2014 has been an amazing year for Guided Hope! We have had the privilege of serving over 100 people! We are incredibly grateful to our prayer partners, Roundup volunteers, work crew/Ranch Hands, and financial supporters.
For those of you who are new to our “Roundups,” here are some highlights:
We have been honored to serve numerous military families. One mom expressed her gratitude that we had made a special effort to recognize the service of the whole family. Others were here just before their impending deployment. Some drove over two hours because they said it was one of few things available for free for their whole family and they wanted their kids to serve as well as play together. It’s hard to pull our military families away from chores and on to “play time!”
Some have been through tremendous grief at the loss of a spouse, child, parent, or sibling. One young boy was uncertain about participating when he arrived, and after slipping on a pair of cowboy boots, mucking stalls, riding horses, and a swim noodle/wheelbarrow “joust” with his family, he was smiling from ear to ear, and didn’t want to leave.
We have had families of two to 11 here! We love the hearts of our adoptive families. Whether they are coming in the midst of tough transitions or simply to strengthen their bond together, we do our best to provide chores and play for all ages. There’s nothing like milking a goat for the first time to provide great laughs and build family memories!
Some of our families are walking the often long and difficult journey of medical hardships. If we can bless them with a day of refreshment and encouragement, we are humbled to so. Sometimes, they say, they just need to be distracted with fun activities and at a place where they know it’s okay to laugh for a moment.
You make this all possible. We absolutely couldn’t do it without you. We will be open upon request over the winter and will kick-off our official Roundup season June 13th.
Some of you have asked how you can help. Thank you! We are a fully volunteer organization and our Roundups are free of charge to our guests. Please see our “Be Involved” page on our website for our volunteer opportunities, wish list items, and ways to donate to our feed costs and other needs. All donations are tax-deductible. We were blessed with our official 501C3 non-profit status on July 4th!
Are you interested in being a summer intern with us? If you are 18 years of age or older and are interested in helping with communication materials/social media, volunteer coordinating, and/or barn management, please call Kaarin at 303-898-5567 or email [email protected] to apply.
We look forward to 2015 and future opportunities to mentor individuals, strengthen families, share hope, and inspire service at Guided Hope.
Psalm 25:4-5: Show me your ways Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.
