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Give to The Max 2024

Give to The Max 2024

Help us make healing possible through the power of animals!

At H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation, we believe in the transformative impact of animals on human healing. Whether it’s a gentle horse offering comfort to a child overcoming trauma, a loyal dog providing companionship to someone battling anxiety, or a curious cat helping a senior cope with loneliness, animals have a unique ability to break down barriers and foster emotional well-being.

Our mission is simple and profound: The Foundation supports EAGALA model programs in Southeast Minnesota that partner with animals to provide animal-assisted psychological services to clients of all ages, regardless of their financial situation.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of ensuring that everyone who could benefit from animal-assisted therapy can access it. Your generosity helps cover the costs of therapy for those who can’t afford it, funds the care and training of the incredible animal partners, and sustains our mission of promoting emotional well-being through the human-animal bond.

Help Us Reach Our Goal!

Our goal this Give to the Max Day is to raise $2,000 to fund animal-assisted therapy sessions for individuals who need it most. Together, we can provide hope, healing, and connection to those who need it, one session at a time.

How You Can Help:

  • Donate today and make a lasting impact on someone’s mental health journey.
  • Share our campaign on social media using the hashtag #GiveHOPE, and encourage others to support our cause.

Let’s come together this Give to the Max Day to make sure no one is denied the opportunity for healing and growth through animal-assisted therapy.

With your support, we can offer hope—and a future filled with possibility.

Donate now and be a part of something that truly makes a difference!

Thank you for your generosity and belief in the power of animals to heal hearts and minds.

Meet HOPE Ranch Foundation Board Member: Caroline Baihly

Meet HOPE Ranch Foundation Board Member: Caroline Baihly

Education:

BS in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona; MS in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota; DVM University

Place of Work:

Retired DVM.

Why I chose to join the board: 

Since retiring, I have found that serving on a board helps me interact with people. Having had therapy dogs (currently two) for a number of years, I know the benefits of animals helping people.

Meet HOPE Ranch Foundation Board Member: Lauren Fryer

Meet HOPE Ranch Foundation Board Member: Lauren Fryer

Education: BA in Sociology, University of Minnesota – Duluth : Master’s in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (expected graduation 2025)

Place of Work: Program Manager, Community Education & Engagement, Planned Parenthood North Central States

Why I chose to join the board: My experience with H.O.P.E. Ranch continues to serve as a major factor in my ability to pursue and maintain health and happiness in my life. Through the years, Kit and the animals have been integral forces in helping to navigate challenges and anxiety. I believe therapy should be available, accessible, and de-stigmatized for everyone.

  • I am passionate about animal assisted therapy and want to bring awareness to the possible benefits clients may experience.
  • I am passionate about the fundraising efforts and the commitment to helping make animal assisted therapy accessible for people as well as ensure the well-being of the animals.
  • I am passionate about community and utilizing partnership to build and maintain networks of care within our regions.
June Is PTSD Awareness Month: Signs, Treatments and How Horses Can Help

June Is PTSD Awareness Month: Signs, Treatments and How Horses Can Help

 The National Center for PTSD designates the entire month of June as PTSD Awareness Month in an effort to bring greater awareness to the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.)

WHAT IS PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone has been exposed to a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, such as sexual or physical assault, natural or man-made disaster, and war-related combat stress. Those suffering experience symptoms such as persistent intrusive thoughts and distressing dreams about the traumatic event, triggered emotional responses to reminders of the trauma, trying to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, and persistent hypervigilance for cues that indicate additional danger or trauma re-occurring.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD was created in 1989 by a congressional mandate. The goal was to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD.

After a traumatic event, the effects of the event fade over time for most people. But for others, the memories, thoughts, and feelings don’t go away – even months or years after the event is over. Mental health experts are not sure why some people develop PTSD and others do not.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS FOR PTSD

There are many possible treatments for PTSD and a person may have to try a number of them before finding one that works: Counseling and Psychotherapy Treatments such as Cognitive Psychotherapy, Exposure Psychotherapy Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing for instance. Some suffering from PTSD may also benefit from anti-depressant medications.

