Hope - Healing - Horses
Hope’s Haven Rescue & Youth Camp started as a vision from one woman and now has grown into a ministry desired by many to impact both children and horses that have experienced difficulties.
Diane Gruber-Strickland is the founder and executive director of Hope’s Haven Rescue and Youth Camp, a non-profit 501c3 organization that rescues mistreated and slaughter-bound horses and pairs them with hurting children. Powered by the amazing love of our awesome God, these special horses and children have the opportunity to experience acceptance, healing and restored hope.
For as long as she can remember, Diane has always loved animals and carried with her a very strong desire to help abused horses and hurting children. In May of 2017, Diane traveled to Bend, Oregon to attend an information clinic held at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. It was here that she learned how broken rescue horses can help heal hurting kids, as well as the valuable skills and knowledge needed to start her own similar ministry.
In March of 2018, Hope’s Haven was founded. Serving just a few children the first year, the ministry has now grown to the point of full capacity in just a few years, all while continuing to offer their mentorship services completely free of charge.
Since, Diane Gruber- Strickland has written ‘Hope Heals’ detailing the stories of horses rescued and children that have had their lives positively impacted through Hope’s Haven mentorship program.
This “family first” volunteer organization is composed of adult and jr. volunteers who support the youth program throughout the year. The program has grown initially from 3 horses and 2-3 volunteers serving 4 children, to 7 horses, 30 adult volunteers, 7 junior volunteers and 14 mentors serving over 30 youth.
Our Mission
Hope’s Haven is a Faith-centered ministry, where a rescued horse can connect with children dealing with conflicts in their lives; and together with God’s help, will find healing, acceptance, encouragement and restored Hope.
Youth Program Details
Programs are available spring, summer and fall every year. Youth ages 7-17, who have experienced difficulties, attend weekly for 90 minutes for 6 weeks. The components of each session include mentorship, activities and equine education.
To learn more or fill out an application for the program visit the links below.
MEET OUR PROGRAM HORSES
Silent Equine Counselors
Glory: An 8 y/o Thoroughbred mare (OTTB). Tall and timid. But, don’t let her size in’timid’ate you; She’s as sweet as can be. And has a heart-like marking on her forehead to prove it.
Charlie: A 21 y/o Haflinger gelding. Goofy, loving, and easy-going. Will do anything you ask. Loves to pull a cart and doesn’t mind hard work.
Mr. Oats: a 30 y/o liver chestnut, standardbred gelding. Very patient and tolerant. He’s just “a good ole’ boy.”
Rita: An 18 y/o Bay Appendix mare (Quarter horse/Thoroughbred mix). Loves kids and is often referred to as our “Babysitter.”
Hope: An 18 y/o Buckskin mare. A true Diva; and our Namesake. She’s intelligent, intuitive, and fun to hang with. One of the first to reach out and “connect” with a child.
Sage: A one blue-eyed paint gelding. Sage was rescued from a dealer at auction. He is sweet and gives animated expressions; also gives the best hugs. Fondly called the blue-eyed gentleman b/c he takes care of his human...
Raven: black Tennessee walker paint mare. Raven came to us two years ago as an owner surrender. she spent a year resting at the rescue farm with sage d/t a prior hip injury and being in such a weakened state. She absolutely loves kids and is now ready to be an equine mentor in our program.