skills I learned to expose them when I am working in other internships or when I get my job in my career.
4. What would you tell other students who are looking for an internship opportunity? If there are students looking for an intern opportunity, I would tell them to check Savannah Station out and they will not regret it. I think Savannah Station offers a lot of opportunity and are very easy to work with and that is something really important when doing an internship.
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Hannah
Kinesiology
Univ. of Central Oklahoma
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1. What school do you attend, what is your major? Why did you choose Savannah Station to complete your intern hours? I attend the University of Central Oklahoma, and I am in progress of getting a Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology. My reason for choosing Savannah Station to complete my practicum hours is because of their use in horses as an aid in therapy. Animals have such an incredible power to heal.
2. What skills, techniques or knowledge have you gained during your time at Savannah Station? Throughout my time at Savannah Station, I have gained knowledge in safety, horses, and special needs individuals. I have learned how to encourage and interact with others.
3. How can you apply what you have learned at Savannah Station to your major?
I will be able to apply the things I have learned at Savannah Station towards my future patients. Hoping to work in a therapy setting, my time at Savannah Station has taught me how to safely handle individuals in need of therapy.
4. What would you tell other students who are looking for an internship opportunity? I would advise any student to consider Savannah Station as their site for internship opportunities. My time here has opened my heart and mind, far more than I expected. This organization has such a wonderful mission, surrounded by even more wonderful people.
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Meet Our New Board Members
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I am excited to join Savannah Station as a board member and as a class volunteer. I am a retired operating room supervisor and serve as a nurse during a summer session at Kanakuk Christian Sports Camp in Branson, MO. I'm an active member of Trinity Baptist Church in Yukon and an active Master Gardener in the Canadian County Chapter. My hobbies are cooking, gardening, and traveling. I have been married to my best friend, Butch Hensley, for 47 years. We have two beautiful daughters and two amazing grandchildren. Our youngest daughter competes as an equestrian hunter jumper. We travel with her to shows. I am the mom of the best horse on the Savannah Station healing team, Van Gough. Rhonda and her husband live in Yukon, Oklahoma. |
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Ken is the owner of Archery Traditions, an indoor range and pro-shop located in Yukon. He serves on the Yukon Chamber of Commerce board and is very involved in the community where he supports several non-profit organizations that help those in need. Ken is a proud Navy veteran. Throughout his life, he has been very involved in various ministries. Ken served in the Royal Rangers organization for over 20 years from the local level up to and including the national staff for 6 years. He has served as a conference Men's Ministries director and as a church administrator. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Brenda, for 44 years. He has two lovely daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. Ken lives in Yukon, Oklahoma.
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Sam is formally from Yukon and now lives with his wife, Nikki, on their ranch in Cogar. After recently retiring with 40 years of Federal government service, Sam is a full-time rancher. He and Nikki have a cow/calf operation, along with cattle dogs, chickens, ducks and horses. Sam and Nikki have five grandsons and one granddaughter, all of whom live in Oklahoma. Sam has several college degrees but the one he is most proud of is his degree in Child Development. While Sam attended Oklahoma State University, he worked as a pre-school teacher. He has been an arena volunteer for many years at Savannah Station and was a class volunteer and mentor in the Alternative School
Program at Sunset, the forerunner of our program. Sam’s volunteer experiences include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Center of Family Love, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and being a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the Canadian County Court System. Sam’s life philosophy stems from the children’s book, “Tuck Everlasting”, i.e., “Don’t be afraid of death, be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever; you just have to live.”
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Pollo was born in 2005, Sorrel and White Tobiano American Paint Gelding.
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Pollo, is all boy and pretty much the Dennis the Menace around the barn. He is sweet and funny and is a great match for quiet and shy riders. He is also gaited providing a smooth walk for some of our more delicate riders. Pollo is very dependable, he is slow, but he will take advantage of you if you don’t have a strong leader which presents a good challenge for our riders!
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Marlie has been riding Pollo for about two years now, there is not one instance in particular that I can think of but every week that she rides him, she is so happy and so excited to get to Savannah Station to ride Pollo. When asked who her favorite horse is she always smiles real big and names him. She loves giving him kisses. He is so gentle, she loves being on his back. When she is up there he is calm and steady and that gives her confidence. When we ask Marlie what her favorite part of riding is she always says Pollo!
-Parent of Marlie
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1. What inspired you to volunteer? My father used to always say ''It's imperative to give back in life - you should always leave people and things better off than you found them"......I wanted to give back, and Savannah station seemed the perfect fit combining my love of people with special needs and horses, little did I know that I was going to be the one receiving and being better off.
2. My favorite part of volunteering is .. Seeing the confidence, smiles and empowerment on the faces of our riders is overwhelming at times. And then you add the small miracles and the giggles, it just doesn't get any better.
3. What would you say to someone considering volunteering here? Be prepared to receive much more than you think you're going to give!
4. What do you like to do outside of your time at Savannah Station? I would have to say my first love is loving on my grandchildren, you can never get enough of that. I have been a volunteer for Special Olympics for 40 years, and in my spare time I love to have a good book to read.
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1. What inspired you to volunteer? After a 30 year career in banking and another 10 years in nonprofit management, I retired in 2021. I took a year to fill in as an interim CEO at an OKC free medical clinic. I met Ruth Stemens with the NW OKC Chamber of Commerce before I retired and learned about Savannah Station. We both shared a love for horses and admired the therapeutic benefit that Savannah is able to accomplish using these amazing animals. I realized that I can combine my love for helping people with my love for horses in this compassionate organization.
2. My Favorite part of volunteering is ... working as a team with the staff and volunteers that share the same mission-led focus. The focus culminates in a sense of pride and accomplishment in the hearts of our riders that can be seen by the smiles on riders’ faces and sometimes squeals of excitement.
3. What would you say to someone considering volunteering here? If you are looking for a home that values your involvement at any level consider Savannah. You will find an environment that is welcoming, loving, mission focused and a good steward of valuable donations.
4. What do you like to do outside of your time at Savannah Station? I spend most of my time with family especially two grandkids. I also love the outdoors, and try to run or hike about 5 miles every day. My husband and I have a goal of visiting (and hiking) every National Park in the US, we have about 50 more to go!
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There are lots of things happening at Savannah Station in the coming months so mark your calendars with the following dates, you won't want to miss out! More information will be provided through the website as each event gets closer or you can email info@savannahstation.org for more information.
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Volunteer Orientation May 30th, 6-8:30pm
Camp Week June 3rd-7th, 9am-Noon (volunteers needed!)
Summer Story Time Tuesday's, June 11th-July 23rd, from 9-10am for all riders and volunteers
Horsin' Around August 10th 6pm, at David and Lori Mathena's Farm
Horseback Heroes Gala September 28th 6pm, at the Petroleum Club
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Savannah Station's next Volunteer Orientation will be Thursday, May 30th from 6-8:30pm. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP please email Brooke at volunteers@savannahstation.org
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Where miracles happen
in every class
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