Westchester Insider: **PRESS RELEASE**WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR ERIKA PIERCE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR ENDEAVOR THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM.

(L-R: Patricia Byrns, Director of Development, Emily Bushnell, Executive Director Stryker, Equine Partner, Lisa Maksimyadis, Instructor & Barn Assistant, Legislator Erika Pierce and Laurie Ciavardini, LCSW-R & Military Clinical Counselor)

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR ERIKA PIERCE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR ENDEAVOR THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM.

White Plains, NY — Westchester County Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) announces $6,592 in funding for 2024 to support Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship (Mount Kisco, NY) and its female Veterans program in partnership with Montrose VA Medical Center.

Founded in 2014, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship offers equine-assisted services to individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, active duty military, school groups, and incarcerated women. A 501(c)(3) charity, Endeavor provides services throughout the New York metro area.

This funding reflects Legislator Pierce and the Board of Legislators' commitment to the well-being and resilience of all community members, especially those who have served our country.

Legislator Erika Pierce said “The work that Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship does to support our Veterans, as well as others in our community including at-risk youth, community members with a broad range of disabilities, and incarcerated women, is so critical.  Having watched our Veterans interact with the trained staff at Endeavor, you can see very clearly the difference made by these therapy sessions. As a member of the Board of Legislators, I am so happy to be able to be a partner in this critical work, especially in support of female Veterans, a population which is particularly underserved, and also, by providing a virtual program to give access to those without transportation.” 

Emily Bushnell, Executive Director of Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship said “Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship Inc.’s mission is to empower individuals with a broad range of needs by providing the highest quality equine-assisted services in an inclusive and welcoming environment.  Since 2020, Endeavor has offered virtual programs to individuals who cannot join us at the farm. The Female Virtual Veteran Program creates a community for female veterans to learn about horses, horse behavior, the way horses communicate, how horses partner with humans in sport and work, and the many parallels between horse behavior and human behavior. It is led by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and a Clinical Social Worker and creates opportunities to learn and address mental health goals. Endeavor thanks Westchester County for underwriting our Virtual Female Program.”

For more information or to schedule a tour, call (914) 241-0211. Details on volunteering and inquiries can be found at https://www.endeavorth.org.

 

The Westchester County Board of Legislators consists of seventeen members and is the policy-making branch of County government, serving one million residents. The Board's primary responsibilities are to allocate funds, approve the budget, and impose taxes, in addition to passing local laws, acts, and resolutions. It is the longest-running elected body in New York, serving as the Voice of the People of Westchester County for over 300 years. Learn more by visiting www.westchesterlegislators.com