Earlier this month, White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center (WHOA) was in competition with other non-profit entities, to win a prize in RK Dixon’s 9th annual “Make My Non-Profit Run Better” contest. The grand prize was a much-needed, office technology makeover. WHOA competes in a region with much larger populations than Whiteside County, IL. However, White Oaks entered for a second time and won a multi-function printer selected by RK Dixon and Premier, valued at up to $5000. Contestants numbered 206 from across Iowa, Illinois, and southern Wisconsin.
The organization was notified on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, and filmed by KWQC-TV6, Davenport, IA, stated Program Director Kay Richmond. She did not know when the printer would arrive.
“We really appreciate all the [voter] support we received. That was outstanding and awesome!”
A significant number was the more than 58,000 internet votes received by WHOA.
The fall season begins the week of Monday, August 25. Classes are held at the home of Harold and Mary Scuffham, 12433 Prairie Center Road, Morrison, IL. They began in 1995,.
What makes WHOA unique? It offers therapeutic horseback riding and animal-assisted activities, as well as other related services, for children and adults with disabilities. The organization has been associated with the Equine Assisted Activities (EAA), which is known for beneficial forms of exercise and recreation for people with a wide variety of disabilities.
What does WHOA offer? It combines goals, sports, recreation, therapy, and education in once-a-week lessons, which run from April to October. Day and evening hours are available. Lessons include basic instructions of grooming, horsemanship, tracking, riding, and/or driving skills. Every lesson is taught by PATH certified instructors.
This video illustrates the efforts of White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center: http://youtu.be/pkVc68rpQg4.