OUR NEEDS
Shining Stars embraces the connection God has created between humans and horses, and we believe we can continue to be a refuge for those who need help. We are grateful for 20 years of ministry we have provided to our community and individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Our small farm of 13 acres served us well over several years but as the need in our community grew, we too grew. The need for a larger space provided us with a unique opportunity to purchase a 60-acre horse farm with room to grow for years to come.
Through interactions with horses, therapeutic horsemanship programs improve physical strength, coordination, and balance while enhancing emotional, social, and cognitive development. Studies have shown that equine-assisted therapy can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and can also improve self-esteem, self-confidence, and communication skills. Working with horses also promotes responsibility, empathy, and trust, which can be particularly valuable for individuals with special needs who may struggle with these areas.
Because of the continuous need for our services, the choice to expand our facilities was simple – we just need your help to make it happen.
OUR GOALS
The Shining Stars Therapeutic Ministries Capital Campaign is a $3 million effort to purchase and complete all necessary renovations for our new location. These include:
- A new client space and reception area, accessible bathrooms, and staff offices
- Indoor arena renovations including electricity, new ventilation, and fans
- New fencing and ancillary buildings to store hay and equipment
- A new horsecart storage facility that is connected directly to the indoor arena – this will allow easy access from the storage facility to the indoor arena during inclement weather
Our timeline is to complete the entire project within three years. With $1.2 million already raised, we know we can reach our goal of $3 million by 2026.
