Chamber Business Spotlight – The Red Barn
The Red Barn was chosen by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce for the Chamber Business Spotlight for December 2014.
Grace Butler shared information about The Red Barn with attendees at the December Chamber luncheon.
The Red Barn is a 501(c) nonprofit organization located in Leeds, AL that was founded in 2010 as a sister agency to Spirit of Hope Youth Ranch. In 2012, The Red Barn gained independent nonprofit status and merged with Spirit of Hope. Since then, the agency has grown significantly – in terms of clients served, number of staff and volunteers, and total budget. The Red Barn serves children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities, as well as those with special circumstances such as adoption, a history of abuse, or military service. Our programs include:
-Saddle Up – individual or group therapeutic riding lessons. Students come to the barn once a week for one hour sessions. The bilateral, repetitive movement of the horse improves posture, balance, coordination, and gross and fine motor skills. Saddle Up students also improve social skills, develop meaningful relationships, and learn empathy and compassion through working with our horses, volunteers, and instructors.
-Horse Play – inclusive horsemanship classes, day camps, and equine assisted learning activities for those with and without disabilities. Benefits of inclusive programs such as Horse Play include improved social and communication skills, increased self-confidence, and greater access to the general curriculum.
-Take the Reins – any combination of the above programs, but for active and inactive military personnel and their families.
Goals of The Red Barn’s programs include serving those who could not be served at traditional riding facilities, creating a space where everyone can belong, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, and promoting an environment where horses can be used to heal hearts and share faith, hope, and love.
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