Julianna Segneri, Ruthie Kelley, Caitlyn Grubbs, Kaylyn Jones, Kimberly Hale and Emma Levstek pose for a photo at Agape in Greenfield.
Submitted photo
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter will feature our “Neighbors” each month, whether it be someone with an interesting hobby or profession, or a nonprofit group making a difference in our community. Here, Jennifer Wright, manager of the Greenfield site, tells us about Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources. If you know a person or a group that you’d like to see featured in Neighbors, email [email protected].
Name:Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources – Greenfield
Address: 531 W. 100S., Greenfield (mailing address, Agape Cicero, 24970 Mt. Pleasant Road, Cicero, IN 46034)
Online: agaperiding.org
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
Annual budget: $1.1 million between the two locations
Daily Reporter: What is your group’s mission?
Jennifer Wright: Agape cultivates personal growth by strengthening mind, body, and spirit through unique horse-facilitated experiences.
DR: Who do you serve?
JW: Agape East is on the West side of Greenfield off US 40. Agape is a unique resource for individuals, families, community organizations, schools, and medical/mental health professionals. Through our horse-assisted programs, Agape positively impacts the physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional challenges of people with special needs and youth at risk. It is Agape’s vision that individuals in need experience healing and joy in an environment where both the unconditional love and the wonderment of a horse combine to create a haven for unbridled hope. What began in 1986 to serve a handful of students each summer has grown into a beautiful and thriving organization serving thousands of individuals through horse-assisted activities and therapies. At Agape, people learn a little bit about horses and a lot about life.
DR: How did it begin?
JW: Agape is a Greek word that means “unconditional love.” Cheryl Miller and her daughter Dawn founded Agape upon this idea in 1986 as a summer therapeutic riding program for children with disabilities. In March of 1994 — two years after Dawn’s tragic death — Cheryl established a full-time program. This was a dream come true for the Millers, and their dream continues to serve the enormous demand of parents and therapists who witness the program’s miraculous successes. Today, Agape serves more than 1,900 children and adults through our unique equine-assisted programs.
DR: What is your group’s biggest challenge?
JW: Agape relies largely on our network of volunteers to help our program thrive. Agape serves many people in addition to taking care of the horses and facilities. It takes a small army to keep up with it all, and we’re always looking for more volunteers. If you’re looking for somewhere to make a difference, Agape is a great place to spend some time. Each rider is assigned a horse-handler volunteer to help them prepare their horse and handle their horse in a lesson. Many of our riders need support from a side-walker. Side-walkers work with riders to provide emotional, educational, and physical support. There are also lots of volunteer opportunities around our properties for grounds and stable volunteers. These volunteers help maintain the beauty and safety of our buildings and property.
DR: What are your primary events or fundraisers?
JW: Agape has many different fundraising opportunities to participate! From becoming a monthly recurring donor in our Saddle Club program, to sponsoring a horse, and our large Boots and Bowties annual fundraiser gala. Proceeds from Boots & Bowties, and all our fundraisers, will go towards supporting Agape’s program costs and rider support fund. It costs Agape $272 per programming hour to provide our equine-assisted services. Participants pay approximately 20 percent of this cost. Fundraising efforts such as Boots & Bowties enables us to raise the difference and keep our service fees as low as possible for families.
DR: How can someone step up to help?
JW: The best way to get more involved is visit our website at agaperiding.org! Here you will find links to volunteer, donate and other ways for you or a group to get involved! Our Greenfield volunteer coordinator, Jenny, can be reacted at [email protected]
