 |
| Bill Johnson, President of Equine Dreams |
|
About Our Program
Equine Dreams is a not-for-profit organization which provides therapeutic horseback riding. Our program began in 1998 and is sanctioned by NARHA, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. All services are free to our clients.
There is a need for this type of therapy in DeKalb, Kendall, and LaSalle counties which has been confirmed by the immense interest shown in Equine Dreams. In 2007, we rode 60-111 adults and children weekly. Some of the benefits of therapeutic riding are physical strength, improved postural stability, improved flexibility, improved balance, facilitation of gait, and self-confidence.
Equine Dreams is located on the south side of Sandwich, IL.
Riding programs are available during the spring, summer, and fall on an individual basis, determined by the participant’s personal physician, therapist and riding instructor.
The people of Equine Dreams are all volunteers:
~Our president is Bill Johnson; vice-president Marty Hunt; secretary Windy Kopecky; treasurer Barb Wrobel.
~Our CEO is Sharon Mason.
~Head of fundraising is Marilyn Tebrugge.
~Head Instructors are Sharon Mason and Windy Kopecky. Other certified instructors are Sarah Hunt, Julie Gavin, and Barb Wrobel. We currently have one intern, Ricky Mason, who is anticipating completing his certification in the near future.
~Volunteer side-walkers and horse leaders are a very important part of Equine Dreams and everyone's time and talents are greatly appreciated.
As a charitable corporation, Equine Dreams depends solely on donations. The center, horses, and equipment are in place, but the dream must have funding to cover board, feed, veterinary care, etc.
|
|
EQUINE DREAMS MISSION STATEMENT
Equine Dreams is a not-for-profit therapeutic riding program dedicated to providing free therapeutic sessions to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and social disabilities.
Equine assisted therapy is a unique therapy tool in that with the assistance of a horse, an individual who is learning to walk can experience the three dimensional movement of ambulation. Through this movement the rider learns the functional tasks for weight shifting, balance, and equilibrium responses which are all necessary components of simple ambulation. Due to its widespread acceptance as a therapy tool, and limited availability, equine assisted therapy is in great demand by individuals with disabilities.
Social isolation and limited access to services remain major problems to individuals with disabilities. Equine Dreams provides services to individuals from neighboring group homes and three surrounding counties in Northern Illinois. Equine Dreams operates entirely on funds generated by private donation, foundation grants, and in-kind donations. This assistance allows access to services without placing a financial burden on its participants.
The demand is great and the benefits of therapy are remarkable. This drives all of us at Equine Dreams to continually seek new avenues to provide and expand services to the children and adults who need it most. Currently Equine Dreams provides services to over one hundred riders a week.
Equine Dreams is staffed by a large group of volunteers that includes five registered NARHA Therapeutic Riding Instructors, one Physical Therapist with a specialty in Hippotherapy, and one Occupational Therapist.
Volunteer run, donation driven, ten years and counting.
|
~ Equine Dreams 2008 Ride season is well underway, and we look forward to a great year!
~ 2008 General Volunteer Orientation & Training Schedule
|
Equine Dreams "Dream Team" is again participating in the BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON! Click on the logo for more information.
| |
To obtain financial information or reports on Equine Dreams, please visit www.Guidestar.org and search for Equine Dreams. You can also donate to our organization securely through their site. |
|
