The time has come for Hearts to find a new home.
As you may know, our equestrian facility is situated on land
that we have leased from the
The county now needs to use this site for other purposes.
They have given us the option of leasing another county-owned location nearby. A Facilities Committee, comprised of board members
and community volunteers, is working diligently to determine the feasibility of
building a suitable equestrian center on that site.
In addition, the committee is doing its due diligence by
investigating other, possibly more suitable, options for the re-location and
expansion of our Therapeutic Riding program.
We are committed to the goals outlined in our Strategic
Plan:
1) To
ensure the long-term sustainability of Hearts
2) To
serve as many individuals with special needs as possible, without sacrificing
the warm and personal nature of our program.
3) To
create a facility that meets the current and long-term needs of our ridership.
At this time, we are considering a wide range of options for
our re-location. We will work with a
realtor to identify properties for sale or lease. We are also interested in
shared or donated property. Please
contact me if you have any ideas or suggestions.
This is a very exciting time in the life of our
organization. Hearts is thriving and growing.
We view this re-location as an opportunity to create an equestrian facility
that reflects our commitment to the community and our status as a Premiere
Therapeutic Riding Center – one of only 21 in the state of California.
Thanks to the generosity and cooperation of the County of Santa Barbara
Thank you for your dedication to Hearts and to the families
and individuals we serve. I look forward
to many more years of working together fulfilling our mission - To employ the power of the horse to enhance
the capabilities and independence of children and adults with special needs, in
Santa Barbara.
Sincerely,
Kirby Gillispie
Executive Director
Could I volunteer for this one? I failed the volunteer working-with-the-horses class. And I don't feel healthy enough (which means time and energy to be a writer yet). I do know the alphabet and how to answer the phone if you want a volunteer for office work. i want to get back to the Hearts family! Look like July or August I can return to riding. Oh boy, oh boy!
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