2014 Annual Report

2014 Annu a l Re p or t
Committed to improving
the quality of life of persons with
physical, mental and emotional
challenges through
equine related therapy.
President’s Report
Managing Director’s Report
We have seen for ourselves that when people and horses meet, miracles happen. But those special moments can only occur
when others who believe in the vision, give of themselves to ensure that every client has an opportunity to experience something
special when they come to WETRA. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank all who have dedicated their time, be it one hour or
seventy, to ensure the continued growth of our program. Without your good work, what we do at WETRA would not be possible.
The support of the community is vital to the preservation and growth of the Windsor - Essex Therapeutic Riding Association.
Through generous donations from supporters to the time selflessly given by volunteers, our organization relies on the community to
allow us to continue to serve clients and expand our programming. We are grateful for those who have supported WETRA in 2014 and
hope that you will continue to support our organization moving into the new year!
This past year has been one of great transition for WETRA. It began with the departure of our former Executive Director, Sue
Klotzer who retired last July after over 30 years of service to WETRA. In addition to Sue’s retirement, we also had to prepare for the
retirement of Mike Peters who has run the financial side of WETRA for the past 25 years. To lose that much experience and history
in one year leaves an enormous hole. Add to that an initial six months filled with leadership change and you can perhaps get a small
taste of what this year has been like for the Board and in particular, for the person who took on the mantle of leadership for WETRA
as of December 1st, 2014. Life for Becky Mills this past six months has been filled with one challenge after another and the Board
congratulates her for a job well done.
As Head Instructor in 2014 I was able to witness amazing results to clients served in many new areas of programming. Our
team is constantly working on ways to improve and engage with a broader base of needs in our community. The Mental Health Clinical
Pathway program saw clients who were very fragile succeed in becoming more engaged socially and reach new goals. The Therapeutic
Driving Programs offered adults with intellectual disabilities a place to come and feel empowered; harnessing and driving their horse
and carriage around the farm. Lastly, the Healthy Living program gave at risk youth a chance to engage with clients who were learning
to transition their skills taught at WETRA through equine interaction.
On the Horizon
This year’s audited financial report speaks to a year in
transition. It identifies how monies have been allocated to maintain
our facility, our staff and our therapies. We are on task with our
strategic goals so that we can ensure that as we safeguard our
financial viability, we will continue to build successful programs while
enhancing public awareness. We will meet our challenges head on,
as we have always done, by working with WETRA supporters at every
level and keeping our vision and mission clearly in focus. I am proud
of WETRA, it’s people and it’s purpose. I look forward to delivering yet
another positive report at next year’s Annual General Meeting and
invite everyone to be part of our success by sharing their comments,
concerns and suggestions with the Board as we move forward.
2014 Board of Directors
Barbara Holland John McMahon
Celia Southward Mike Peters
Ron Rogers
Patrick Thompson
Cara Brown
Mercedes Lavoy
PresidentVice President
2015 sees my path at WETRA changing to become the Managing Director and I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the staff,
volunteers, our clients, for their insight and support through this transition period. The following pages of this annual report will help
illustrate the work we do and the community formed by all those who come together to make WETRA a success!
We thank you for sharing in the WETRA experience and helping us improve the quality of life for the clients we serve in our community!
Sincerely,
SecretaryTreasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Rebecca Mills
Managing Director
Windsor - Essex Therapeutic Riding Association
Board Member
Barbara Holland
President
Windsor - Essex Therapeutic Riding Association
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WETRA 2014 Annual Report
WETRA 2014 Annual Report 2
Who We Are & What We Do
The Windsor - Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) is located 20 minutes
outside the city of Windsor along the Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail. WETRA is a
Registered Canadian Charity and non-profit organization that is not funded by any
government agency.
Nearly 200 persons with special needs receive therapy at WETRA each week. About
80% of those who are enrolled in the program are children who have developmental,
emotional or physical disabilities. The remaining 20% are adults with similar challenges.
Children and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, head injuries,
post stroke and learning disabilities enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of
equine assisted therapies.
WETRA’s mental health program involves comprehensive neuro-cognitive, psychological,
and adaptive living assessment. The clinical plan may include participation in one
of WETRA’s many programs such as therapeutic riding, therapeutic driving, or life &
vocational skills all overseen by qualified, trained staff.
The student success program is designed
specifically for “at risk children and youth”
who are struggling in school or who are
at risk of failing. The program is designed
by the WETRA team in cooperation with
the school. This team will develop group
activities that include participation,
cooperation, problem solving, etc. The
activities promote a sense of confidence
and encourage the student to reflect on
them self and the needs of others. The
programming may include participation
in one of WETRA’s many programs such
as therapeutic riding, equine facilitated
learning (unmounted), and/or life &
vocational skills.
