2006 Annual Report

2006
Annual Report
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy
Our Mission
HETRA’s mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children with
disabilities through equine assisted activities. HETRA started with one student, one horse and a handful of
volunteers in 1989. HETRA is a nonprofit corporation under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service
Code.
HETRA serves those with physical, cognitive and emotional impairments through Therapeutic Horseback
Riding, Hippotherapy and a Therapeutic Carriage Driving Program. Completing 1621 sessions in 2006, our
volunteers logged over 5000 hours contributing to all aspects of the program.
HETRA’s therapy team consists of 3 Occupational Therapists, 8 NARHA certified riding instructors and our 13
equine partners.
HETRA’s Growth
HETRA has shown tremendous growth since 1999 in both the number of students and number of student sessions.
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Number of Students Served by HETRA
87
66
51
54
Students
2003
Students
2004
43
25
30
27
Students
1999
Students
2000
Students
2001
Students
2002
Students
2005
Students
2006
In 2006 HETRA completed 1621 individual student sessions
“While I ride I feel great about my body and
my mind. My mind is at peace and my muscles
become strong.”
-Jordan (HETRA student age 17)
2006 Income
HETRA continually strives to expand the financial base of
the program by diversifying our sources of income.
2006 Income
$192,433.85
Fundraising
33%
Foundation/Grants
Student Fees
29%
26%
Donations
Corporate Donations
4%
3%
Horse Sponsorships
3%
United Way
2%
Instructors, parents and volunteers report improved
self confidence and self esteem for the students that
are participating in the program. Specifically we
have witnessed students overcoming their initial
fear of mounting the horse and watched how their
self confidence has grown by overcoming this fear.
2006 Expenses
Growth of services can only mean increased expenses. HETRA’s Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to
maintaining fiscal responsibility. In 2006, staff for HETRA included the following positions: Executive Director,
Program Director, Volunteer Coordinator, Finance and Administrative Director, Development Director, 8 Instructors, 3
Occupational Therapists, and 3 barn/horse managers (all positions were part time for 2006). HETRA currently does
not have any expenses related to lease or purchase of a facility. HETRA depends on over $20,000 of in kind donation
made by the owners of our two program sites.
In 2006, many of our students demonstrated
significant improvement in their balance
and posture throughout the year. Specific
exercises are developed to help students
strengthen weak muscles that not only
improves their posture on the horse but also
off of the horse.
2006 Expenditures
$186,439.08
Staff
48%
Horse Expense
Fundraising
18%
9%
Taxes
Insurance
7%
5%
Postage/Printing/Advertising
2%
Utilities
Supplies
2%
2%
Cancelled Lessons/Early Payment
2%
Tax Preparation and Bank Charges
2%
Volunteer Appreciation
Professional Development
1%
1%
Dues and Subscriptions
Miscellaneous
1%
1%
2006 Program Accomplishments
1. HETRA offered our first series of day camps during 2 weeks in July for our students to allow them to learn all aspects of
horse care and responsibility. The day camps were offered at both program sites and were very well received by all
participants.
2. The therapeutic carriage driving program continues to grow and is now being offered at both program sites.
3. Four of our very amazing HETRA students participated in a demonstration at our Blue Jeans and Dreams Fundraiser
Event. This was the first time we were able to do a live demonstration at this event. The demonstration was well received by
the crowd and allowed everyone to learn more about the benefits of the program.
4. The Junior League granted HETRA funding to purchase a new harness for the driving program. This is a top quality
harness that will provide years of use for the program.
5. The Aksarben Foundation provided funding for HETRA to purchase a product called Arena Moist for the Valley
Facility. The arena moist helps to keep the moisture in the footing of the arena and not allow the dust to become airborne
providing a significantly improved environment for everyone.
6. Waldo, one of the HETRA horses participated in the Battle of the Breeds competition at the Nebraska Horse Expo. His
team took 3rd place in the competition.
7. Throughout the year we witnessed and watched our students individually meet their goals both on and off the horse.
8. HETRA completed a therapy room/office at the Omaha site, which will allow for greater ability to evaluate our
students prior to riding.
HETRA’s Goals for 2007
1.. HETRA has worked hard to complete the arena heating project for the Omaha facility. This project is scheduled to be
completed in 2007. Once complete, both program sites will be able to offer sessions year around.
2. HETRA has adopted a new evaluation form for all programs. This form will allow us to objectively track progress of our
students in many areas, and report the impact of the program.
3. HETRA is scheduled to complete NARHA Premier Center Accreditation in 2007. Accreditation shows that HETRA
has consistently complied with the standards developed by the North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association.
4. HETRA will increase educational opportunities for our volunteers in the areas of horse training and care, disability
awareness, leadership and team building skills.
5. HETRA’s goal is to continue to increase the number of students who are impacted by the program by making
additional program space available to the community. Our goal is to increase to 75 total students a week at both program
sites by the end of 2007.
