22 JANUARY 2017 ARCAD A NEWS By Rachael Bouley A local church has gone above and beyond to connect those in need with a valuable form of therapy. The Bridge United Methodist Church, nestled in the heart of Arcadia at 49th St. and Thomas Road, has completed the construction of a new facility on one acre of its property for Envision Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. This is a much-appreciated resource for the Phoenix non-profit organization, as it connects horses and humans in a powerful way. What was once an overgrown, vacant field on the north edge of the church’s six-acre property is now a safe place to bring horses and humans together to empower and encourage positive change in the lives of people and their families. Named ‘The Healing Post,’ this facility allows people with special needs and victims of trauma or emotional, mental or physical abuse to experience the powerful, life-changing remedies of equine therapy. It all started several years ago, when the congregation was brainstorming ideas for a new program that would give back to the community. None of the possibilities seemed to be the right fit, until an attorney for the church came for a visit and introduced the congregation to the world of equine therapy. As Russ Perry, chairman of the Board of Trustees and project/property manager, showed her around the property, she inquired about their plans for the empty lot, which was once a busy recreation area before falling into disuse years ago. Perry and his fellow congregation members didn’t have any plans — yet. “I could see a glimmer in her eye,” Perry said. She started telling him about Envision and the incredible work it does with Equine Therapy — and the rest is history. Envision already had a facility in north Phoenix and was searching for something closer to the heart of the city, so it could bring horses to more people. After dozens of meetings and a detailed planning process, the Bridge broke ground on construction in March. They worked fast as a team, building two 60-foot arenas, six stalls and a shed. They also installed fencing and planted 30 trees around the property. “It’s a whole different look back there, and people who knew it when it was a dirt patch can’t believe we’ve done it so fast,” Perry said. By October, it was time for Envision to start bringing horses and clients to the Healing Post. The congregation quickly observed just how big of a difference they were making. “It’s really incredible to see the bond between the horses and humans – it is a really effective, healing Church partners with horse therapy program Barbara Goldsworthy PT, DPT, ASTYM Complete and best in class patient rehabilitation Accepting insurance and cash patients 3333 E Camelback Rd. Suite 230, Phoenix, AZ 85018 602.956.1233 | www.tri-physicaltherapy.com Daniel J. Siegel divorce, paternity, family law Daniel J. Siegel, P.C. Attorney at Law 1617 E. Pinchot, Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-274-1099 • dan@danieljsiegelpc.com www.ARIZONADIVORCELAWYER.com Arizona State Bar Certified Specialist in Family Law Follow me on:

23 JANUARY 2017 Arc A d A News ministry,” Perry said. Oftentimes, clients are nervous and hesitant before their therapy sessions, but this all changes when they begin interacting with the horses. By the time they leave, they are relaxed and smiling, chatting enthusiastically about all the things they accomplished with their horses. While many feel uncomfortable sharing their stories and pain with other people or therapists, they can let their guard down with horses, telling their secrets and taking the weight off their chest. Grooming, riding and even just spending one-on-one time with the horses can have a major impact. One of the therapeutic techniques allows clients to finger paint their horse. They paint any word, number or symbol that represents something in their past they want to forget. “When they finish and go wash it all off, they are washing away those things, and it’s really powerful,” Perry said. “It seems to be really effective in reaching the patients and having a long-term effect on their lives.” Not many other churches have a program like this, and the Bridge hopes to one day expand its facility and program to reach more at-risk and in-need groups. For the congregation, it’s so rewarding to see its property being used to benefit others’ wellbeing. “We feel like it’s a very good investment,” Perry said. “We’ve already seen lives changed and people empowered through it, and that’s exactly the kind of thing we were looking for.” This partnership has been an incredible gift for Envision, as it is now able to serve more groups, giving a powerful and expensive therapeutic intervention to people that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. “It really helps build self-esteem, self- confidence, and leadership skills,” said Lisa Pewe, Founder and Executive Director of Envision. “Horses help them understand healthy, positive ways to express emotions and rebuild trust.” Humans who have been hurt in the past can learn to open up with their horses – an incredibly eye-opening experience for everyone involved. “I love seeing how this changes the trajectory of their lives. It’s amazing.” Pewe said. “When a horse nuzzles them and shows that they are lovable, valuable and trustworthy, it just changes everything.” The Bridge is inviting the Arcadia community to see the facility and horses for itself at the Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This fun, family-friendly event will offer demonstrations so guests can see firsthand how the program works. The Bridge is located at 4900 E. Thomas Road. PHOTOS BY WESLEY WORDEN For more info: thebridgeumc.church SPECIAL HOURS SAT. 1/13