There’s a rapidly growing interest in equine-assisted psychotherapy supporting the psychological health and family relationships of service members, veterans, and their families worldwide.

More than 30 VA Medical Centers are participating in Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) programs all around the US.

WHY HORSES

According to EAGALA.ORG, The experiential nature of working with horses through the EAGALA Model engages military personnel in their own healing process, with solutions that meet them squarely on their own terms.

Horses have a special ability to help people work through emotional barriers, serving as metaphors and powerful stand-ins for the people, issues, and challenges in the client’s life. The EAGALA Model leads to powerful emotional breakthroughs and life-changing insights for the client, strengthening resilience and coping skills. Through the efforts of facilitators certified with EAGALA Military Services designation, service members, veterans, and their families can more quickly and completely understand and integrate new perspectives and behaviors into their lives.

This is especially true and valuable for people who suffer the effects of trauma. With the EAGALA Model Psychotherapy, clients challenge themselves in activities with horses that remove much of the perceived stigma associated with traditional talk Psychotherapy treatment methods.

If you know a military person or anyone suffering from PTSD, consider horse Psychotherapy through the EAGALA Model.

“We have conducted a number of EAGALA EAP sessions. The veterans who participate tell me that never have they found a group or individual session so useful and life-changing and that they have found hope. After these workshops, many reflect frequently on the experience and skills learned and then take these lessons into their daily lives.”

– Susan T. Lisi, AFGE Local 3306 Chief Steward,
VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, New York

“Seeing how differently the horses reacted to each one of us has helped
me get closer to my wife. It has brought our entire family
closer than we have ever been.”

Unleashing Healing with the EAGALA Method: A Closer Look at Equine-Assisted Therapy at HOPE Ranch

Unleashing Healing with the EAGALA Method: A Closer Look at Equine-Assisted Therapy at HOPE Ranch

Equine-Assisted Therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting emotional growth, self-discovery, and healing. At HOPE Ranch, we are committed to providing cutting-edge therapeutic interventions that empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive. One approach that we wholeheartedly embrace is the EAGALA method of Equine-Assisted Therapy, a unique and effective modality that guides our work with clients toward meaningful transformation.

What is the EAGALA Method?

The Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to setting the standard of excellence for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. The EAGALA method is a model of Equine-Assisted Therapy that emphasizes a team approach, involving a licensed therapist, a qualified equine specialist, and horses as active participants in the therapeutic process.

How is the EAGALA Method Implemented at HOPE Ranch?

At HOPE Ranch, we adhere to the principles of the EAGALA method in all aspects of our Equine-Assisted Therapy programs. Here’s how it works:

  1. Team Approach: The EAGALA model emphasizes collaboration between the therapist, equine specialist, and client. Our licensed therapists and certified equine specialists work together to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
  2. Ground-Based Activities: EAGALA sessions are conducted on the ground, with clients interacting with the horses in a controlled environment such as an arena or round pen. Ground-based activities allow for hands-on experiences that promote self-awareness, communication, and relationship-building.
  3. Client-Centered Process: In EAGALA sessions, the focus is on the client’s experience and insights. Our therapists facilitate discussions and reflections that encourage clients to explore their feelings, beliefs, and goals in relation to their interactions with the horses.
  4. Metaphorical Learning: Horses are powerful metaphors for human behavior and emotions, providing clients with tangible experiences that can be applied to their lives outside of the therapy session. Through guided activities and reflections, clients gain insights into patterns of behavior, communication styles, and interpersonal dynamics.
  5. Non-Prescriptive Approach: The EAGALA method is non-prescriptive, meaning that clients are empowered to explore their own solutions and insights without judgment or interpretation from the therapist. This client-centered approach fosters autonomy, self-discovery, and personal growth.

