(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
CLEAN-UP DAY … Members of the University of Toledo football team take a picture with the staff at HOOVES during farm clean-up day.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
HOOVES is a nonprofit that aids veterans and their families through retreats with rescued horses, farm work, and community connections. They are preparing for their upcoming season and first retreat, with this weekend’s farm clean-up being crucial to their efforts.
The University of Toledo football team volunteered at the HOOVES Sanctuary and Healing Center near Swanton on Saturday, April 12th.
They participated in the Farm Clean-Up Day, joining community volunteers to beautify the grounds for the year ahead. The Sanctuary saw a total of 60 volunteers.
HOOVES (Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services) offers equine therapy and support for veterans, first responders, and their families affected by PTSD and other trauma.
Each month, 22 veterans die by suicide due to PTSD. The program is available to veterans locally and globally. This initiative has been ongoing for 13 years.
The core program is a five-day healing intensive where participants stay in the house or a rustic cabin. Activities include bonfire gatherings, yoga, classroom learning, arena work, energetic healing, and emotional support.
Horses at the Sanctuary are rehabilitated. Additional offerings are pen crafting, rage painting, essential oils, meditation, massage, chiropractic care, and bee therapy. The intensive ends with a graduation ceremony and a year of ongoing support.
HOOVES has important dates coming up:
•April 27: Annual Golf Outing at Valleywood Golf Course, 8:00 a.m.
•May 3: Fundraiser
•June 1: Family open house for veterans, first responders, and their families or caregivers to meet the animals.
All proceeds from these events benefit veterans. If you know any veteran or first responder struggling and in need, please reach out to this organization at 419-930-7936.