ArkLaTex ranch needs help getting equine therapy program going to help kids battle mental illness
The nonprofit is working to expand its mission to include mental health services
TEXARKANA, Texas KSLA) - For 22 years, Runnin WJ Ranch in Texarkana has provided therapeutic horseback riding for special-needs kids and adults. Now the organization is expanding!
The ranch is a nonprofit that works with six area school districts. Executive Director Brittany Rogers said they are working to expand their mission to include mental health services.
“Some of our school districts came to us and said some of their kids needed some extra loving and some of our kiddos who can’t ride now need something else to do besides the mounted therapy.”
Rogers said they are partnering with Pediatric and Family Counseling Clinic of Texarkana to begin a mental health program.
“Our mental health program is going to be unmounted therapy, so they will be interacting with the horse in their stall out in the arena, doing tasks. We will have a mental health professional here with us.”
She said they hope to begin this new program in January. However, Rogers said to be successful, Runnin WJ Ranch is also seeking support.
“Obviously, it all costs money, so this new program we are going to launch is going to require some more funds that we are going to need. And we are going to need some more volunteers along with our therapeutic riding volunteers already.”
To donate or become a volunteer, you can visit the Runnin WJ Ranch at 4802 South Kings Hwy. in Texarkana or call 903-838-3223.
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