“Forever Home” Donated to Horses of Hope, Inc., Plus Dominion Foundation Grant

by Christopher Miller/staff reports

WOOLRICH – Horses of Hope, Inc., a local non-profit organization that provides equine-assisted activities for individuals with emotional, mental, or physical needs has been given a forever home.

Thanks to local businessman Robert “Bobby” Maguire, Horses of Hope will be moving on to a generously donated 27-acre property in Woolrich this September. The site includes the pastures and wooded area adjacent to the former Woolrich Inc. buildings. Maguire last year acquired a 55-acre property, half of which he donated to Horses of Hope.

For over a decade, Horses of Hope has offered help to those who suffer from challenges they face on a daily basis. “The horses offer help to our participants that traditional forms of therapy just cannot provide,” explained Director Laurie Flanagan in a release sent to The Record.

Horses of Hope started providing services to the community in 2009. “Over the years, we’ve leased two beautiful properties to provide equine assisted activities.” “We’ve been working towards a “Forever Home” from the very beginning acquiring a movable office, tack shed, bathroom, as well as movable shelter sheds for our horses. After eleven years, our prayers were answered by Mr. Maguire!” exclaimed Laurie.

“Five years ago, we began offering services to our honored Veterans with the Heroes & Horses program; in 2019 we provided assisted activities to 38 individuals with special needs and 29 Veterans in our Heroes & Horses program whose numbers grow annually,” the release states.

Word of the land for a new home was followed by news of a $10,000 donation towards that effort. It came from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

“The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation is honored to support the non – profit Horses of Hope, Inc. as they promote wellbeing through equestrian activities. We are inspired by their commitment to our neighbors, including veterans and military personnel, and admire the compassion they extend through this community resource,” said Don Houser, Dominion Energy’s State Policy Advisor.

“Horses of Hope, Inc. is very appreciative of this extremely generous grant that we plan to use toward two additional horse shelters at our new property – “Forever Home” in Woolrich. The combination of the much needed support we have received from our community members will give us the opportunity to grow our programs and serve more individuals,” said Flanagan.

As they plan to break ground for their forever home facility, Horses of Hope is asking for the public’s help.

“A donation of any amount will help us prepare the land for our programming needs; many building supplies are needed as we add infrastructure, driveway, parking area, and fencing.” Specifically, they are looking for donated supplies, discounts for purchases, and donated services in preparing for the move to the new property.

“The local community is our number one asset in keeping this program available,” the release further states. “100% of your donation goes towards the program needs and 0% goes towards administration costs, as the directors of the programs are all volunteers that oversee Horses of Hope and Heroes & Horses.”

“This amazing gift will enable Horses of Hope and Heroes & Horses the stability that our participants need and deserve,” said Mrs. Flanagan.

Financial donations may be sent to:
Horses of Hope, Inc.
PO Box 94
Lock Haven, PA 17745