At HOPE Ranch, we are proud to be a certified EAGALA program, offering high-quality Equine-Assisted Therapy that adheres to the highest standards of ethical practice and professionalism. If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative power of the EAGALA method firsthand, we invite you to contact us today. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing, growth, and hope.

 

HOPE Ranch’s Equine-Assisted Therapy: Healing Through the Power of Horses

HOPE Ranch’s Equine-Assisted Therapy: Healing Through the Power of Horses

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the profound healing potential of animals in therapeutic settings. One such approach that has gained significant attention is Equine-Assisted Therapy, a unique form of therapy that harnesses the power of horses to promote emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. At HOPE Ranch, we are proud to offer Equine-Assisted Therapy as part of our comprehensive psychotherapy services, providing clients with a transformative experience unlike any other.

What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?

Equine-Assisted Therapy involves interactions between individuals and horses under the guidance of trained therapists or counselors. Unlike traditional therapy settings, where clients may sit in a clinical office, Equine-Assisted Therapy takes place in an outdoor environment, often in a natural setting such as a pasture or arena. The focus is on engaging with the horses through various activities and exercises, which can include grooming, leading, and groundwork.

Equine-Assisted Therapy at HOPE Ranch

At HOPE Ranch, we integrate Equine-Assisted Therapy into our psychotherapy programs to address a wide range of mental health and behavioral issues. Our team of licensed therapists and certified equine specialists work together to create customized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs and goals.

Equine-Assisted Therapy sessions at HOPE Ranch may include:

  1. Building Trust and Communication: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and nonverbal cues, making them excellent partners for building trust and communication skills. Clients learn to communicate effectively with the horses, which can translate to improved relationships and interpersonal skills in their daily lives.
  2. Emotional Regulation: Interacting with horses can evoke a range of emotions, providing clients with opportunities to practice emotional regulation and self-awareness. Through guided activities, clients learn to identify and manage their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
  3. Overcoming Challenges: Working with horses can present clients with challenges that require problem-solving and resilience. By overcoming obstacles and achieving success in their interactions with the horses, clients gain confidence and self-esteem.
  4. Mindfulness and Presence: Spending time with horses encourages clients to be present in the moment and attuned to their surroundings. This mindfulness practice promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and increased self-awareness.
  5. Healing Trauma: Horses have a natural ability to sense and respond to emotional distress, making them valuable partners in trauma recovery. Equine-Assisted Therapy can help clients process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies for managing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.

At HOPE Ranch, we are dedicated to providing a holistic approach to healing and growth, and Equine-Assisted Therapy is an integral part of our commitment to client-centered care. If you’re interested in learning more about Equine-Assisted Therapy or exploring our psychotherapy services, we invite you to contact us today. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing, transformation, and hope.

 

The 3rd Annual Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser

The 3rd Annual Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser

Bring the entire family to Chip Shots for a day of fun for a great cause. Food, games, wine and whiskey pull, as well as a silent auction!

When: Saturday, September 28th, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Chip Shots, 3708 N Broadway Ave Suite 140, Rochester, MN.

Event Admission Ticket Prices:
Adult (Ages 12+) $55.00
Children (5-11) $40.00
Under 5 free

Cornhole Registration:
Each player must also purchase event admission ticket, enter PROMO code Cornhole for 20% off each admission ticket as a cornhole player)
$40.00 per team of 2 players

Event Admission Ticket price includes:
T-shirt while supplies last*
Buffet meal with soda
Admission

Save the Date: The 3rd Annual Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser

Save the Date: The 3rd Annual Kaylie Meyer Memorial Fundraiser

,


Bring the entire family to Chip Shots for a day of fun for a great cause. Food, games, wine and whiskey pull, as well as a silent auction!

Get Your Tickets Today!

When: Saturday, September 28th, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Chip Shots, 3708 N Broadway Ave Suite 140, Rochester, MN.

