River of Hope Ranch Receives $10,000 Grant from the Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren & Clinton Counties

Grant will fund an equine-assisted mental health counseling program for at-risk youth from the Mary Haven Youth Center

River of Hope Ranch, a local non-profit organization announced that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton Counties. The Ranch provides a unique environment for mental health counseling of children and teens. Together with a professional counselor and an equine specialist, one gentle, loving horse can help a child in pain find hope and healing.

The grant is in support of River of Hope Ranch’s “Reins of Hope” Program and will allow the organization to provide equine-assisted mental health counseling for at-risk youth that suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The youth involved in the Reins of Hope program will be residents of the Mary Haven Youth Center, the juvenile rehabilitation center of Warren County. Numerous studies show that many of the youth in the juvenile justice system have been exposed to traumatic events, either as victims or as witnesses. Because of this exposure, many of these youth have developed PTSD and other stress related disorders.

"We are extremely grateful for the Mental Health Recovery Services of Warren and Clinton Counties support of helping these youth," says the organization's Clinical Director, Josie Muterspaw, "equine-assisted mental health counseling can help these youth and their families work through the pain of traumatic life experiences and gain a more positive outlook on the future.”

Founded in 2006, the River of Hope Ranch is a Christian non-profit organization that offers equine-assisted psychotherapy and growth and learning programs for children, teens, and their families. The organization provides these services from Cross Creek Stables in Waynesville, Ohio. These services can benefit young people with such issues as depression, behavioral difficulties, abuse, trauma, grief, and more. The Ranch is now taking appointments and accepting new patients. Call (937) 728-3397 or visit our website at www.riverofhoperanch.org for more information.