Mission Statement
The mission of GHERF is to instill healthy living practices among children, youth and adults (with and without disabilities) through equine assisted activities and hands on training in regenerative farming practices. Our multi-faceted portfolio of programs improves the quality of life of South-Central Virginia residents, meeting their recreational, rehabilitative, educational and vocational needs, while harvesting organically grown produce for low-income families that preserves the environment - nourishing people and the planet. The vision of GHERF is to improve the body, mind and spirit of South-Central Virginia residents through the healing powers of the horse and sustainable farming.
Description
Using the horse as a tool and the 270-acre facility as our classroom, GHERF is committed to offering quality equine and regenerative farming programs and services that meet the educational, vocational, recreational, and rehabilitative needs of South-Central Virginia. Programming is designed to build upon the unique gifts of each individual, enabling them to successfully improve their body, mind, and spirit through the healing powers of the horse, and the knowledge and application of healthy living through regenerative farming practices.
Specialized programming has been developed with a person-centered focus for individuals ages 4 to 80, without and with disabilities (intellectual, physical, sensory, and emotional) and/or health related conditions. Good Hope has worked with a wide array of pathologies, including individuals diagnosed with Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Depression, Developmental Delays, Specific Learning Disabilities (ADD/ADHD), Processing Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
GHERF’s broad array of specialized programs include: Equine Assisted Therapy and Activities, Educational Farming Sessions, Endless Strides, Horses Serving Heroes, Horsin’ Around, Red Helmet Horseman Club, and the We Are One Volunteer Club.
Good Hope will also continue to serve as a host site for PATH, International providing continuing education units (CEUs) and certifications for equestrian professionals throughout the country.
