Equest Center for Therapeutic Ridinginc

“The 990 is reviewed by the Executive Director and a copy is provided to the board members before filing.”

“Each new director, officer and employee must disclose to the President or Chairperson of the board the nature and extent of any actual or potential conflict of interest. The board then must make a determination if the policy is violated and the action to resolve the potential or perceived conflict of interest. Each new director, officer and employee must sign the Conflict of Interest Policy affirming that they have received and understand the policy and that they will comply with said policy.”

“The executive team of the board of directors met without the executive director. The team reviewed independent data, looking for similar organizations with comparable personnel. The deliberations and decisions have been documented.”

“The governing documents and audited financial statements are available upon request of and approval by the Executive Director.”

“Program Accomplishments, continuedEquest Center stands apart from other Equine Therapy Centers in many ways. Teachers, physicians and professionals including Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and more refer clients to Equest Center for many specific reasons:1. Equest Center serves more special needs individuals EACH WEEK than any other equine therapy center in West Michigan and is one of two largest centers in all of Michigan.2. Equest serves individuals with an expansive range of disabilities including those with more severe physical and mobility challenges such as brain injury, paraplegic, quadriplegic and severely multiply impaired among others. 4. Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding has been a PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding, International) Member Center since 1990.5. Equests staff includes licensed instructors, teachers and degreed professionals including:* 9 PATH International Certified Instructors* 1 PATH International EAL Certified Instructor* 1 Certified Teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing K-12* 5 Certified School Teachers including ages: Preschool - 12* Areas of Certification: Emotionally Impaired, Cognitively Impaired, Master of Special Ed, Elementary & Secondary Ed6. Equest Centers heated indoor arena and facilities allow us to provide YEAR-ROUND services. This consistency of programming is a critical piece for many individuals with disabilities. Equest offers more specialized, unique programming options that are specifically designed to meet the needs of our clients:* Therapeutic riding program ~ serving individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities on horseback;* Music therapy on horseback ~ in conjunction with therapeutic riding program;* Senior Saturdays ~ connecting with the elderly in the community;* Vocational and job training programs ~ working with transition-aged individuals with special needs from rehab facilities, group homes, school districts and individual homes;* Horses for heroes ~ serving U.S. veterans & active Military;* Summer horsemanship day camps/special star horsemanship day camps;* Horses as healers ~ serving those effected by cancer, grief and trauma; * TEAM EQUEST ~ volunteer program including individuals and many organizations, boy scouts, girl scouts, churches, schools and businesses for group volunteer opportunities;* Adaptive Carriage Driving Program;* Horses & Hands ~ Advanced volunteer program;* Equine-facilitated learning;* Saddle Safari Sensory Discover Trail ~ mile-long outdoor riding trail with specialized sensory stations and pathways specially designed to serve the needs of those with sensory processing disorder;* On site, hands-on learning and internship opportunities and partnerships with colleges, medical teaching institutions and high schools in the area;* Equine Assisted Reading & Literacy Program;* Deaf and Hard of Hearing Equine program;* Minis on a mission ~ visiting schools, hospitals, hospice...”