News

November 15 2022

Kit Attend EGALA Training

Recently, HOPE Ranch Owner/CEO, Kit Muellner, attended EAGALA training in Elgin, Illinois. This training focused on “The Fundamentals of the EAGALA Model”. The training renews Kit’s certification.

This training featured Amy Blossom (Reins of Change), the new executive director for EAGALA, and Patti Mandrell, a certified EAGALA Trainer.

Kit said, “EAGALA is always evolving and improving. Every time you train with a new trainer they present differently and parts of the models are better explained. There have been improvements in techniques and a big change has been that there are more levels of training.”

One area of specialty for Kit is Corporate Training. Kit has completed the advanced training because an important part of what HOPE Ranch does is to design corporate and staff retreats.

HOPE Ranch Corporate and Staff Retreats help organizations:

Discover their team’s unique dynamics and build on them
Truly learn to value each team member
Improve cooperation & communication
Provide team dynamics & education that will last long after the sessions

“Another benefit of attending training,” Kit mentioned, “is to reconnect with long-time friends!”

August 30 2022

The Passing of Our Beloved D’Angela

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It is with a broken heart that I share the news of the passing of our beloved D’Angela.

She had a strangulating lipoma, which attached itself to her intestine & killed it. She was in a great deal of pain and the only thing to do for her was to humanely euthanize her. She is buried here on the ranch out in the pasture.

D’Angela & I have been a team for 26 & ½ years since she was 18 months old. When she first came to me, she was so head shy it took 3 months just to get her to trust me enough to let me put a halter on her easily. Together we went to many horse-training clinics and spent countless hours learning together. By the time I had “finished” (you’re never really done) training her, I rode her bareback without bridle/halter/reins of any kind. D’Angela was an amazing horse. She saved my life at least three times out on the trails. Together we won the Mid-America Paso Fino Trail Horse Championship (taking 1st place in 4 of the 5-class series) when she was just 3 years old. It was the first time in a show for both of us. The judges all commented on the bond we had even then. Together we taught many children and a few adults how to ride, often after spending many hours working on the ground to help them work through their fear of horses. She was always gentle and kind and took care of her rider.

D’Angela helped countless children, youth, families, adults, and corporate groups in her role as a HOPE Ranch therapy horse. She was a special soul who touched, and healed, the lives of many people. She loved being a Mom and raised two of her own foals, and raised our therapy horse, Red Hawk, from 6 months after he had to be weaned from his momma early.

Words cannot express how much I appreciate your kind words and support as we all process and work through this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Kit Muellner
Clinical Director & CEO
HOPE Ranch

July 12 2022

Rochester Area Food & Resources List

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Sometimes people find themselves suddenly in need. But too often, it takes time and work to get into the system. Fortunately, there are resources that help those that find themselves in immediate need.

Below is a list of resources we often share with clients that may be of use.

PEOPLE FOOD

Community Food Response (C.F.R.)
120 1st St. NE Rochester, MN 55906 Phone
Phone: 651.789.2449
https://www.communityfoodresponse.org/

CFR is now located at The Salvation Army Campus downtown Rochester, at 120 1st St. NE (corner of 1st St. NE and 3rd Ave. NE).

Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4pm to 6pm.

Anyone can come to us for food. They do not require registration and do not have guidelines for receiving food.
All are welcome.
Drive through the parking lot (look for entrance and exit signs) on the west side of our building. They will come out to meet you at your car.

Channel One Regional Food Bank and Food Shelf
131 35th Street SE Rochester, MN 55904
Phone 507.287.2350
Weekly Food Shelf Hours
Mon – Thur: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sat – Sun: Closed

If you need groceries delivered to your home, please call the Food Shelf delivery line at (507) 424-1720. Leave a message with the spelling of your first and last name and a phone number to request a delivery. They will return your call within 2 business days to confirm your delivery date. Deliveries will be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All deliveries will be contactless. Please note they are unable to deliver outside of our service area of Olmsted County, MN. With your delivery, you will receive a variety of fresh produce, frozen protein (meat or fish), milk, dairy, eggs, and shelf-stable groceries.

Open Table Food Truck
https://www.opentablerochmn.org/
Phone 507.288.2649

Beginning at 5:00 pm they are parked at Parkside Park (across from El Gallo food store @ 2245 Park Ln SE, Rochester, MN 55904 until about 5:50 then they head over to East Ridge Estates Apartments @ 2009 17th St SE # 67, Rochester, MN 55904 and serve from 6:00-6:30.

In November winter schedule is as follows:

5-5:30pm Oak Terrace Mobile Home Mailboxes
5:30-6:00 Parkside Estates Mailboxes
6:30 East Ridge Estates Apartment complex.

They also serve burritos from the west side door of Zumbro Lutheran Church (Door 8) from 5:00-5:30 pm.

Each week they serve free burritos, made with halal turkey meat, cookies.
They try to have fresh fruit, or fruit cups and other “extras” as they are able. They are in partnership with Channel One and Minnesota Central Kitchen which means we are distributing prepared meals (made by café relish) each week as well. This means a hot burrito meal on Thursday and meal to take home for Friday.

Food Shelf
Our food shelf in Rochester, MN, is the only food shelf accessible to the downtown area. Households can visit twice a month. It is located in our Social Services Center at 115 First Avenue NE. Phone 507.288.3663. They serve over 500 households each year with basic food items like cereal, rice, peanut butter, meats, milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and baking supplies. The food shelf is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Lunch Program
A free lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Social Services Center at 115 First Avenue NE. All are welcome.

