Ahava started with a dream God had written on the heart  of our President and CEO,  Heidi Schwarz.  A dream of using horses to heal people.  This lead to two questions, Who do we help? and What would that help look like?  The who was easy, those suffering from the effects of traumatic events in their lives.  That is primarily Veterans, Active Duty Military and First Responders along with those who've experienced Sexual trauma and victims of Domestic Violence.  We want to help our Heroes, those who sacrifice much for others and also victims of violence who have lost much due to trauma inflicted on them by others.

 

What that help would look like was harder.  We had to decided the best way for us to approach this growing problem of PTSD and other trauma induced mental stress and depression that can lead to violence, self-destruction, drug addiction, self-loathing and suicide.  To be in line with our core principles to Treat, Teach and Restore individual wellness, our approach had to go beyond one avenue of treatment.   

 

There are several Equine Therapy programs out there, and many are also Non-Profit organizations like we are.  What makes us different is our program's holistic approach to healing.  It's not just the horses, though they are the primary part of the program's foundation, we also incorporate, Pastoral Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Life Coaching to treat those in our care using multiple avenues to achieve relief from stress disorders resulting from trauma, to teach skills that people can use to get through everyday life situations during and after the program, and to restore true inner healing and self love.  We also offer life coaching and Job placement programs to help after the program is over. 

 

Our therapy services are free for all admitted to our program and even once complete, we are here for a lifetime of support.  Though we are just getting started, we are determined to following God's plan for Ahava:  Answering His call to Serve others with love and understanding,  providing healing and restoring hope. 

 

Below is our vision board and at the bottom is a link to ways you can help us heal our Heroes and lift up those that have been effected by trauma.