The Therapy Services Program at Shining Hope Farms, and thus the children participating in the program have benefited immensely from the Eagles of Children grant funding. This is evident through physical therapy patient Shivay who has found success and hope through the program.

Shivay is a spirited young child with a love for farms and cows. Shivay was adopted by his parents from India at 18 months old. At the time of his adoption, he was unable to walk. Due to his physical delays and low muscle tone, Shivay’s parents enrolled him in traditional clinic-based therapy. Unfortunately, Shivay's parents found traditional clinical therapy to be less effective for their son's needs due to its static and artificial nature. That’s when they thought the natural environment at Shining Hope Farms might provide a better approach.

When he first started therapy at Shining Hope Farms, he was behind in meeting milestones typical for a four-year-old and struggled to do things independently in a safe manner. However, the farm's enriching outdoor environment and incorporation of equine movement, a therapy tool called hippotherapy, resonated more deeply with Shivay's developmental challenges.

Shivay has been able to work on his low muscle tone, and overall weakness, particularly in his core, all through a more natural and engaging form of therapy.

“As a parent, we like that this farm incorporates daily living into therapy. We have just seen huge progression.” says Shivay’s mom Courtney.

To learn more about Shining Hope Farms and how they provide therapeutic services in an enriching natural environment, visit their website at shininghopefarms.org.

Thank you to River Run Country Club for supporting Shining Hope Farms!