Nickers 'N Neighs Therapeutic Riding Center Strategic Plan 2014-2018 Approved by Board of Directors on 3/18/2014 Mission The mission of Nickers ‘N Neighs Therapeutic Riding Center is to adults with improve the special lives of challenges children and through a therapeutic partnership with horses. Vision Nickers ‘N Neighs seeks to establish a sustainable center where those in our community with a variety of risks and needs can find benefit in body and mind through a premier equestrian program. The ultimate goals include objective measurement of benefit, collaboration with leading teaching and research centers, and endowed support to achieve continued growth. Organization Nickers 'N Neighs Therapeutic Riding Center (NNNTRC) was incepted in 2008 as an independent nonprofit and 501(c) (3) corporation to help people with disabilities experience physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits through participation in therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities. NNNTRC delivers individualized lessons in private and group settings that encourage healthy bonding with the horse and increased independence for students in lessons both in and out of the saddle. Saddle instruction includes independent and 1 assisted riding. Ground instruction consists of basic grooming, leading, lunging and general horsemanship. Therapeutic riding encompasses components of therapy, education, sport and recreation. Encouraged by the rhythmic, repetitive, three-dimensional, and symmetrical movement of the horse, riders typically gain in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. For individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges, the unique nature of the horse-human relationship is known to build confidence, increase communication, patience and self-esteem. Many of the parents of the children we serve report improvement in motivation due to their child’s enjoyment of horse-centered activities. For each student, specially trained and certified therapeutic riding instructors create goals and lesson plans that include strategies to address the special needs of that individual. An example of this type of accommodation could be choosing a horse with a certain type of motion to increase student output, either in a physical or behavioral aspect. After each lesson, the instructor tracks progression, which is used in developing future lessons and goals. In 2013 NNNTRC achieved Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center Status. In 2012 PATH, Intl. reported that only 28% of their member centers reach accredited status. The Premier Accredited Center (PAC) Program give centers the chance to demonstrate their excellence in providing quality equineassisted activities. This voluntary process recognizes PATH Intl. Centers that have met established industry standards. The accreditation process is a peer review system in which trained volunteers visit and review centers in accordance with PATH 2 Intl. standards. A center that meets the accreditation requirements based on the administrative, facility, program and applicable special interest standards becomes a Premier Accredited Center for a period of five years. As a leading representative of the Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy (EAAT) industry, PATH Intl. PACs receive a lot of benefits with being accredited. Prospective donors, volunteers and riders are more willing to establish relationships with organizations that have attained this respected benchmark. Likewise, staff and volunteers can take pride in knowing that they represent a center that meets the national standards. Accreditation provides an advantage when raising funds — especially when approaching private donors and state organizations that require proof that a center meets industry standards before distributing funds. When directors or other key staff members change at a PAC, riders can be assured that they will continue to receive consistent, therapeutically valid services that meet safety standards. In 2013, NNNTRC served 149 individuals from multiple counties in western Pennsylvania. Students ranged in age from four years old to seniors, with the majority of students from ages four to ten. The demographic served by Nickers ‘N Neighs in 2013 included individuals with history of abuse, anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, cancer, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, Down’s syndrome, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, fragile x syndrome, hearing disability, manic depression, mental retardation, mitochondrial disease, muscular dystrophy, oppositional defiance disorder, Rett’s syndrome, history of stroke, traumatic brain injury and troubled youth. 3 NNNTRC draws students from Ligonier, Mt. Pleasant, Latrobe, Greensburg, North Huntingdon and New Kensington, as well as other communities in and around Westmoreland County. NNNTRC collaborates with school districts to provide therapeutic riding to special education classrooms including: The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, Hempfield Area School District, and Norwin Area School District. NNNTRC also is partnering with The Special Olympics of Westmoreland County and Adelphoi Village to create more competitive opportunities for its participants and to broaden the demographics of students served. NNNTRC relies heavily on the involvement of volunteers to run programming efficiently and effectively. The program draws volunteers with diverse talents, who donate their efforts to participate in student lessons as leaders and side walkers, to assist with horse care and facility maintenance and to assist with marketing and clerical tasks. Nickers ‘N Neighs does not require prior experience working with horses or individuals with special needs. Therefore, training is provided to new volunteers to ensure that they can volunteer safely and comfortably in their chosen roles. From the physical benefits of riding and grooming and the sense of achievement that comes with learning a new skill, to the joy of belonging that comes from building relationships with staff and volunteers and especially the horse, the equestrian experience offered by Nickers ‘N Neighs is life-changing for children and adults with special needs. Executive Summary 4 Situation Analysis In 2013, NNNTRC