Many of ours students experience improved
range of motion of their arms and legs. This
allows the students greater easy in completing
activities of daily living such as dressing,
bathing and feeding themselves.
Board of Directors
President: Kathy Lewis
Vice President: Tim Kirkpatrick
Secretary: Victoria Krecek
Members:
Sarah Isaacson, Steve Probst, Kathy Sangimino, Deb Miller, Lynette Singer, Kristina Lehr
Staff
Edye Godden - 16 years with HETRA
Executive Director, Occupational Therapist, NARHA certified instructor
Katherine Smith - 11 years with HETRA
Program Manager, Occupational Therapist, NARHA certified instructor
Erin Bevington - 9 years with HETRA
Finance and Administrative Director, NARHA certified instructor, Volunteer Coordinator
Jodi Teal - 6 years with HETRA
Development Director, NARHA certified instructor
Tom Cramer - 5 years with HETRA
Valley Barn/Horse Manager, NARHA certified instructor
Lori Bliss - 6 years with HETRA
NARHA certified instructor
Janelle Malousek - 4 years with HETRA
NARHA certified instructor, Physical Therapy Assistant
Toni Keating - 4 years with HETRA
NARHA certified instructor
Diane Bemis – 3 years with HETRA
Occupational Therapist
As an instructor I have heard parents say - “I didn’t
think my child could do that”. The program has given
these students and their families an opportunity to
achieve greater things then even they imagined.
Many of our students have the goal of becoming an independent
rider. Going from needing the assistance of a horse leader and 2
side walkers to riding without the assistance of anyone provides
the students an amazing sense of accomplishment.
Volunteers
HETRA volunteers completed over 5000 hours of volunteer time in 2006. Volunteers help with all aspects of the
program from actual student sessions as leaders, sidewalkers, horse groomers, barn assistants, fundraising and
administrative duties. Many of the volunteers report that they also benefit from the program. Physically they
benefit when helping with a student session- walking up to 30 minutes at a time. They also benefit emotionally
through the bond that is formed with the students, horses and other volunteers. We have watched many of the
younger volunteers grow in self esteem and confidence through their experience at HETRA.
2006 Volunteer of the Year
Jen Wolsleben
Top 10 Volunteers of 2006
Lisa Stillhan; Scott Curran; Sally Tolle; Deb Miller; Sherry Reeble; Iggie Elkins;
Pam Miya; Paul Murphy; Teresa Konda; Emily Elkins
We would also like to recognize the following volunteers
who volunteered 20 hours or more in 2006:
Kayla Daniels; Janine Dougherty; Jill Dougherty; Matthew Elkins; Rachael Fithian; Susan Fithian; Christine
French; Joelle Friesen; Colleen Frost; Darla Fullner; Winona Grahm; Theresa Hahn; Brooke Hellerich; Nancy
Horeis; Stan Jaeger; Dave Johnson; Amanda Jurek; Audrey Jurek; Lauren Kirschman; Hannah Koch; Teresa
Konda; Stephanie Kram; Vivan Kram; Mariah Kroll; Andrea Kuhn; Marie Lee; Kristina Lehr; Kelsey Luers;
Elizabeth Matychuck; Cara Messer; Laura Murray; Kristine Nemic; Erin Olsen; Debbie Palmer; Kari Phelan;
Kaitlyn Phipps; Alicia Popelka; Amanda Ronk; Kim Rozmiarek; Diane Ruskamp; Kathy Schwartzfeger; Melody
Schwartzfeger; Bryan Shannon; Kellie Shannon; Tony Shannon; Traci Shipley; Alysa Shipley; Julie Shue; Sara
Stage; Lois Stage; Rachel Stein; Lorraine Stenoish; Nicole Stenoish; Bill Tarbox; Jodi Teal; Shelby Tucker; Bill
Vahle; Christy VonDohren; Annie Widdershoven; Rich Wilson; Lynda Wilson; Teresa Zamora
2006 Major Supporters
The Berry Family
Northwestern Mutual
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Palmer Family
Harper Family Foundation
Qwest
Wayne & Susan Fithian
Ronald McDonald House
Gallup Organization
Werner Enterprises
Dwight & Mary Hanson
Wiebe Foundation
In Kind Donations:
Katherine Smith
Digital Express
Edye and Brian Godden
Farnam Corporation
Todd & Amy Becker
Brian Foutch
HETRA would like to thank the following individuals for their
generous donations to HETRA in 2006!
