Hello to all!
We hope your summer has been terrific, restful and you are beginning to think
about classes for fall.
We've been thinking about the upcoming academic year and are excited to tell you
about a philanthropic project in the works for almost a year. New Horizons Ranch
http://www.newhorizonranch.org/about.html is an equine assisted learning
facility located approx 35 miles southwest of Olathe in Rantoul, Ks.
From the web site: New Horizon provides
Hippotherapy. This unique form of medical therapy for
individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities that is performed on
horseback under the coordinated supervision of a
physical/occupational/recreational/speech therapist and a NARHA Certified Riding
Instructor. The rider receives benefits similar to those of office physical
therapy but in the fun, creative, safe and effective atmosphere of a riding
arena.
The interior design program has been asked to assist New Horizons in considering
expansion options and working towards the fundraising portion of the expansion.
We have a fairly tight time window as the fundraiser is in mid November. We have
attached a project schedule with time line for you to consider.
We plan on being up and running by the time classes begin in mid August and need
YOU to make that happen! We'll be scheduling two trips to Rantoul so each
participant has an opportunity to see the ranch and have a better understanding
of the needs of the project. The tours will probably be on a Thursday evening or
a Saturday morning. If you cannot make one of the scheduled trips you will be
expected to go to the ranch at a time convenient to them to be eligible to work
on the project. Those students who took a tour of the ranch last spring are not
required to repeat the tour.
We need a variety of students to participate at a variety of commitment levels
for both time and talent available. If your schedule is tight maybe a bit of
research (on your own time) and giving the information to another team member
would work. We hope to have student team leaders for each of the Three Phases as
well as a overall student project coordinator.
These positions will require more time and responsibility and could
potentially be an internship or honors contract for the student. Faculty will
act as team mentors for each of the project phases.
We will also need assistance for the evening of the fundraiser -decorations and
working the event - if you are able to volunteer for that portion of the
opportunity that will be available too.
If you are interested in participating in this community opportunity please
visit the New Horizons web site
http://www.newhorizonranch.org/about.html and
take the time to view the video and read through the information available, then
contact either Jan or Diana and let us know where you see yourself fitting into
the project - a team member or team leader; a specific phase or beginning
assigned to any phase.
We hope to hear from you and are happy to answer questions you may have. Enjoy
the balance of your summer and please consider assisting children and their
families with this worthwhile endeavor.
Best Regards,
Professor Jan Cummings
Associate Professor Diana Ingham
Interior Design Department Chair
Interior Design Department