08/22/2026
Hi everyone, it's Christy 👋 It's been a while since I put out an update, so fair warning, this one's a long one. Grab a drink☕ There's been a lot going on at Veterans Rescue Ranch and in my own life, and I wanted to share it all with you.
📚 School
I went back to school full time in March, working toward a degree in Social Work. This is the "work" that brings me the most fulfillment. Walking alongside others on their healing journeys gives me so much purpose, and it's my mission to help people rewrite their stories with faith, truth, and resilience. I just finished another semester at Liberty University and I'm rolling right into the next one. I don't get a break until December, so that's why I've been slow to respond to calls and emails. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm genuinely enjoying what I'm learning, and I'm putting it to use every day in the work I do with others.
🐎 EAL Sessions
I'm still doing Equine Assisted Learning sessions, and equine therapy when partnering with a local therapist. This is the work that fills my heart, and it's where I see the most growth in the people we work with.
🏕️ Kids Camp
We had an amazing two weeks of Summer Horsemanship Camp with Sunshine Mountain Ranch. The days were long and hot, but it was so good for the soul to watch how much those kids grew in just a week's time. They walked away with more confidence, stronger communication, and real connection with other kids and the animals ❤️
🐴 Sponsoring Kids' Horseback Riding Lessons
We were thrilled to sponsor 22 local kids this summer for horsemanship and horseback riding lessons. Watching them grow in their riding and their confidence was such a gift.
🤝 Women's Group
We haven't been advertising this much, but we have a great group of women who meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays. If you're looking for a group of real women on a journey to grow and support each other, come check it out.
🎤 Speaking Engagements
I've done some speaking engagements this year to share my personal testimony and talk about what's going on at Veterans Rescue Ranch and Altitude Community Fitness. Thank you to everyone who has reached out wanting to learn more. I've never been much of a public speaker, and I honestly never thought I'd be able to tell my story without breaking down in tears 😅 But here I am, doing it, learning, and growing. I know sharing my story has helped others, so I'll keep showing up to do it.
💪 Altitude Community Fitness
I took over as Operations Manager in January. It's been a big year: running the Kids Triathlon, making some leadership and culture changes, and building a team I'm really proud of. We have a great Board, volunteers, staff, members, and community behind us. I'm thrilled to share we're about 90% funded on the pool refinishing project 🎉 We're so close, and I believe it will be done by spring. We're already looking ahead to the next big project too, a building expansion. I'm grateful for everything this nonprofit is teaching me.
🙏 Family and Friends
A shoutout to my family and friends for their love, support, encouragement, and belief in me. I've learned who the people are that build me up instead of wearing me down, and I'd go anywhere with them. One thing I've really learned this year is how to let go of what doesn't feel right. When I get overwhelmed with everything on my plate, I ask myself what feels like a fight, or what's demanding more than it should. Life should feel good, and I'm learning to trust that and follow it.
🔥 Firewood Bank
We're gearing up for firewood season, partnering again with others in the community who want to help provide free firewood to those who need it. We couldn't do this without our volunteers and partner organizations, and we're grateful for every one of them.
This season has taught me that this work isn't about any one person. It's about partnering with people who also want to learn, grow, and show up for each other. It's about community, collaboration, and building something together. If any of this speaks to you and you want to be part of it, reach out 💛 We'd love to have you.
— Christy
