H.O.O.V.E.S. (Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services) and Ballas Automotive have announced the launch of a month-long community partnership dedicated to supporting local veterans, first responders, and the rescued horses who serve alongside them through equine-assisted wellness programs.
The collaboration will begin with a public kickoff event and community supply drive on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Ballas Automotive, 10450 Airport Highway, Swanton, Ohio 43558. Community members, supporters, and media are invited to attend and participate.
Throughout March, Ballas Automotive will serve as a community collection site for essential items directly supporting veterans attending H.O.O.V.E.S. intensive programs, as well as the daily care of the rescue herd. Joint awareness and engagement efforts between the organizations will highlight the impact of equine-assisted services for those who have served.
Requested donation items include: individual snacks and protein bars; bottled water, sports drinks, tea, and drink supplies; personal hygiene and wellness items; and paper and facility supplies.
“Partnerships like this are what make our work possible,” said Amanda Held, Founder of H.O.O.V.E.S. “Ballas Automotive has consistently stepped forward to support both our veterans and our herd, and their commitment to community impact is truly meaningful.”
Jessica Goolsby, Marketing Associate and Community Liaison for H.O.O.V.E.S., added, “This month-long collaboration makes it easy for the community to directly support both our veterans and our horses. Ballas Automotive has created a welcoming space for people to give back in a tangible way.”
H.O.O.V.E.S., located in Swanton, Ohio, provides no-cost equine-assisted services to veterans and first responders across Northwest Ohio, supporting mental health, connection, and purpose through the healing power of horses.
Community members are encouraged to attend the March 2 kickoff event at 10:00 AM, meet representatives from both organizations, and bring a donation item to support veterans and rescue horses.
For more information about H.O.O.V.E.S., visit www.hooves.us.