PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR … H.O.O.V.E.S. founder and Executive Director Amanda Held cuts a ribbon alongside husband and Facility Manager Justin Held, contractors’ representatives, and others, all celebrating the completion of donated renovations including new and reconstructed parking and driveways as well as all new windows throughout the facility.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
Staff, contractors, community members, and friends recently gathered at the HOOVES Sanctuary and Healing Center outside Swanton to celebrate the completion of donated renovations.
HOOVES stands for Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services, and the facility has been providing equine therapy and other services for veterans and first responders to help them recover from trauma and cope with post-traumatic stress disorder since 2017.
Through a partnership with the Ohio Contractors Association and its member companies, the facility had the parking area and driveway completely reconstructed, and a new turnaround driveway and expanded parking area added.
Further, through a donation from Window World, new windows were installed throughout the facility.
“These upgrades aren’t just improvements to our property, they’re acts of generosity that will directly impact the men and women who come here to rebuild their lives,” founder and Executive Director Amanda Held said.
She thanked the OCA for their help in the project before identifying every contractor by name, as well as what work they performed.
“Each of you contributed in a way that goes far beyond machinery, material, or labor,” Held said. “You created access, you created safety, and you created an environment where veterans can step onto this property and feel supported the moment they arrive.”
She called the ribbon cutting a “celebration of what we can accomplish as a community when we stand with our veterans.”
For more information on HOOVES Sanctuary and Healing Center, visit www.hooves.us online or call (419)930-7936.