Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Kichurchak and Michelle Togliatti.
Hi Anne and Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Anne and I, once high school friends bound by our shared struggles with mental health—trauma, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders—found our paths to healing through divergent journeys. While Anne sought solace out West at a treatment center where the presence of horses played a pivotal role in her recovery, my family’s financial constraints led me on a quest for healing through various means, ultimately guided by my unwavering faith.
Years later, our lives intertwined again, and the flame of shared passion ignited within us. United by a profound belief in the healing power of equine-assisted counseling, we embarked on a mission to bring this transformative modality to Northeast Ohio. Anne, having brought two horses to her own equestrian haven in Richfield, and I, armed with a deep understanding of the experiential model that had proven effective where traditional counseling fell short, were determined to make a difference in our communities.
Our vision was clear—to offer this powerful form of healing with minimal barriers to entry. Fueled by my personal history, I was adamant that financial limitations should never stand in the way of someone seeking the help they so desperately needed. With unwavering dedication, we set out to provide equine-assisted counseling at little to no cost, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their financial situation, could access this remarkably effective therapeutic model. Our mission was not just about bringing horses to the healing journey but breaking down the walls that hindered individuals from finding the solace they deserved.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of Hope Meadows and our personal paths has been far from easy. As Hope Meadows continues to evolve and expand, so do we. Navigating the challenges of the nonprofit sector is no small feat, especially when raising funds is crucial to the success of our program. Equine-assisted counseling is not covered by insurance, and our operational costs surpass those of traditional methods. Juggling the care of horses, mental health specialists, equine experts, a barn, our facility, and a 20-acre property, all while offering services at little to no cost to participants is undeniably demanding. Yes, it is a struggle, but every day, we learn the importance of self-care and supporting one another, along with our equine companions.
Our team is comprised of passionate individuals who genuinely care and are driven to help others in a visceral way. United by a collective fervor to transform pain into purpose and instigate systemic change in our communities, we find strength in our faith during challenging times. This calling to make a difference fuels our determination to persevere. In the early days, we lacked a physical home until we connected with Karen, the owner of our initial space (Misty Acres), who shared our passion. As we expanded, incorporating Anne’s equine property (Butterfly Acres) and later facing the challenge of outgrowing these facilities, we prayed for guidance. The discovery of our Ridge Road property was serendipitous. Financially unprepared to purchase our own property and horses, we took a leap of faith. At the eleventh hour, just when acquiring the property seemed impossible, an angel donor intervened, securing Hope Meadows’ forever home. Now, we eagerly anticipate a bright future for Hope Meadows, where we can breathe life into our vision and make meaningful impact in our surrounding communities.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hope Meadows Foundation. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Hope Meadows is a 5-year-old non-profit organization that serves the community to provide equine assisted counseling and life skills programs. As a specialized treatment team consisting of a Mental Health Specialist, Equine Specialist, and Horse(s), we collaboratively create a nurturing environment for individuals receiving treatment for various challenges, including behavior disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, addiction, trauma, PTSD, and depression, among others.
This experiential modality involves engaging in activities and interactions with horses, typically within an arena or pasture at our Equine facility. Within this therapeutic environment, clients immerse themselves in activities that lead to the identification of emotions linked to success, disappointment, responsibility, or self-esteem through their unique experiences.
What distinguishes Hope Meadows from other equine therapy programs is our focus as a mental health organization. We do not provide therapeutic riding services. Whenever someone enters the arena, a mental health specialist is always present, ensuring that each interaction is guided by therapeutic expertise.
Hope Meadows customizes each program to align with the therapeutic objectives of the client. We provide individual and group equine-assisted counseling sessions, along with curriculum-based life skills programs. Our dedicated team of professionals ensures a safe and supportive environment enveloped by nature and enriched by the healing presence of horses.
Hope Meadows takes pride in fostering a culture of caring hearts and places a strong emphasis on the continuous training and growth of its staff. This commitment ensures the delivery of the highest quality services, creating an environment where healing can flourish. Currently, Hope Meadows serves the communities of Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, and surrounding counties in Northeast Ohio.
Any big plans?
The future ahead for Hope Meadows shines with unprecedented brightness! We are launching a capital campaign to actualize our vision for both our organization and our 20-acre property in Granger Township. The property currently stands as a canvas, featuring a barn housing our expansive indoor arena, 12 horses, and meeting space. Our comprehensive master plan envisions a welcome center with staff offices, gathering spaces, and group therapy rooms. The landscape will be adorned with natural walking paths, hiking trails, an outdoor pavilion, and an outdoor arena.
This expanded vision and the additions to our property will enable us to quadruple our capacity, allowing us to extend our services to a greater number of individuals. The vision goes beyond our physical space, aiming to integrate the community into Hope Meadows. This involves creating a second home for collaborating community mental health organizations, schools, and local entities.
Our overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive approach to healing, commencing with equine-assisted counseling. Once participants “graduate out of the program,” we envision them returning as volunteers and eventually evolving into mentors for others. Throughout this journey, there is a profound emphasis on connection – to nature, to horses, and to one another. Hope Meadows strives to foster a holistic community where the cycle of healing and support continues, creating a positive impact for all involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hopemeadowsoh.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopemeadowsohio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeMeadowsOH
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/hope-meadows-oh
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hopemeadows1325