Event Admission Ticket Prices:
Adult (Ages 12+) $55.00
Children (5-11) $40.00
Under 5 free

Cornhole Registration Fee
Each player must also purchase event admission ticket, enter PROMO code Cornhole for 20% off each admission ticket as a cornhole player.
$40.00 per team of 2 players

Event Admission Ticket price includes:
T-shirt while supplies last*
Buffet meal with soda
Admission

Kaylie’s dream was to become a therapist and help people suffering with mental illness or disabilities utilizing horses. She had spent years riding and being around horses and in doing so had learned how valuable a relationship with a horse could be. As she began learning about equine assisted psychotherapy she realized horses are extremely sensitive and can pick up on body language which in turn provides valuable feedback to the individual.

Kaylie’s family and friends established this Memorial Fund after she passed away from blood clots in 2022. Though she never had the chance to carry out her dream, it lives on through this fund which goes to the H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation (HRF). HRF provides crucial financial support for equine-assisted psychotherapy being carried out in SE MN by EAGALA certified practitioners. Funds raised will support programs to feed and care for the animals utilized in the work, including veterinary, farrier, stable, pasture care, and other services necessary to provide for the well-being of the animals.

Mental health services are needed now more than ever and the reality is insurance companies do not reimburse mental health services like other healthcare. In fact, for some, it is not reimbursed at all. This is why your support is so important! In addition to caring for the animals, this memorial fund will be used to support uninsured and/or underinsured clients seeking these services.

Kaylie’s family and friends wish to thank all who continue to support this fund, you are making a difference in this world and that is all that Kaylie ever wanted to do! You are all a part of helping her dream of helping others come true.

THANK YOU!

Char Lillie-Canva

Meet HOPE Ranch Foundation Board Member: Char Lillie

Name:

 Charlene Martin-Lillie

Credentials:

 BA, Arizona State University, 1994; MA St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Counseling and Psychological Services, 2002. Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach 2012.

Work Place:

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Why I chose to join the board: 

After working on a fundraising committee for the last 2 years for the H.O.P.E. Ranch Foundation, I knew I wanted to be a part of the board. The compassionate people, the animals, and the beautiful ranch itself make this a very special place. I have witnessed the positive impact that horses (and other animals) can make on mental health within my own family. I want others to be able to have this opportunity; to learn, to grow, and to heal with the help of H.O.P.E Ranch.  I am honored to be a part of the foundation.
Barn Staff

Join Our Barn Staff Team at HOPE Ranch! 🐾

Passionate about animals? Seeking a dynamic work environment where you can make a difference? Look no further!

At HOPE Ranch, we’re not just an organization; we’re a family dedicated to providing exceptional care for our animals. Here’s what some of our past employees have to say:

🌟 “Everybody here is so nice and easygoing.”
🌟 “I enjoy spending time around the horses, each with their own personalities.”
🌟 “I like that no 2 days are the same. It’s a ‘non-traditional’ office setting.”

As part of our Barn Staff, you’ll play a crucial role in the daily care of our facilities and animals. Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, grooming, and more.

Snapshot of Responsibilities:

  • Morning and evening chores, with flexible shifts.
  • Maintenance, cleaning, and grooming tasks.
  • Opportunity for additional training.

Required Skills:

  • Autonomy and independence.
  • Passion for working with animals.
  • Time management and willingness to handle various tasks.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Must be able to handle physical activity and lift up to 40 pounds.

Compensation: Competitive pay based on experience.

Interested in joining our team? Contact Michelle at secretary@hoperanchteam.com or call 507-421-6036 to learn more.
HOPE Ranch is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment Type: Part-Time/Non-exempt, hourly.
Location: Onsite at HOPE Ranch.
Reports to: Kit Muellner, CEO.
Make a difference in the lives of animals and our community – join HOPE Ranch today!

[Full Job Description]

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