Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite

A nonprofit organization

0% complete

$10,000 Goal

Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and Respite was founded in 2010 by a group of people devoted to developing a comprehensive program to help those living with special needs and their families. This includes, not only individuals with autism, physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities, but also their siblings, parents and caretakers.

Blue Sky's therapeutic riding center has helped many special needs individuals gain confidence and improve motor skills, cognitive ability and gain valuable life skills. Blue Sky offers the opportunity for riders of all abilities, to ride and compete in special events. We are creating an environment to teach life skills, offer the ability to participate in events such as Special Olympics and offer referrals to community resources and assist and offer support and respite to all members of a family with special needs children and adults.

We know the value therapeutic horseback riding offers our clients, but at Blue Sky, we are also very aware of the critical need for quality opportunities and programming for special needs adults that reaches past the saddle. Blue Sky wants to be part of the solution, and that is the reason for our PURPOSE program and PURPOSE Mercantile. During our PURPOSE program our partners (clients) participate in PURPOSE Mercantile, PURPOSE Produce and Barn Management. We use these three facets to teach job, social and life skills in a fun and supportive community. Also, our partners work towards employment in our very own PURPOSE Mercantile.

More than a therapy center, Blue Sky is a place for our clients to belong. They are free to be themselves and know they will be supported in the best way. They are not just the students. They teach us how they want to be treated, what type of environment is best, and they dictate the best way we can learn together. At Blue Sky, our clients are part of the conversation and always have a seat at the table.

Our Needs

We are in need of volunteers with big hearts to help us grow! We have needs anywhere from helping with horse lessons to writing thank you notes to donors from your own home.

Saturday, October 22nd is our HORSES + HOPE at HOME virtual gala. We are in need of "Matching Funds" donors for this event. If you or your business would be interested in advertising your business at this event while helping us raise money, please contact Amy Gayhart, 469-450-9594 or email amy@blueskytexas.org.

We have a lot of projects on the horizon that will help provide even more services to our special needs community. They range anywhere from built out offices for mental health professionals can provide services, to a covered arena so that our clients can come ride even on rainy, snowy or icy days. To inquire about naming rights or creating a scholarship fund in your name please contact Amy Gayhart, 469-450-9594 or email amy@blueskytexas.org

To come volunteer with us please contact Jenny Garcia, jenny@blueskytexas.org or call 469-233-0880. You can also visit our volunteer page on our website, blueskytexas.org/volunteer

Mission

To provide a safe, happy and healthy therapeutic community that works to empower and propel our special needs citizens and their families to their fullest potential. We serve our valued clients by providing therapeutic horseback riding and respite, vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Needs

1. To add to our scholarship fund so that we can continue to serve clients who are not able to afford it.

2. A bus/van in order to transport our PURPSOE Partners into the community.

3. Completion of our PURPOSE Barn build out that will allow more space for our Partners to work and create.

4. Covered Arena

Equity Statement

In 2021 Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite has an annual operating budget of $247,000. Blue Sky currently has no debt.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite

Tax id (EIN)

26-4318170

Guidestar

Causes

Animals, Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Disabilities, Youth & Children

Operating Budget

$100,000 - $249,999

Counties Served

Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

120 Stanley Drive #228
Aubrey, TX 76227

Phone

469-450-9594

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