Shining Stars Therapeutic Driving Program, a beacon of hope for a lot of, has formidable growth plans, signaling a vibrant and unbridled future.
Program Director Rachel Stoner, a devoted a part of the group since her days as a volunteer in 2015, shared her enthusiasm concerning the progress prospects. “The potential for brand new packages and planning is immense. We’re considerably enhancing our influence,” Stoner mentioned.
Key among the many proposed $4 million growth is the event of equine connection teams and the introduction of a day program for adults with particular wants. Stoner additionally disclosed aspirations to increase the Veterans Program to function year-round, a big shift from its present April to October schedule. “We have now the capability to triple our packages,” Stoner mentioned.
Stoner highlighted this system’s acquisition of a 60-acre property in 2022, achieved debt-free, because of sturdy group help and beneficiant donors. This new property, poised to accommodate as much as 25 horses, surpassing the present 16, together with a donkey and a mini horse, represents a big growth from the prevailing 13-acre farm. Plans for the brand new website embody establishing a veterans’ group room and a playground, with bids from builders already into consideration.
About Shining Stars
For over twenty years, Shining Stars has supplied therapeutic horsemanship to youngsters, adults, and households with particular wants. Their mission is to foster enchancment in bodily, psychological, emotional, and social well-being. This system prides itself on small class sizes catering to college students from 2 to over 90 years previous. Courses concentrate on varied developmental areas, together with stability, power, cognitive, and language abilities. Individualized targets, set in collaboration with dad and mom, cater to every rider’s distinctive wants.
The present operations are primarily based at 3185 York Highway, Gettysburg, inside the premises of The Freedom Valley Church, the place an indoor area is positioned. Nevertheless, as a result of city rules, the therapeutic horses are housed individually at a farm at 3175 Previous Harrisburg Highway and are transported for the driving classes.
Shining Stars affords a various array of lessons. These embody therapeutic cart driving for these unable to mount horses, the Silver Stars program for older adults, the Stars and Stripes veterans program specializing in horse grooming and habits, and the Equine Connections class geared toward constructing management and confidence. Moreover, this system hosts a summer season day camp, providing a mix of horse driving, swimming, crafts, and different actions, inclusive of siblings of youngsters with disabilities.
Stoner encourages the group to interact with Shining Stars, both by donating in the direction of their growth targets, volunteering, or just staying knowledgeable about future occasions by their web site. The group’s reliance on ongoing volunteer help and group involvement stays a cornerstone of its operations and future aspirations.
Amy is a contract author and reporter. She, her husband, and her two youngsters reside in Adams County. She works in early childhood training and occupational remedy, and volunteers with native organizations.