Volunteer
Instructors
Joan Masse
Instructor CanTRA Certified
Nancy Sauve
Instructor
Randy Fasan
Driving Instructor
Murdo McLean
Driving Instructor
Kathie Block
Driving Instructor
Hazel Smith
Driving Instructor
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2014 Staff
Sue Klotzer
Program Director CanTRA Certified
We served 523 students in 2014
Sabrina Amicone
151 DYP (Discover your Potential) At risk youth
166 Campers
Mereasa Brownlie
138
Erin Storey
Dana Ursu
Brittany Wigfield
10 Life Skills
Patti Olsen
5 Therapeutic Driving Students
Rebecca Mills
Head Instructor CanTRA / Path Intl. Certified
Mental Health Counselor
Recreational Therapist
Volunteer Coordinator - Instructor Path Intl.
Certified / CanTRA in training
Instructor Path Intl. Certified &
Equine Maintenance
Instructor CanTRA Certified
Instructor CanTRA Certified
Weekly Therapeutic Riding Students 28 Public School Students with disabilities
25 Mental Health Clinical Pathways
Sue Pellerito
Life Skills Coach
Instructor in training for Path Intl.
Jen Beneteau
Instructor in training for Path Intl.
Paige Shepley
Instructor in training for CanTRA
Mairi Matthews
Instructor in training & Equine Maintenance
Katie Renaud
Instructor in training & Equine Maintenance
Kari Deshaies
Barn & Equine Maintenance
WETRA 2014 Annual Report
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Our students came from Windsor, Tecumseh, Essex, Harrow, Amherstburg, LaSalle, Belle River,Leamington, Kingsville and surrounding areas.
o
Weekly Clients presenting with approxiamtely 38 different diagnosis
o
Other community programs included Conductive Education Therapy, Educational trips for Adults in Day Programs and attending public awareness events.
WETRA 2014 Annual Report 4
2014 Fundraisers
2014 Herd of Therapy Horses
Last year saw the return of many of our favourite fundraisers along with some new ones!
9 th Annual Jewels & Jeans
Gala & Silent Auction
Febraury 15, 2014
Ride-A-Thon
April 6 -10, 2014
2014 Fundraiser Income
$25,000.00
$20,000.00
$15,000.00
$10,000.00
I Walk So Kids Can Ride
5KM Walk or Run
June 29, 2014
Intergrated March Break
& Summer Camps
March 10 - 14, 2014
For 6 weeks beginning July 7, 2014
$5,000.00
$0.00
4th Annual Hogs for Horses Ride
September 20, 2014
11th Annual Pepper Loewen Golf Tournament
(1st year supporting WETRA)
September 27, 2014
9th Annual Hallowe’en Spooktacular
October 17 - 18, 2014
WETRA Staff at Spooktacular 2014
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WETRA 2014 Annual Report
The 2014 WETRA herd of therapy horses
consisted of 20 horses of varying sizes
and abilities. Having such a variety
ensured that all of our clients were
matched with a horse that best suited
their needs. The match between horse
and rider is important to the success
of their therapy here at WETRA. Some
riders benefit from the choppy gait of a
small pony to help stengthen muscles
and balance, whereas other riders benefit
more from the smooth, even movement
of a large horse. A therapeutic riding
horse must be kind, gentle and patient.
They are the heart and soul of our
program and take on the role of friend,
teacher, confidante, and therapist.
Included in our herd of riding horses are
three miniature horses and a miniature
donkey. The “minis” as they are refered to
are a vital members of our herd and are
used for unmounted activities including
life/vocational skills and community
events.
Bella, one of our Shetland ponies had
surgery to remove her left eye after it
was discovered she had an ulcer that
medication could no longer treat. Bella
is now pain free and happy and back
helping our clients.
Two horses were retired from our
program in 2014 due to them no longer
being suitable for therapeutic riding.
The oldest member of our herd, Simon
passed away in May. Simon was 30
years old and had been a member of the
WETRA herd of therapy horses for many
years. Simon is greatly missed in our
program and by his riders. He was the
go-to horse for a beginner because of his
reliability and patience.
Titan joined our herd in December
2014. His former owner Kate Robinson
generously donated him after deciding
to downsize her own herd. Titan is fitting
into the program very well and filling
a space that was needed for a more
advanced horse for our riders. Titan is
a 20 year old Belgian cross. Thank-you
Kate for donating Titan to our program
and allowing him to teach our clients
valuable riding skills with him!
For the first time in 2014, WETRA
published a calendar containing picture
of it’s herd. The 2015 WETRA calendar
fundraiser was well received and will be
continued.
WETRA 2014 Annual Report 6
WETRA: Equine Therapy Benefits Everyone
2014 Volunteers
In 2014, with the help of a government grant we were able to launch an informational video about our program
and its benefits. We invite you to view it by visiting out website www. wetra.ca and clicking the link on the main
page!
