66 SIDELINES MARCH 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
2 SIDELINES JUNE 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
becomes a metaphor for their own struggles.
“There is a real and immediate need for the Sandy Hook
Newtown Community,” Dan said. “That hasn’t gone away in the
last year. It’s still there. It’s very real. However, once everyone
feels that Sandy Hook is in good shape again we’re not going
to close the therapy program. We plan on keeping the stables
open to offer equine assisted therapy to anyone who needs it –
hopefully with an emphasis on children.”
He explained that this fall, before school started, 20 families
flocked to the barn in search for help because their children were
afraid to go back to school. “While in many people’s memories it
fades a bit, for this community it’s still there and very raw,” Dan
said, “This community still needs help.”
Dan also noted that they are working hard to obtain their
501(c)(3) status to establish credibility and assure potential
donors that their donations are going directly to Embrace Hope
to help the community. As of now, the majority of the financial
burden to provide these services free-of-charge rests on the
Sullivan’s shoulders.
But for everyone involved, according to Annette, that struggle
is well worth it. “It’s a tribute to Avielle and the other children that
died on December 14 that we continue the service to their friends
and to any child who has survived trauma. As long as there are
children who can benefit from our program, we intend to keep it
available.”
She added, “Avielle’s love of being at the farm was something
that I wanted to give back to the kids who were her friends.
Bringing joy back to her friends, who since December 14 often
seem so lost, is what I believe our program can do. Although
their eyes are guarded, the kids do have hope in their eyes
too. It takes so little for the joy to come back, so it is our goal
to embrace that. I want these kids to know they can come here
whenever they need to find happiness, now or in years to come.”
Annette Sullivan cannot erase the pain. She cannot bring
back the lives lost or forget those children’s faces. What she can
do is embrace hope – and she does. In the spirit of little Avielle
who rode with all her heart, and of the 26 angels who watch over
Sandy Hook, Annette, Brian, Dan and everyone involved at Zoar
Ridge Stables embrace hope and help heal the hearts of those
in need.
For more information about Embrace Hope or to donate to
their noble cause, visit
.
Annette Sullivan
Photo Courtesy of Embrace Hope
Dan Donovan
Photo Courtesy of Embrace Hope
A child-size bench donated by
SmartPak in Emilie’s Garden
Photo Courtesy of Embrace Hope
