WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced $70,000 for the Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center in Yelm to provide therapeutic horsemanship to active-duty military and veterans struggling with PTSD. 

Therapeutic horsemanship includes training, grooming, and riding horses which helps people heal from traumatic experiences, PTSD, anxiety, chronic depression, and other injuries like traumatic brain injuries. The funding announced today will be used for operational costs. The award is one of 14 FY23 Community Project Funding (CPF) grants Congresswoman Strickland worked to secure.

“The Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center is a vital resource for Thurston County servicemembers and veterans suffering from PTSD. After operating on a volunteer basis, this grant will help them invest in the equine therapy facilities and instruction needed to support our nation’s heroes,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “I appreciate Congresswoman Strickland’s leadership, and I look forward to working with the Hope for Horsemanship Center to expand mental health services in Southwest Washington.”

“Therapeutic horsemanship has proven to be effective in improving the lives of veterans and active-duty military personnel with PTSD,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “This funding will bolster the important work of the Center in supporting those who have and continue to sacrifice so much for our nation.”

“Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center in Yelm, WA is a 501c3 non-profit that provides a therapeutic horsemanship program to about 200 veterans and active duty military personnel annually. A great percentage of these participants have had suicidal tendencies and most all are suffering from PTSD and chronic depression,” said Bob Woelk, Manager of the Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center. “The money provided by the Community Project Funding through the US Department of Health and Human Services will support our Head Instructor salary and facility costs which are directly needed to operate our program. This funding will directly reduce military suicides in our local area.”