12/15/2023
A VA funded program in Northeast Ohio to add to our resources.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOREVER AMBER ACRES - VETS PROGRAM IDENTIFIED AS ONE OF TWELVE PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE PARTNERING WITH HORSES FOR MENTAL HEALTH TO SUPPORT VETERANS’ MENTAL WELL-BEING THROUGH FUNDING PROVIDED BY THE VA ADAPTIVE SPORTS GRANT
MEDINA, OHIO – FOREVER AMBER ACRES is thrilled to announce a partnership with Horses for Mental Health (HMH) to provide essential services for Veterans and members of the Armed Forces. This collaboration is made possible through the generous funding provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Adaptive Sports Grant.
As one of twelve programs nationwide selected to partner with HMH for this grant, FOREVER AMBER ACRES - VETS Program is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of eighteen Veterans. Through an innovative equine-assisted personal growth program, FOREVER AMBER ACRES - VETS Program aims to address symptoms related to post-traumatic stress, depression, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.
The grant comes at a critical time, addressing the alarming statistics highlighted in the 2022 report by the VA, which revealed that an average of 16.8 Veterans died by su***de each day in 2020.
Building relationships with horses through professionally facilitated well-being programs can have a profound impact on mental health. Horses provide powerful opportunities for healthy connections in a way that feels safe and non-judgmental. Veterans resonate with horses in their abilities for survival and connection with a social herd, and these parallels open doors for new insights and self-awareness.
Spending time in nature with these magnificent animals has a calming and peaceful effect, serving as a foundation for healing and well-being. Engaging with horses can create emotionally safe spaces for Veterans to work through difficult life experiences.
Research supports the effectiveness of mental health and personal growth programs incorporating horses for Veterans. A summary of peer-reviewed research can be found at https://horsesformentalhealth.org/how-horses-help/.
FOREVER AMBER ACRES - VETS Program is committed to making a positive impact for Veterans through mental health and well-being services incorporating horses. Thanks to the partnership with Horses for Mental Health and the funding provided through the VA Adaptive Sports Grant, FOREVER AMBER ACRES - VETS Program can expand these crucial services, fostering healing and transforming lives.
For Veterans interested in participating in this grant-funded program, please reach out to FOREVER AMBER ACRES - VETS Program at [email protected], 330.618.6010 or https://foreveramber.org/v-e-t-s-program/
For media inquiries, please contact:
Michele Bolinger
Founder, Executive Director
Forever Amber Acres
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 330.618.6010
About Forever Amber Acres - VETS Program
Forever Amber Acres is a 501(c) 3 organization, helping horses and veterans who have gone through trauma. Our V.E.T.S. Program is client-centered and solution-oriented. It is open to military veterans, first responders, families and children for whom conventional therapies alone have not produced satisfactory, sustainable results. The goal of the V.E.T.S Program is to offer a comprehensive therapeutic experience for those suffering from PTS and other psychological and physiological challenges. The effects of PTS on the brain is complex. Affecting nearly every facet of the mind including emotional, psychological and physical responses, they can rarely be treated separately. When the brain is exposed to trauma as in war and combat, it locks-in the thoughts, fears, images and emotions of that trauma long after combat is over. This is why our experiential approach of equine wellness is proving to be so effective in treating post-traumatic stress and related disorders. Our goal is to promote healing and recovery by addressing the symptoms of PTS and other challenges in the therapeutic process.
About Horses for Mental Health
Horses for Mental Health is a 501(c)3 organization to increase awareness, public engagement, funds, and access to programs incorporating horses for mental health and personal growth. Horses for Mental Health seeks to partner with philanthropists, ambassadors, companies, governments, and programs to expand the role horses play in personal development and well-being and to realize our collective vision of a world where all mental health needs are met.
