Therapy ranch raises funds for indoor arena to help serve kids year-round

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WAND) -Hope Lives Youth Ranch has been at work in Piatt County Illinois the last seven years, helping youth who struggle with PTSD, ADHD, ADD, ODD, anxiety, depression, and anger issues.

Founder and Executive Director Emily Reichman said she started with riding lessons but knew God had more planned for her and her ranch.

"I realized that really what God wanted me to do was to shift into a riding therapy program," she said.

Through her faith in God and support from the community, Reichman was able to open the doors to helping at-risk youth. The organization uses donkeys and horses to provide a safe, learning environment for kids to help them with their diagnosis. They learn compassion, empathy, routines, caretaking, listening, following directions, and a whole array of life skills while healing through connection with the animals.

"They (the animals) have such a presence about them and it seems to help you slow down and find peace."

Reichman recalled a time when a young student was experiencing severe social anxiety and struggled in school. She started coming once a week and began to experience growth within herself. After being with Hope Lives Youth Ranch for 5 years, the girl is now on the honor roll and in archery.

"Her parents say that the confidence she built working with these horses gave them their daughter back."

Right now, Hope Lives is limited in its ability to aid these children because it does not have an indoor riding facility. Programs are only able to run from May through September when the weather is favorable. They are currently seeking funds to construct an indoor facility to allow them to provide services for a much longer season each year.

The indoor facility will also allow partnerships with veteran therapy programs to help veterans who have given everything for their country, heal when they come home.

The ranch is hosting a Masquerade Gala and Banquet to help raise money. The event will be on Saturday, February 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Monticello Community Building. For tickets, click here.

The ranch as also started a GoFundMe. Reichman said there are opportunities for people who want to donate to also sponsor a child for the program. To learn more, click here.