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Holding onto hope for others until they are able to grab ahold of hope for themselves.
Our Mission
We see how deeply survivors of complex trauma are suffering, often alone and unseen.
The Wild Hope is an emerging community equine therapy center committed to providing access to a safe space to heal and foster belonging.
Because we ALL deserve to lead a rich life of connection and meaning!
Learn how we'll do this HERE!
1 in 5
1 in 5 adults are struggling with mental illness in the US.
$ 1 Trillion
Worldwide, poor mental health accounts for more economic costs than chronic somatic diseases such as cancer or diabetes and is often the cause of disease.
45%
45% of people needing help cannot afford the cost of treatment.
11 years
Is the average delay between symptom onset and treatment access.
400% ROI
Every $1 invested in scaling up treatment for depression and anxiety leads to a return of $4 in better health and the ability to work.
Thank you!
Because of your support and dedication to holding onto hope and giving access to the healing power of horses to those who need it most, we successfully launched our Phase 1 EAP Pilot Program for survivors of sex trafficking amid the pandemic and completed it in March 2023!
About the Phase 1 Pilot Program
Our Pilot Program came out of a desire to be able to serve survivors as soon as possible. Because we have such a great BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal!) of a vision for our ranch and programs it will take us some time and significant funding to pull it all together.
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Instead of asking survivors to wait on us, we decided to launch a Pilot Program that would accomplish three main goals: 1) Give survivors access to TF-EAP services at no cost to them as soon as possible. 2) Gather anonymous data on the efficacy of EAP to share with future funding sources and donors. 3) Test best practices for the program so we can make adjustments necessary before continuing to offer EAP services.
Survivors of sex trafficking were given 42 hours of Trauma-Focused,
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP) at no cost to them.
A total of seven survivors participated in the Program, two of whom came through a collaboration with our friends at Magdalene House Austin. Participants worked alongside a licensed therapist and an equine professional and had several horses (including Jewel) to partner with. We rented space at a private barn that included access to paddocks, an arena, and all equipment and supplies that were required. There were restrooms onsite as well as covered seating areas for shelter from the weather. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 62 years old. Volunteer drivers and gas gift cards offset transportation costs to and from the barn. Upon completion of the program, we were able to extend an additional hours (76 total hours) to one participant for continued care. She is still receiving services today.
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If you'd like to support the survivor mentioned above, and/or help us scholarship 3 more survivors, please make a donation and include "healing journey" in the comments. All donations will go toward providing no-cost TF-EAP to survivors of severe trauma and neglect.
Join us as we build
The Ranch of
Wild Hope
!
Please note: We are not yet able to accept MH INTERNS and do NOT have volunteer opportunities directly with the horses or survivors.
Please subscribe to our email list for updates as we grow!
The Wild Hope Austin is seeking skilled volunteers to help us build a thriving organization. Now that we've launched our Phase 1 Pilot Program, we are moving into Phase 2, bringing together an experienced, passionate, and committed group of people to develop a sustainable business model, grow our donor base, and help us develop programming.
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
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Board of Director Service (2-year term)
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Join our Business Builders Team (1-year commitment to develop and implement strategy and sustainable business model for generations to come!)
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Become an Ambassador of Hope! (Advocate, share about, and fundraise for TWH)
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General Volunteer Opportunities
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If you'd like to be a part of a unique and impactful journey of hope and healing, please APPLY HERE! Together we will make equine-assisted services accessible to those who've experienced complex trauma and trafficking. Because everyone deserves access to healing through innovative, high-quality trauma care.
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It Takes a Wild Hope