Imagine the WETRA facility without volunteers? The fact is that without this group of dedicated, hardworking
individuals we would not be able to offer the programs we do! Often refered to as “the backbone of the organization”
the WETRA volunteers take on everything from keeping our clients safe during their therapy sessions to messy
jobs like cleaning stalls!
Volunteers become a part of the experience for the rider! Riders often look forward to seeing their volunteers
every week as much as they do their horse! This group of people donates time from their personal life to come
out and assist in running our therapeutic riding program.
Additional to their weekly shift, many volunteers are quick to
pick up extra shifts to cover gaps in the schedule or help out
with extra events like school groups and camps. The words
“Thank-you” hardly seem adequate to convey the amount of
gratitude we have for our WETRA volunteers!
“It was amazing how well he took to the horse and
the relationship that was instantly created!”
-Julie Khoury
Mother of Alexander Khoury, WETRA Rider
“When they first start riding you’re holding them up
straight in the saddle. They start using their core
muscles and next thing you know you aren’t holding
them up anymore! They are sitting up straight on
their own!”
-Paul
Amlin
WETRA Volunteer
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“Cowboy hats are just as good for therapy as lab
coats for us. This is just as professional as any other
physical therapy. It doesn’t have that institutionalized
feel... it’s almost like a family!”
-Matthew
Loewen
Father of Amanda Loewen, WETRA Rider
On average in 2014, Volunteers donated an average of
350 Hours Per Week!
Ontario’s minimum wage rate is currently
$11.00 Per Hour
“There is success in every single lesson! I don’t know
that I have ever had a rider leave here feeling they
weren’t successful or that something great didn’t just
happen with their horse!”
-Brittany
Cornies (Wigfield)
WETRA Instructor
WETRA 2014 Annual Report
This amounts to
$200,200 in yearly wages!
WETRA 2014 Annual Report 8
2014 Donors
The following list includes the names of all who donated in 2014. We are extremely grateful to our Supporters! We hope to receive your continued support in
the upcoming years! (We have made every effort to include everyone. If your name was inadvertently omitted or spelled incorrectly, please let us know.)
$10,000 +
Farrow
Thiessen Greenhouse Flowers LTD
Windsor Moose Lodge
Susan Wipp
$5,000 - $9,999
$1 - $499
Frances Peters
Service Mold Inc.
We Care for Kids Foundation
$2,500 - $4,999
Sabrina Amicone
Costco Wholesale
Carol Malott
Dean’s Auto Shine
Mills Woodworking
Windsor Family Credit Union
$1,000 - $2,499
Brack Animal Hospital
General Gun & Supply
Scott Hawkes
Jeff’s No Frills #275
Sue Klotzer
Larry McCormick
Rebecca Mills
Bruce Nageleisen
Mike & Karen Nageleisen
Ontario Scarlet Nobles & Ladies
Mike & Arla Peters
Larry Reaume
Rotary Club of LaSalle-Centennial
Anna Simpson
Stevens Steel Products Inc.
Tulos Tech & Die (2000) Inc
Unifor Local 1959
Windsor - Essex County Seniors Sports Assoc.
$500 - $999
Astra Zenaca
Gerald Horsfall
Earl & Lauren Larking
E.D.F. Holdings Inc.
Gary Kelly
Rosati Family Foundation
Royal Canadian Legion Amherstburg Br. 157
Edith Sheppard
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Donny Aawes
Nicola Adams
Mike Agne
S & M Allen
Bernie Amlin
Darlene Anderson
Gord Atwell
A.P Plasman Inc.
K & B Baillargeon
Dorothy Balko
A & K Battagello
Lyndsay Battersby
Michelle Beaudoin
Janet Beetham
Dave & Mary Jo Beneteau
Janet Boldt
John & Mary Braun
Sarah Braganza
Breathe Pilates & Fitness Studio
Laura Bridgeman
Cara Brown
David Brown
Iris Brown
K. Campeau
Laurie Carty
Angela Cervi-Hanes
John Charlton
Mark Charlton
T. Cherry
Jacqueline Christie
M. Colontonio
Michelle Copland
Marilyn Clark Davidson
Elfreeda Derksen
Karen Devries
Stephanie Devries
Brenda Driedger
Herm & Elizabeth Dick
Dillon Consulting Limited
Don Dube
Christine Dummer
Ludwick Dobmeier
Mike Earhart
Kris Ennix
Dorothy Edmondson
Gord Erdman
Sharon Evans
Janice Facecchia
Marilyn & John Fahringer
Elizabeth Felet
Steve Ferguson
Dale Finn
Papoushek Franz
Bettie & Gerald Fraser
Bryan & Anne Furtaw
Fred Martin Trucking Ltd.
