Anyone familiar with the Shining Stars Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) has noticed a wall of plaques commemorating the arena’s first $1,000.00 donors. In August of 2006, we held a dinner and cast vision for an indoor riding facility that would allow SS to offer equine therapies year round.
33 people stepped up that night and pledged to give $20.00 a week for an entire year. Many more amazing gifts were given through grants, individuals, non-profits, and businesses. In 6 years’ time, God blessed us with over $350,000.00! 33 people knew they could improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities by their dedicated giving. What an amazing legacy they now have. The plaques on the wall are a testimony of the gifts they are leaving for future generations!
In 2013, the construction of the TLC was complete and we began to hold classes indoors. This allowed us to double our number of participants. Now over 200 riders with special needs receive hope and healing through our many equine assisted programs. God continues to do a great work here.
While the location of the building offers ideal access to a main road, township regulations do not allow us to keep horses on the property. Horses must be hauled in each day from a local farm where they are housed. While this is working for us now, our thoughts must prepare for the future so that SS services will last way beyond our generation.
The farm currently serving SS will be going up for sale when the occupants retire, sometime within the next 6 years. At that time SS will need to relocate or purchase a farm of our own. It is our prayer to be able to purchase a farm to give SS a permanent location for our horses. Several SS programs also operate from the farm location. We currently hold Horse Camps, the driving program, instructor training, and horse training at the farm.
It is clearly time for us to launch our 2nd Capital Campaign! Remembering how God used a small group of 33 people in the past inspires us. Leaving a legacy for future generations is exciting, rewarding, and something to be proud of.
For this campaign to purchase a permanent home for our horses and programs, our goal is to raise $60,000.00. That would mean 50 people committed to give $100.00 a month for a year or a one-time gift of $1200.00. We are already preparing another wall in the TLC to commemorate our Capital Campaign givers.
Would you prayerfully consider joining us? CLICK TO DONATE NOW
2 Corinthians 9:10-11…”.He will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous in every way, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”