PRESS CHRISTMAS FOR ALL Equine therapy helps girl overcome emotional struggles

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All campaign, we share stories of those who have received help from the program. This is one of them. 

Animals and humans share special bonds.

Horses, especially, offer emotional connections that quiet the mind and soothe the soul through equine assisted therapy, which addresses mental health issues including trauma, grief, depression, eating disorders, emotional and behavioral issues and more.

"Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a form of psychotherapy incorporating a mental health professional, an equine specialist and horses," the Hope Reins Foundation explains on its website, hopereinsfoundation.org. "EAP has proven to have a profound impact on individuals, couples, families and groups."

"Sadie," 11, has experienced mental health issues related to her parents' divorce and being bullied at school. She lives with her mom, "Lana," who believes Sadie needs extra care managing her emotional outbursts.

With continued counseling, consistent parenting and keeping Sadie busy with extracurricular activities at school, Lana hoped the outbursts would subside and Sadie would have better emotional control and improved decision-making abilities.

Enter the Hope Reins Foundation, a Press Christmas for All partner.

Through Christmas for All, Lana and Sadie received assistance to pay for equine assisted psychotherapy and learning. Sadie has recently had breakthroughs in school, especially math and science, is in volleyball and is reading more.

Lana said their home is peaceful now.

"This helped with Sadie's coping skills," Lana said. "She has a better attitude and behavior at home and in school."

Strong and consistent parenting, support from counseling and a mother's love have helped Sadie to begin to overcome her struggles and to know people in the community are willing to help.

Each year, Press readers generously donate to Press Christmas for All. Every penny raised goes to Kootenai County residents. The Hagadone Corp. covers all overhead costs.   

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, people experiencing homelessness and those with mental illnesses. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working but living in poverty.

Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All keep their dignity while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from charityreimagined.org. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.   

Here are four ways to donate:   

• Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

• Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176.   

• Visit cdapress.com. Click on Christmas for All and make a secure online donation.

• Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d'Alene.