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The Wild Hope Austin is currently taking time to assess strategies to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability. Given the rapidly evolving climate many nonprofits are navigating, this pause presents an opportunity to explore innovative and unconventional approaches that can better address the challenges we face. We want to assure our supporters that your generous donations are still making an impact, as they continue to provide vital support during this transitional period. Thank you for your understanding and commitment as we work towards a more resilient future.
Our Mission
We see how deeply survivors of complex trauma are suffering, often alone and unseen.
The Wild Hope Equine Center for Healing ensures access to the healing power of horses for those who've experienced severe abuse, neglect, and trafficking. Because we ALL deserve a chance to heal!
Thanks to your unwavering support and commitment to ensuring access to the healing power of horses, we successfully launched our Phase 1 EAP Pilot Program for survivors of sex trafficking amid the pandemic. We're proud to share that we completed the program in January, 2023 providing 280 hours of free equine therapy!
About the Phase 1 Pilot Program
Our Pilot Program came out of a desire to be able to serve survivors as soon as possible. Because we have such a great BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal!) of a vision for our ranch and programs it will take us some time and significant funding to pull it all together.
Instead of asking survivors to wait on us, we decided to launch a Pilot Program that would accomplish three main goals: 1) Give survivors access to TF-EAP services at no cost to them as soon as possible. 2) Gather anonymous data on the efficacy of EAP to share with future funding sources and donors. 3) Test best practices for the program so we can make adjustments necessary before continuing to offer EAP services.
Survivors of sex trafficking were given 42 hours of Trauma-Focused, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP) at no cost to them.
A total of 7 survivors participated in the Program, two of whom came through a collaboration with our friends at Magdalene House Austin. Participants worked alongside a licensed therapist and an equine professional and had several horses (including Jewel!) to partner with. We rented space at a private barn in Kyle that included access to paddocks, an arena, and all equipment and supplies that were required. There were restrooms onsite as well as covered seating areas for shelter from the weather. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 62 years old. Volunteer drivers and gas gift cards offset transportation costs to and from the barn. Upon completion of the program, we were able to extend additional hours to one participant for continued care. She is still receiving services today.
The Wild Hope Austin is seeking skilled volunteers to help us build a thriving organization. Now that we've launched our Phase 1 Pilot Program, we are moving into Phase 2, bringing together an experienced, passionate, and committed group of people to develop a sustainable business model and grow our donor base .
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
PLEASE NOTE: We are not yet able to accept MH INTERNS and do NOT have volunteer opportunities directly with the horses or survivors. Please subscribe to our email list for updates as we grow!
It Takes a Wild Hope
