Dear Don and the Sonoran News,
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Jasper Ridge Farm, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in northern California, serving Veterans and children in need through our therapeutic animal-assisted programs. (I moved to Carefree a few years ago, and “telecommute”!)
The organization was founded in 2009, initially taking small animals to visit children and families in facilities such as Ronald McDonald House and local homeless shelters. In 2012, we started offering HorseBuddies, an experiential learning program for special needs classes where horses provide the mode of learning. In 2014, our HorseHeroes program was launched to serve active military and Veterans, including those with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury. Horseback riding in a group of their peers has helped the Veterans improve physical, emotional and social well-being. In 2018, we launched StudentBuddies to address the needs of teens with mental health challenges. Last year, we served 3, 838 children and adults through our programs, which are offered free of charge.
In 2019, Jasper Ridge Farm was named Enterprise of the Year by the Veterans Commission of San Mateo County for providing “exemplary service to Veterans.” Through our HorseHeroes program, we are bringing 15 Veterans and VA staff members from California to Cave Creek Regional Park in March for a weekend. As part of their rehabilitative therapy through the VA, the Veterans will camp in tents, cook their own food, and ride the scenic trails on horseback. We are hoping to make this an annual event for the Veterans to look forward to. They will overcome challenges, put their newly acquired horsemanship skills to use, and continue their healing process in a group of their peers.
Since Jasper Ridge Farm does not charge any Veteran for our services, we rely on donations and grants to operate. Donations for this special trip to Cave Creek would be appreciated!
Our website: www.jasperridgefarm.org
Thank you so much!
Wendy Mattes
Founder & Executive Director, Jasper Ridge Farm
Carefree resident
