Welcome to Embrace Hope
In an effort to help with the healing process of children, families, first responders and communities affected by the Newtown, CT. tragedy, Sandy Hook Equestrian Center and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), have come together to offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy free of charge to those in need.
Embrace Hope-Sandy Hook Equine Assisted Therapy Foundation was born out of the need to continue to do the work that has already helped many children, families, and members of the community. The foundation uses funds to pay for the facilities and care for the horses for equine assisted mental health programs. It is the foundation’s goal to continue to provide equine assisted therapy free of charge for those in need for decades to come.
In the months since the tragedy, Embrace Hope-Sandy Hook Equine Assisted Therapy Foundation has enabled mental health care providers to work hand in hand with the equine specialists to help heal. The first summer, the Sullivan’s opened up their farm once again to hold a summer camp for the children in the Sandy Hook community.
EAGALA has trained over 8,000 individuals in 41 countries in this experiential modality since its founding in 1999. The program utilizes professionals who use equine assisted therapy to address mental health and human development needs.
“The sessions were fun and incredibly insightful. We were able to confront issues that came up calmly and even in a spirit of fun including the horses. I highly recommend this program to any person whether they are dealing with extreme trauma or not…”
“I’ve learned that horses naturally assist both children and adults in overcoming fear, grief and difficult challenges that we face in our lives. …Embrace Hope isn’t just made up of people who are qualified professionals. It’s made up of people who truly care.”
This project is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program.