Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced $70,000 for the Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center in Yelm to provide therapeutic horsemanship to active-duty military and veterans struggling with PTSD.
“Therapeutic horsemanship has proven to be effective in improving the lives of veterans and active-duty military personnel with PTSD,” said Rep. Strickland. “This funding will bolster the important work of the Center in supporting those who have and continue to sacrifice so much for our nation.”
“The Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center is a vital resource for Thurston County servicemembers and veterans suffering from PTSD. After operating on a volunteer basis, this grant will help them invest in the equine therapy facilities and instruction needed to support our nation’s heroes,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez.
“I appreciate Congresswoman Strickland’s leadership, and I look forward to working with the Hope for Horsemanship Center to expand mental health services in Southwest Washington.”
“Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center in Yelm, WA is a 501c3 non-profit that provides a therapeutic horsemanship program to about 200 veterans and active duty military personnel annually,” said Bob Woelk, Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center Executive Director. “A great percentage of these participants have had suicidal tendencies and most all are suffering from PTSD and chronic depression. The money provided by the Community Project Funding through the US Department of Health and Human Services will support our Head Instructor salary and facility costs which are directly needed to operate our program. This funding will directly reduce military suicides in our local area.”
Therapeutic horsemanship includes training, grooming, and riding horses which helps people heal from traumatic experiences, PTSD, anxiety, chronic depression, and other injuries like traumatic brain injuries. The funding announced today will be used for operational costs.
The award is one of 14 FY23 Community Project Funding (CPF) grants Congresswoman Strickland secured. Read more about CPFs she championed here: https://strickland.house.gov/media/press-releases/strickland-secures-19-million-south-sound
U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.
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