My Nonprofit Reviews

Horses & Heroes (H&H), a 501c3 organization, has been working for over seven years to provide no-cost Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to military, first responders, and their families. Selflessly supporting military families transitioning from active duty, first responders, and those affected by trauma, the connection between H&H clients and its therapy horses – themselves rescues or donations with their own stories of struggle – has proven particularly effective in bringing people “home.”

In every challenge there is opportunity to move forward and to heal. This past year has been a challenge for everyone. In H&H’s case, within days of each other, our Clinical Director, Rachel-Willoughby Greene, lost her father and her faithful four-legged companion Oreo. Friend and colleague, Andi Burgis, owner of Challenge-U, a satellite location for Horses & Heroes, lost her battle against ovarian cancer.

Covid, real estate challenges, and an increased OPTEMPO challenged the staff and the facility. H&H chose to respond with help, hope, and happiness. The team trusted each other and their clients, exemplified understanding and support, and recognized their vulnerabilities, strengths, and ability to be flexible, responsive and resilient. The horses not only sensed that, but knew it and responded with pride.

In the context of all that, Clinical Director, Rachel, and Equine Specialist, Julie, traveled to Phoenix AZ to complete EquiLateral™ training – the Equine Assisted Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and the integrative treatment of choice for trauma. H&H is the only program in Kansas City offering EquiLateral EMDR. The spirit of service does not stop.

H&H’s donors, generous supporters, kind strangers, advisors, staff and team of empathetic animals are eager and able to offer connection. Connection heals. Healing saves lives.

Richard M. (Rich) Curasi, Colonel, USA (Ret)
Advisor, Contributor and Occasional Staff Musician