Bread Pantry
Our guests are welcome to take free bread from our free bread pantry located at 115 First Avenue NE. Baked goods are collected from Hy-Vee Crossroads to stock our shelf at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday.

125 Live
125 Elton Hills Dr. NW Rochester, MN 55901
Phone 507.287.1404
Email info@125livemn.org

The food pantry is open to all members and the public.

Located in the Lower Level. Open weekdays 9-11 am and 1-3 pm. No income requirements. Open to all Members and the public; targeting older adults. Food donated by members, friends, and local businesses. They encourage members to shop in the food pantry. The inventory varies based on the donations we receive. Some days, there’s fresh bread, cookies, rolls, salads, and always nonperishable foods.

CAT & DOG FOOD

Camp Companion

PO Box 7478 Rochester, MN 55903
507.951.7801
questions@campcompanion.org

Paws & Claws (Bin on backside of building)

3224 19th St. NW Rochester, MN 55901
507.288.7226
info@pawsandclaws.org

SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS

Facebook
Buy Nothing Rochester Area, MN
https://www.facebook.com/groups/472850663057236

June 26 2022

Meet Molly Noterman!

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HOPE Ranch welcomes Molly Noterman!

Molly is an EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist and Horse Care Helper.

She has a Bachelor of Science – Teaching degree in Special Education and is in the progress of getting a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Molly taught special education in the area for four years before entering into the internship phase of her master’s program in October 2021. She emphasizes the relational and systemic dynamics of individuals’ perspectives.

Molly has 20 years of horse experience that include ownership, showing, and training. Her role at H.O.P.E. Ranch includes co-facilitating EAGALA model psychotherapy sessions and assisting with horse care.

WELCOME TO HOPE RANCH, MOLLY!

February 24 2022

National Eating Disorders Week

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National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDAwareness Week 2022 will take place during the week of February 21 – February 27, 2022.

This NEDAwareness Week, we invite you to See the Change, Be the Change. Celebrating twenty years as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA),

#NEDAwareness Week 2022 is an opportunity to #SeeTheChange by recognizing change within the ever-evolving eating disorders field, and to #BeTheChange through advocacy, awareness, and community building.

April 15 2021

Feeling Anxious About Returning to Socializing

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Restrictions are loosening up and people are getting vaccinated. This means a return to being out in the public and socializing. Do we even remember how to socialize? Even during “normal” times, socializing can be tough but after months and months of isolation, it may seem overwhelming.

You may be feeling a bit rusty but remember, we are all in the same boat. NPR recently released an article with thoughts and tips about this very subject. NPR: Do we even know how to socialize anymore?

August 3 2020

Brianne’s Story

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My name is Brianne and I have been coming to H.O.P.E. Ranch since I was 17 years old. I am now 28 and I can honestly say I would not be who or where I am today without Kit, H.O.P.E. Ranch, and all the animals.

I have had depression most of my life and there were many times it was literally debilitating. I could not get out of bed. I was not eating. I was not showering. I was not functioning or participating in my life. I had 5 different psychotherapists before we were referred to H.O.P.E. Ranch. I remember that first session, I felt like I connected with her and the animals immediately. I told her a lot of things I had not told any of my previous therapists.

I love the animals being available for sessions. I was very connected to their old therapy dog, Honey. I would spend a lot of time on the floor either brushing her, massaging her back, or just petting her – especially if a day was really rough. Being in the fresh air in the country is a huge factor in my self-care.

When I first came to H.O.P.E. Ranch, a lot of my issues were very big. Kit and I would work through scenarios with the horses and it helped me immensely. I used that information and the coping skills I learned in my everyday life. There is a lot of stigma about mental health and the animals never judge me, I always feel completely accepted there. I never used to tell anybody if anything was bothering me. I used to say, “I’m fine, I’m okay”. Now I am more assertive and can say if something is bothering me or if I need something, I can handle confrontation, I have more confidence in general.

My family including my parents, my younger brother, my husband, and my daughter have all been supportive of me when I have needed a helping hand. Mental health affects more than the person with a diagnosis. It affects those around that person, daily.

I am a much stronger person than I was when I first started coming here. I have had a lot of success talking with Kit and being around all the animals. I will always continue to go there. It helps settle me. I always leave feeling much calmer and stronger.

Would you like to help H.O.P.E Ranch? Consider donating today!

July 2 2020

Lauren’s Story

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As a middle schooler with a fresh ADHD diagnosis, I was angry and ready to keep it bottled up for the rest of my life when I found H.O.P.E. Ranch. Therapy has become like taking vitamins for me. It is a supplemental part of my routine that keeps me healthy. Over the years, I have worked through issues and symptoms surrounding ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, etc. I have filled a mental toolbox to help manage the inevitable challenges in life. I continue to hone skills I call upon when weighing whether to face & deal with something, put it away for later, or let it go.

The animals at H.O.P.E. Ranch are wonderful and important. I have cried with cats in my lap. I have laughed walking with dogs. I have stood in silence with horses accepting that it is time for certain things to surface. Watching the way Kit interacts with the animals reassures me, that she will treat me, and everyone, with dignity and respect.

I came to H.O.P.E. Ranch with ideas of shame and stigma around mental illness. I continue to come to H.O.P.E. Ranch full of love and acceptance for myself as a whole human – a professional, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, dog owner, etc. – on a journey of mental health. The struggle is real, and I keep going. Kit and everyone at H.O.P.E. Ranch play a role in that.

There is real magic that happens in the presence of all the life at H.O.P.E. Ranch. – Lauren

July 23 2016

June is PTSD Awareness Month

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The United States Senate designated June 27th as National PTSD Awareness Day and 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.”

-I raq War Veteran