TOTAL ASK $250,000

 
 
 

Hi friends, thanks so much for watching and sharing our campaign.

With the staggering mental health crisis in our country we are humbled to get to play a small part in building out Ri Beag Refuge into being. Ri Beag Refuge is named after our son Ryan who struggled his whole life with severe epilepsy. His struggle formed and forged the character of our family and we all followed him here to Alton Illinois and feel his leading in providing a unique, beautiful, and holistic healing option to so many that struggle with mental health issues.

This equine therapy facility will focus on what is called the Eagala model. For a comprehensive look at this form of therapy, go to Eagala.org. The Eagala team approach is not recreational horsemanship, riding lessons or therapeutic riding and actually doesn't involve riding at all. Eagala isa psychological framework based on sound theoretical principles led by licensed mental health professionals and an Eagala trained specialist like Cheryl and Liz who will be leading our effort for anyone in the Metro East Illinois, riverbend or St. Louis Area.


So what about the horses?


Healing and change takes more than talking. Horses are highly intuitive and sensitive beings who have a special ability to connect in ways that help people become present-focused, to identify feelings, and to work through emotional and behavioral barriers without shame or stigma. Horses are large and powerful, and it is hard to ignore their presence , much like a seemingly impossible life issue. Difficult feelings and situations cannot always be put into words and sometimes it's better not to try. Bringing horses into the treatment process compels you to be in the present moment, so that you aren't focusing on the past or worrying about the future, but dealing with what's going on now.


What We Have Now


We have a 40 acre homestead with 4 horses and we have another 40 acres that has been donated right next door that we will build Ri Beag Refuge on. So we'll have an amazing 80 acre site that can be used, private, peaceful and accessible to so many.

Rì Beag Refuge exists as an independent LLC under the Lantern Network, a not for profit organization (501c3) and all donations are tax deductible.

WHAT WE STILL NEED, AND WHAT THE $250,000 will be used for.

 

PHASE 1

 

  • The 'lower 40' as we call it needs some excavating for roads, water, and power.

    $40,000

  • Outdoor arena, and small office where the horses will live and where the therapy sessions will happen.

    $120,000

  • Because we want year around therapy we'll need a covered and heated arena so that we can continue therapy in the colder or windy months.

    $90,000

 

If more funds are raised, we’ll move to Phase 2.

PHASE 2

 

  • This will be for an onsite director who cares for the animals and tends the property.

    $120,000

  • For interns and younger folks who may need not only therapy but a job, a new start, and a new experience to turn their lives around.

    $40,000

  • The lower 40 has a lot of beautiful land that can be farmed, or used for other businesses to help offset costs. We envision the development of outdoor events space, and agricultural use but need funds to pay for the start up costs.

    $40,000

  • Because Eagala does not charge for its services and because many of the mental health partners we work with also do not charge for their services, we'll need two years runway of program costs that will cover food, equipment and healthcare for the horses and small stipends for our growing staff.

    $80,000