George & Judy Adler
American National Insurance
Atchley Ford
Bennington Equipment
Roger & Bonnie Bevington
Bloss Family
Jerry Caffey
Susan Chenoweth
Cornhusker Insulation
Beverly Crouter
D & D Concrete
Dick’s Valley Market
Rick & Judy Dunham
Elkhorn Automotive
Five Star Stables
Darla Fullner
Robert & Cynthia Gottlieb
Henninghausen Family
George & Carol Hoover
Jake’s Place
Kirschman Family
Roger Krueger
Lifestyle Homes
Mary McNamee
Debra & Dennis McMillan
Cal Meyer
Tom Miya
Timothy Moore
MSI Systems Integrators
Northwest Feed and Grain
Charles & Shawn Parmley
Pleskac Hay
Quality Siding
Reason Family
Romeo’s
Diane Ruskamp
Schindler Family
Lyle & Sherma Seitzinger
Singer Family
Spicer Hauling & Excavating
Stonebraker Insurance
Bill Tarbox
Katherine Timperley
Donna Turner
Margaret Vecera
Wahoo State Bank
Suzy Wess
Connie Wichman
Woodhouse
James Zapapas
Alegent Health
Anything Goes for Hair
Atchley Quarter Horses
Brent Berry
BirdDog Solutions
Stephen Bomer
Nancy Camras
Clancy’s Pub
Carm Costentino
Dustin & Tammy Cruikshank
Elizabeth Dahl
Jim & Ann Dolan
Dynek Family
Epsilon Sigma Alpha
Ted & Jeanne Fleagle
Geier Family
Bo Hatcher
David & Hope Hibler
Husker Siding and Windows
Nan Kelsey
Knights of Aksarben Foundation
Larsen Family
Liptak Family
Linda McDermitt
Mehlin Family
Mid American Computer Corporation
Pam Miya
Mandy Morgan
Paul Murphy
Kevin Ordway
William & Kim Pence
David Poage
Michael Ramos
Reeble Family
Roger & Sharon Ross
Safe Haven
Bonnie Schreiber
Semaan Engineering
Skinner Plumbing
Starborn Farms
Stricklett & Associates
The Pines
William & Joann Townsend
U Fill It
Venice Bait & Tackle
Stan Walker
Western State Bank
Craig & Lynda Wilson
Woodmen of the World
Lynnette Zeiszler
Craig & Karen Aman
Appadwedula Family
Basham Family
Raymond Berry
Black Horse Antiques
Boyd & Charlies
Robert & Amy Carlson
Cleanup Containers
Cottonwood Pet Resort
Scott Curran
Dairy Queen
Douglas County Gazette
Einfield’s Tree Service
Excel Physical Therapy
William & Elizabeth Fleissner
Tim & Carrie George
HDR
Highland Stables
Paul & Brenda Jacobsen
Suzan Kenik
Knights of Columbus
Kristina Lehr
LTS Title Services
Amy McGill
Messman Family
Mid States Ranch Horses
Jonathon Mohr
Tom Morrison
Elizabeth Murphy
Orthowest
Phelan Family
Jeff Potter
Dwila Randell
Joan Reynolds
Scott & Julie Rouse
Salt Creek Wranglers
Schult Pest Control
Sheets Family
Scott & Amy Sladovnik
Steinbach Family
STS Mary & Joseph K of C
Michaela Theisen
Alexander & Jennifer Tselentis
Valley Marine
Vogler Semen Centre, Inc
Diane Wanek
Western Union Foundation
Winnail Training Stables
Sarah Wurtz
American Legacy Complex
Astro Buildings
Bennefeld Family
Gail Bevington
Margaret Block West, M.D.
Alisa Buckingham
Jim & Nadine Casebolt
Complete Concrete
Greg Crawford
Custom Electric
Elizabeth & Daniel DeLano
John & Eileen Dunham
Eletech
Farmer Brown’s Steakhouse
Flynn Heating and Air
Margaret Gillen
Headley Financial Services
Hooper Saddle Club
The Jaeger Corporation
Murphy Kirby
David & Vicki Krecek
Don Leistra
Samuel & Vicki Maggio
Sally McMahon
Metro Chiropractic
MidAmerican Energy
Monke Brothers
Deryle & Nadine Morton
Nebraska State Bank
Ozark Mountain Miniatures
Pinnacle Bank
Prestige Title
Dennis & Claire Rastede
Mary Riegel
Stephen Runty
Sam’s Club
Dale Swartz
Sid Dillon Chevrolet
Barbara Spahn
Stodden Physical Therapy
Sweet Tomorrow Farms
Thielen Family
Gerald Tuma
Pam Van Fleet
Wahoo Saddle Club
Len & Marcia Weber
Linda Whitesides
Patrick & Joan Wonder
Tim & Diana Young
Our Equine Partners
SKIPPY
LUCKY
ODIE
WALDO
CHARM
TWILA
CRAWFORD
DANCER
TUFF
RANGER
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy
PO Box 260
Valley, NE 68064
(402) 359-8830
WWW.HETRA.ORG
Omaha Location
4906 S. 180th Street
Omaha, NE 68135
Valley Location
29430 Ida Street
Valley, NE 68064