Adapting to Adversity
HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING
Our community is strong and caring! One of the most frequently asked questions we are hearing is “How are things at High Hopes?” We are ok…and here is why. We started out the fiscal year of 2019 –2020 in a celebratory mood. Thanks to the strong, visionary leadership of our Endowment Campaign, we had just met a major fundraising milestone. Little did we know that a storm was approaching, and we were “making some hay while the sun shined.” High Hopes entered the COVID-19 crisis financially secure and armed with a strategic plan already focused on flexibility to meet the needs of a changing community. We were well-positioned to adapt to the adversity ahead. Fall and winter saw us providing services to over 180 participants each week, developing pilot programs, and planning the June Big Barn Bash, our crucial fundraising event. With spring came the pandemic, and our flexibility was put to the test. We quickly transitioned to effectively working from home, created engaging
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2019–2020 ANNUAL REPORT
online learning opportunities for our participants and volunteers, and turned the June benefit into a Big Virtual Bash. We are grateful to the staff, participants, volunteers, corporate partners, and donors who stood by us during this virtual journey. High Hopes is now open. Participants, volunteers, and staff have been reunited with our herd of happy horses. We remain careful yet innovative as we adapt programming, fundraising, and financial plans to address an uncertain future. High Hopes will continue to be a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives. Please come for a visit, email, Zoom, or phone for a chat. We want to hear from you, and we thank you for your continued help and support as we rise to meet the needs of a changing world.
Jacqueline Kangley
Kitty Stalsburg
Board Chair
Executive Director