BLUE SKY THERAPEUTIC RIDING AND RESPITE
Safe, Happy and Healthy
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
There is a significant deficit in the state of Texas, as well as the nation, in the number of quality programs for those with special needs, especially for those above the age of 18. The number decreases even further for those who don’t have the ability to pay, do not receive services from the state, or require a little extra work due to behavioral and communication problems. We are working to give special needs citizens in Denton, Collin and surrounding counties an excellent opportunity for therapeutic horseback riding, respite, vocational training and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Individual Therapeutic Horse back riding lessons
Individualized Therapeutic riding lessons for clients of all abilities and ages, ( clients are currently age 4- 60). Structured learning principles utilized to enhance clients independence, sense of control and accomplishments
Purpose Mercantile
PURPOSE - Providing Unique and Realistic Possibilities and Opportunities for our Special Needs Equestrians.
PURPOSE Mercantile is an opportunity for our riders to create boutique like items that are fresh, clean and unique. With a farmhouse feel, PURPOSE Mercantile is able to provide items to stage your urban loft or country cottage simultaneously. With an emphasis on encouragement, love and inclusion our products will brighten any space....especially after they read the story of the hands that created it.
Our riders are given a simple set of instructions on how to create the products. Sometimes it takes working in teams to bring it to completion, but the creativity and inspiration is all their own. All of the proceeds from PURPOSE go directly back to the operational expenses of Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite.
PURPOSE Produce is also a division of PURPOSE Mercantile. Our riders work hard in planning, planting, maintaining and cultivating our beloved Blue Sky Garden. Farm fresh produce is available once a week during the season for locals to pick up and take home. A suggested donation is accepted for the produce which also supports Blue Sky. We were able to get our produce into the Frisco Farm Stop this past summer and are eager to sell to more and more markets.
Where we work
External reviews
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite is striving to serve a larger portion of the under served special needs community. Also, we would like to create a full service therapeutic community where special needs citizens are seen for their unique abilities and not their disabilities. We want to become a model that can be easily duplicated all over the state and the nation. By building something stellar on a small scale we will show others that it can be done. It doesn’t have to be huge and grand, it just needs to be quality and intentional.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
We currently serve 42 therapeutic riders on a weekly basis. We would like to serve 50 clients a week. In order to accomplish this, we will need to hire an additional PATH certified riding instructor and open an additional instructional day.
We would like to expand our PURPOSE program in number of days in order to serve more special needs adults throughout the week. Also, in order to expand the number of clients attending the PURPOSE program we will need to hire additional qualified staff.
We believe that knowledge is power, and we encourage our instructors and staff to continue to learn. We want to keep staff and volunteers informed of the most up to date best practices not only in therapeutic riding but also in TEACCH structured learning methods. We would like to have an on site training session each semester of the year so that everyone is prepared to serve our clients in the best possible way.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Blue Sky has the land and facilities in order to obtain our goal. We would like to add a covered arena to our property so that heat, rain and cold doesn’t stop our weekly lessons. It would be wonderful to provide the very best facilities possible.
We also have the infrastructure, passion and drive to make this goal a reality. Funding is always an issue with any non-profit, but we work hard to fund raise and build relationships with community leaders and donors.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Already in 2019, we have increased the number of days we offer our PURPOSE program from one day a week to 3 days a week. This took a big leap on our part, but we have head nothing but positive feedback from the families we serve. In order to do this, we hired a full time executive director to oversee the program. We also hired a part time PURPOSE assistant.
In order to create a true therapeutic community, we have brought on a speech and occupational therapy clinic on campus. They don’t only offer our clients with exceptional therapy, but they are also a great resource for our instructors and staff when planning lessons and schedules. We are able to work in collaboration to bring our clients the very best care.
We have increased the number of riders from 35 to 42 in the last 7 months.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
BLUE SKY THERAPEUTIC RIDING AND RESPITE
Board of directorsas of 05/02/2022
Amy Gayhart
Kristen Kromer
Kristen Kromer
Kenneth Dugger
Beverly Aten
Susan Pennau
Duanne Sutton
Heather Beauchesne