Pennsylvania House of Representatives Honors Ivy Hill

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center was recently honored with a citation presented to them by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.  Citations recognize those organizations which contribute to the benefit of their communities and the citizens of the Commonwealth.

The citation states that, “Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center is being honored upon the momentous occasion of its twentieth anniversary.”  Ivy Hill Foundation, Inc. was established as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1999 and is located at 1811 Mill Road in Perkasie, Pennsylvania.

The citation goes on to commend Ivy Hill’s accomplishments.  “Throughout its history, the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has made inestimable contributions to the welfare of society through a sense of fellowship and through its programs which are designed to enhance the quality of life for all.  Known for creating therapeutic programs for individuals with special needs using equestrian methods, the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center was started in 1999 with the goal of helping one family’s child. 

Having helped more than six hundred individuals using its programs, the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has more than one hundred riders currently in its program. With the goals of increasing cognitive, physical, social, educational and behavioral awareness, the Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center’s programs focus on the individual rider.  A succession of dedicated leaders and members has made this possible, keeping ever mindful of the noble maxis of the organization.”

Grace Emmell-Leister, Ivy Hill Foundation Board Member initiated the process along with fellow Board Member and Perkasie Borough Councilman, Aaron Clark.  The honor was announced March 31st at Ivy Hill’s annual Staff/Board Dinner held at the Bay Pony Inn in Lederach, PA.  The citation was sponsored by the Honorable F. Todd Polinchock, who represents District 144 and whose House committee assignments include: Children & Youth, Human Services, and Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness.

Laura Brockett-Strausser, Executive Director of Ivy Hill Therapeutic said, “Everyone at Ivy Hill takes pride in how far we have come, and we look forward to the continued journey ahead.”  Ivy Hill will continue to celebrate their twentieth anniversary throughout 2019 with a number of events to benefit the program.  For more information on Ivy Hill and their events, visit www.ivyhillequestrian.org

Ivy Hill has been chosen as a 2019 KidCents Charity

Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center has been chosen as a 2019 official KidCents charity by Rite Aid!

KidCents is a program created by The Rite Aid Foundation that allows Rite Aid customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate their change to help support kid-focused charities.  By enrolling at KidCents and rounding up, you are helping us to reach our goals by simply shopping at Rite Aid!

The selected charities’ programs encompass a wide variety of projects that advance children’s health and wellbeing, promote academic growth and support a safe environment to live and grow. This year’s charities were selected in partnership with Rite Aid associates who live and work in communities served by Rite Aid, with a goal to positively impact the children living in those communities.
Of the 416 nonprofits named an official KidCents charity for 2019, 145 charities are participating in the program for the first time, and Ivy Hill is one of them.  Each charity received a one-time $5,000 KidCents grant, totaling more than $2 million.  In addition, each charity will also have access to a variety of funding opportunities throughout 2019.
For 20 years, Ivy Hill has provided equine-assisted activities and therapeutic programs for children and adults with special needs as well as financial and emotional support for their families and caregivers. In 2018 alone, Ivy Hill served 312 clients, through various equine-focused programs, provided 5,495 equine-assisted therapy sessions, and provided 24 low income riders with over $26,000 of financial assistance.  In addition to our therapeutic riding program, Ivy Hill is committed to utilizing our facility to help provide non-equine related services, such as job skills training, for at-risk youth and adults struggling with mental health and physical disabilities who also suffer from exclusion.

Chris Brockett, President and CEO of Ivy Hill Foundation, Inc. said, “We are looking forward to our partnership with The Rite Aid Foundation and are excited by the opportunities that KidCents brings to our organization and those we help!”

“The Rite Aid Foundation is committed to making a meaningful and lasting difference in the communities we serve. Improving the health and wellbeing of children is a critical component of that commitment,” said Tracy Henderson, director of The Rite Aid Foundation and charitable giving initiatives. “From empowering young girls to succeed to providing a safe place for children to stay, this year’s charities provide valuable services in their communities. We are proud to provide them with additional funding to make an even greater impact on the children they serve.” Read the full story on the Rite Aid website then enroll in KidCents and start donating today, click here.
Ivy Hill Foundation, Inc., dba Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Ivy Hill) is a community-based nonprofit 501 (c)(3) established in 1999.  Their mission is to create therapeutic programs for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral and psychological needs utilizing the equine experience.