Support Making Strides

Healing Through Equine Therapy

Making Strides is one of Equinox Therapeutic’s three non-profit programs. This program provides no-charge equine-assisted mental health therapy services to Edmonton community members who are currently receiving support through Boyle Street Community Services and/or the Bissell Centre. The clients who come through this program are homeless or have been otherwise affected by marginalising factors such as poverty. They are looking for hope and help to create stability and positive change in their lives.

FAQs

What is the history of Making Strides?

Making Strides was developed with a one-time fundraised sum of $9845 in 2012. In the following years, it operated on a $0 budget, which meant that Equinox Therapeutic donated all therapist and supervising psychologist services, as well as program oversight. The Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association (WELCA) has donated use of the horses throughout. Boyle Street Community Services and Bissell Centre have taken this program into their existing budget for program promotion, as well as driving some clients to and from therapy sessions. From 2013 to 2016, any donated or fundraised monies were given to Boyle Street Community Services to help offset the cost of transporting participants to and from sessions. The program continues to run on a pro bono basis.

Who is responsible for this program?

Equinox Therapeutic is primarily responsible for the service administration involved in Making Strides, but this program is a collaborative effort with the Boyle Street Service Society, the Bissell Centre, and the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association (WELCA). If you are interested in learning more about Making Strides, please contact our Director, Amanda Slugoski, at 780-885-6454 or by email at [email protected].