Non-profit group Stride returns to Norwich
NORWICH – After a nearly two-year hiatus, the non-profit group Stride has returned to Norwich, with a new board of directors. The organization, which offers therapeutic horseback riding to people with disabilities, hopes to pick up right where it left off.
In January of 2007, Stride stopped operating as a not-for-profit organization; however the Anam Cara Stables, which Stride had contracted with, continued to offer therapeutic riding. Anam Cara tried to continue the program, but according to Program Director and President of the Board Nadine Joy, without the non-profit designation, the stable was unable to secure grants to help fund the costs. “After a year and a half, we needed that non-profit designation,” Joy said. “We’re grateful and thankful that Stride is back.”
Currently, Stride has 17 therapeutic riding students, and now that they are once again designated as a non-profit organization, they are able to offer scholarships to students for riding. Before the Stride program closed in 2007, there were nearly 40 students in the program. “We have about 20 now and we’ll build from there,” said past President of the Board and current Board Member Betty Bytheway.
Word of mouth, referrals and advertising bring students to the program, and many funding sources are available to help cover costs, including one grant that offers funding to any child of a military service member. “We’ll do our best to make sure the funding is there or to find someone who can,” Joy said.
Students in the program are able to visit the Anam Cara Stables once or twice a week to work with one of the eight horses at the location.
Joy explained that the horseback riding helps the students to make emotional connections. “Horses are non-judgmental. They willingly accept you.” Joy said the horses can help individuals with difficulty understanding social skills, physical disabilities, autism and other emotional disorders as well as developmental delays. The activity teaches the students a skill and helps to build self esteem at the same time.
Stride works with students from BOCES, as well as individuals referred from Springbrook, Mental Health and ARC. In addition, they hope to begin working with at-risk youth in the near future.
Joann Lee, a special education counselor at BOCES, said she has seen the benefits of the program. “The kids love it, and they respond well to it,” Lee said. BOCES has been bringing special education students to the stables for three years. “Nadine is wonderful with the kids. You can see the progress they make,” Lee said.
On Sunday, Stride held an open house and fundraising program, Ride for Stride. Students got sponsors to donate money for every lap they rode. Bytheway said the community has been very supportive of Stride, and they hope that support will continue. “We always need volunteers and donations,” Bytheway said. The group is also looking for a volunteer to build them a web site.
“There are so many miracles that happen up here,” Bytheway said.
The Stride Program is offered at Anam Cara Stables at 365 Follett Hill Road in Norwich. For more information about the program, call 334-3515.
In January of 2007, Stride stopped operating as a not-for-profit organization; however the Anam Cara Stables, which Stride had contracted with, continued to offer therapeutic riding. Anam Cara tried to continue the program, but according to Program Director and President of the Board Nadine Joy, without the non-profit designation, the stable was unable to secure grants to help fund the costs. “After a year and a half, we needed that non-profit designation,” Joy said. “We’re grateful and thankful that Stride is back.”
Currently, Stride has 17 therapeutic riding students, and now that they are once again designated as a non-profit organization, they are able to offer scholarships to students for riding. Before the Stride program closed in 2007, there were nearly 40 students in the program. “We have about 20 now and we’ll build from there,” said past President of the Board and current Board Member Betty Bytheway.
Word of mouth, referrals and advertising bring students to the program, and many funding sources are available to help cover costs, including one grant that offers funding to any child of a military service member. “We’ll do our best to make sure the funding is there or to find someone who can,” Joy said.
Students in the program are able to visit the Anam Cara Stables once or twice a week to work with one of the eight horses at the location.
Joy explained that the horseback riding helps the students to make emotional connections. “Horses are non-judgmental. They willingly accept you.” Joy said the horses can help individuals with difficulty understanding social skills, physical disabilities, autism and other emotional disorders as well as developmental delays. The activity teaches the students a skill and helps to build self esteem at the same time.
Stride works with students from BOCES, as well as individuals referred from Springbrook, Mental Health and ARC. In addition, they hope to begin working with at-risk youth in the near future.
Joann Lee, a special education counselor at BOCES, said she has seen the benefits of the program. “The kids love it, and they respond well to it,” Lee said. BOCES has been bringing special education students to the stables for three years. “Nadine is wonderful with the kids. You can see the progress they make,” Lee said.
On Sunday, Stride held an open house and fundraising program, Ride for Stride. Students got sponsors to donate money for every lap they rode. Bytheway said the community has been very supportive of Stride, and they hope that support will continue. “We always need volunteers and donations,” Bytheway said. The group is also looking for a volunteer to build them a web site.
“There are so many miracles that happen up here,” Bytheway said.
The Stride Program is offered at Anam Cara Stables at 365 Follett Hill Road in Norwich. For more information about the program, call 334-3515.
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