Ohana Preservation Foundation

Goal: $5,000.00

Specific Need

To support our mental wellness programs for youth navigating difficult life circumstances and mental health challenges.

Mission

Ohana Preservation Foundation’s mission is to serve vulnerable children, their families and caregivers through equine, art and horticultural programs where they can experience well-being in a therapeutic, rural environment.

Profile

We provide therapeutic equine, art, and horticultural support to local children, their families and caregivers. Our trained and compassionate equine specialists help children and caregivers navigate difficult emotional challenges through meaningful connections with horses. Children of all abilities and life circumstances engage in hands-on art therapy for artistic self-discovery with the goal of encouraging healthy emotional expression. Our horticultural therapy programs invite children to explore nature through mindful gardening activities, building character, resilience, and a sense of community.

“I feel like I’ve been given an emotional massage.” -Margot, sister of a special needs child

“After the loss of our son, I thought we’d never find a place for our children to grieve with others who “get it.” -Laura, mother of son who died by suicide

These healing moments take place for over 900 children, caregivers and their families each year at our 81-acre preserve in rural Aldie, Virginia. This enchanting place is possible only with the support of those who believe in the power of animals, art, and nature to soothe wounds both seen and unseen. We hope that you will come to believe in this work too and become part of our ohana.