Lisa Gauthier
Philip & Christine Garinger
Karen Gary
Jack Gibb
Eric Grenon
Tony & Peggy Haddad
Patti & Lorne Huffstetler – Tyndale
Charlene Haluk-McMahon
Bev Hamilton
L. Hart
Flo & George Hargreaves
Allison Hawkins
John Herhalt
Guy Hicky
Mary Hogan
Terri Hogan
Jim Holland
Integrity Tool & Mold
Darren Isenor
Ray Janisse
Ted & Cheryl Jarecsni
Harvey and Margaret Jenner
Michael and Tracey Jenner
JB Food Services Inc.
Knights of Columbus 4555
Tim Kellog
Fadel Khoury
Mark Khoury
T & A Koelln
Kelly Kuras
Maurice Laforet
Janice Lamarre
Monica Lamothe
Chris Lanoue
WETRA 2014 Annual Report
Lara Michelle Souliere Dentistry
PR.
Heidi & Kim Larson
Joanne Letteri
Pat Lewis
Libro
Local 444 Unifor
Chris Lozinski
Martin Lucier
Don Loewen
M & S Cleaning Services
Chris Major
Colleen Major
Velma & Mark Marcon
Marie Marriot
Carolynne Mastellotto
Sharon & James MacDonald
Nora & Gilbert Mallet
Kelly Marentette
Nick Mastese
Eleanor Maticka-Tyndale
Don McAuley
Chantal McConnell
Gisele McLarty
Lynn McLeod
Mike McMullen
Chris McVeigh
Jackie McVittie
Bob Menard
Jean - Pierre Michel
Paige Mills
Pamela Milne
Janice Moir
Janet Morrice
John Muma
Laura Nageleisen
P. Nantais
Pat Nantais
Robin Nantais
Terrie Nantais
Theresa Nantais
Sue Nobbs
Kevin Nussio
Lee Ann & Rob Ondic
Glen O’neil
John Osborne
Irene Ossington
Christine & Allan Parks
Christian & Christy Paulton
Elijah Paulton
Brian & Sue Pepper
Penny Percy
Angelo Pernasiliu
Mary Jeanne Peters
Sandy Plotnrek
Art Potvin
Jose Poulin
Cheryl Priestley
Jason Pruyn
Slavica Radone
Laurie Raymont
Barb Reaburn
Jerry Revenburg
Refined Design
Charles Robinet
Adam Rondot
Chris Rota
Linda & Edgar Regehr
Ron Rogers
Sam’s Shell Tow & Recovery
Mike Sales
Robert & Patricia Sanford
Linda Scheer
Barb Scott
Bruce Scott
Chris Shannon
L. Sharon
Taylor Sharon
Dawn Shepard
Jennifer & Ronald Sheppard
Sherri Sherbo
Jim Sinclair
Kelly Stack
Adele & Michael Stebila
Mike Stumpe
Linda Sugars
Lori & Tom Sutts
Gloria Thiessen
Larry Tiessen
Isabel & Douglas Turgeon
Trim Metrix
Victoria Trivett
Ellie & Sandy Tyndale
Sanford Tyndale
Danny Sauve
Allan Scase
Chris Shepley
Phili Smith
Brian Stead
Lisa Strickland
Dan Towsley
Jocelyn Turbide
Stirling Rehabilitation Services
Lena Walsh
Michael Wahalatharige
John & Nancy Whyte
Leah Williams
West Windsor Power
Shirley Wheeler
Dave White
G. Winney
Livio & Rosa Quaggiotto
Patti Quick
Cathy Quinn – Boroski
Sadie Verbeek
Christopher Younan
Erica & Keir Young
Lorrie York
Willie & Joyce Zimmermann
In Kind
Bloomin’ Gardener
Katherine Robinson
Mereasa Brownlie
Rebecca Mills
Penny Muir
Sue Klotzer
Larry Reaume
Trainer’s Choice
Quality Craftmanship
Woodworking
Upcoming Events:
June 20
Last Day of Riding!
Have a Great Summer!
July 6 - July 10
Camp Week 1
July 13 - July 17
Camp Week 2
July 20 - July 24
Camp Week 3
July 27 - July 31
Camp Week 4
August 3 - August 7
Camp Week 5
August 10 - August 21
Autism Ontario Summer Program
August 29
1st Annual Mills Charity Barbeque
Shindig
September 14
First day of Fall Session
September 27
5th Annual Hogs for Horses Ride
October 16 - 17
Spooktacular
October 24 - 25
Strides for Stability
Charity Horse Show
(details to follow!)
WETRA 2014 Annual Report 10
Windsor-Essex Therapeutic
Riding Association
3323 North Malden Road
Essex, ON, N8M 2X6
PHONE: 1 (519) 726-7682
FAX: 1 (519) 726-4403
EMAIL: info@wetra.ca
WEB:www.wetra.ca