We hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and are anticipating an exciting New Year! 2015 marked Guided Hope’s second year serving families experiencing loss, military service, adoption, medical hardships, and others desiring to strengthen their families through work, riding, and play on the ranch! We are grateful for a safe, productive, and blessed year.
Prayer Partners, Volunteers, and Financial Supporters! Thank you!
We welcomed new volunteer Ranch Hands of all ages who served in ranch maintenance during our weekdays, while our Wrangler volunteers provided guests of our Roundups memorable days of fun, encouragement, and hope. We will be offering a Horsemanship Clinic for new Wranglers this spring!
Two “Open Ranch Day” events were offered to the community this year, on May 2nd and November 14th. Together, we hosted 200 people for animal fun and country games. Thank you to a number of volunteers who made these events possible!
We introduced our program to more people in our community on June 6. Our goats escorted us in the Berthoud Days parade! The Nigerian Dwarf quad kids got rides in wagons and a wheelchair. Later, they served as ambassadors at our booth at the park. Throughout the year, the horses, llamas, alpaca and rabbits greeted new arrivals of chicks, ducks, goats, cats, dogs, pigs, and a baby calf!
“Okinawa” was a surprise theme for our %irst summer Roundup on June 13th. We hosted two families, one military family, and one who serves the military. We found out that they both had Okinawa connections…and so did the two Wrangler volunteers that day! We are honored to serve those that serve our country.
For those who have been through tremendous grief, we strive to be a place of hope. We were privileged to have
Andrea and David and their two daughters join us in October. They shared with us their journey since the tragic loss of their young son and brother, Daniel, several years ago. Even though we desire to care for the families that come here, moments of healing often come as they spend time caring and loving our animals. Chores, riding and play allow people to laugh, live, and strengthen their families during these difficult times.
“We just spent our first (of many, hopefully) mornings at Guided Hope! Such a truly awesome experience!” Andrea
Fifteen families from the “Grafted by Love”
adoption group were introduced to Guided
Hope in September. Volunteers educated
guests about our animals and had fun playing
country games! We hope to have each family out individually next summer.
One little girl overcame her fear of animals and made a special connection with our bunnies. Jess was blessed with her first litter in November, and now, one of “Cookie’s” babies, “Dot,” is headed to a new home! “Ashley has a nearly debilitating fear of most animals. We’ve been working for years to help her overcome her fears… having ‘Dot’ may be a positive first step.” Mom
When a family member is struck by a medical hardship, it involves each member of the family in different ways. Our doors are open throughout their journey. If we can bless them with a day of refreshment and encouragement, we are humbled to do so. Sometimes, we are told, it is helpful to find refuge and joy on the ranch despite the pain. Our young friend, Lizzy, is struggling with a challenging medical condition right now. We were able to share our ranch (and a new bunny☺) with her siblings and look forward to the day that she comes with them to ride and play together.
Please pray for our military families, Andrea and David, Ashley, Lizzy, and all of the precious guests we have been privileged to host this year. We humbly ask for your prayers for the work of Guided Hope so that we may serve families far into the future.
Some have asked how they can help in our winter season. Butterscotch and Pops have been doing well on Equine Senior Feed while Scout and Zeta enjoy munching on their hay. However, we are still in need of additional feed if you would like to sponsor these amazing caregivers! We are grateful to our Board, and are currently seeking new members interested in discussing this important position. Please contact Kaarin Scoma or Mike McNamara, Board President, for information. We also have a need for weekly volunteers in the of%ice and barn!
We are an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-pro%it organization. Donations go directly toward our horse and llama care and program operation expenses. (All other animals we enjoy on the ranch are cared for separately by the Scomas as their family livestock.) Both cash and “Wish List” items from our website provide for essential items. We are grateful for your support.
We remain open upon request in the winter if you have family or friends interested in coming. Subscribe on our website and/ or “like” us on Facebook for updates. Our summer Roundups begin June 11th. We look forward to 2016!
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.