completed its sixth year of serving the community through its therapeutic riding program. The need for and interest in equine assisted services remains high, as evidenced by a constant waiting list. Due to the high demand of existing services, a typical client has a wait of up to six months prior to receiving services. Historically, NNNTRC has primarily served individuals on the autism spectrum, which demonstrates only a small segment of the population of individuals with special needs that the program is qualified to address. Currently, the program is operating at 100% capacity of instructional staff, support staff, horses, and physical plant utilization with its therapeutic riding program. In addition to NNNTRC’s private student waiting list, program staff continue to field inquires regarding new partnerships with other community schools and programs that NNNTRC has been unable to pursue due to its current resources. Markedly, community interest in additional equine assisted programs besides therapeutic riding has induced the board of directors’ exploration of programs like hippotherapy, equine assisted learning, equine assisted psychotherapy, miniature horse visits to hospitals and group homes, interactive vaulting, and therapeutic driving. In order to fully realize the programs’ potential and explore new mission-rooted possibilities, the Board of Directors has developed this plan to improve existing program management in order to continue the high quality of existing services, and expand those services to include a larger and more diverse population within the community. 5 Objective Working together in a series of planning sessions with facilitation from an area expert on Board planning, the Board has set forth a framework for improvement, innovation, and management transition. Following are the five goals (with strategies for their realization) developed as part of the Strategic Plan for 2014-2018. This plan assumes annual review and revision, and is intended to provide a basis for prioritizing and organizing ideas and planning implementation. The five main goals and realization strategies are described below. Action plans for implementation are works in progress. Those slated for implementation in 2014 are detailed later in the plan. Goals and Strategies Goal I – Develop a High-Performance Board of Directors The current Board consists of the program founders / facility owners, a participant or family representative, and five discipline experts (i.e., investment, education, occupational therapy, and at-risk youth). During the term of this plan, the goal is to broaden the expertise represented on the Board to complement existing assets, empower the Executive Director and staff in mission execution and promote clear expectations and accountability for Board performance. Strategies for achieving this goal: Clarify roles, responsibilities and expectations for existing Board members 6 Create process for developing existing Board (recruiting, orientation, evaluation) Identify needed expertise and recruit high-quality Board candidates Create a lean and highly relevant set of committees Goal II – Develop a 3-Year Fund Development Plan Develop a 3-5 year fund development plan covering special events, cultivation of individual donors, foundation funding, and corporate sponsors. This plan includes both new donor acquisition and upgrades of current donors. Strategies for achieving this goal: Develop a Fundraising Committee Pursue institutional funding, corporate sponsorship and individual donors Capture organization needs in an easy-access format Conceive and develop a unique signature fundraising event Goal III – Develop and Extend Existing Infrastructure and Staff The facility’s capabilities and staff directly affect the ability to serve the population. Through implementation of this goal plan, Nickers ‘N Neighs will: Upgrade accessibility to all areas to improve all-season operation and service to students who have physical challenges Increase/improve capacity for keeping more horses and serving more students. Grow the volunteer base in size, improve retention, and involve volunteers in all aspects of mission execution through a well-developed volunteer program. 7 Strategies for achieving this goal: Create facility and program enhancement plan to inform fundraising priorities. Fully develop capabilities of existing staff. Nurture volunteer base. Goal IV – Develop Community Collaborations and Outreach As an accredited therapeutic riding center, NNNTRC is intimately tied to the equine assisted activity industry. Students, volunteers, and funding come from the local community, and by working with existing local and international organizations that also serve the same target populations NNNTRC can increase its impact in the community. Strategies for achieving this goal: Develop mentor relationships within the equine assisted activity industry through PATH, Intl., PACTH, and HETI. Share the NNNTRC mission with the network of professionals in the local community working with the same targeted populations Increase community awareness of the program and its benefits, offerings and opportunities. Develop outreach strategies Create professional brand identity Board of Directors 8 John L. McCain, Jr. is the founder of The Stoneybrook Foundation and Nickers 'N Neighs Therapeutic Riding Center. He graduated from Lafayette College in 1964 with an undergraduate degree in economics. He served in the United States Army as an officer from 1964-1966. He retired in 1992 from PNC Bank as a Business Development Trust Officer. Mr. McCain currently resides in Ligonier, Pa with his wife Debbie. Deborah N. McCain graduated from Robert Morris University with an associate’s degree in secretarial science with extra classwork in business education. She worked as an administrative assistant with the Equitable Life Assurance Society for eight years, and later as a bookkeeper for an individual investor. She resides in Ligonier, Pa with her husband John. Mrs. McCain raised two children, and she loves spending time with her six grandchildren. James Schrott has over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry in Western Pennsylvania working with high net worth individuals, Foundations/Endowments and Pension and Profit Sharing Plans. As an advisor for Medallion Wealth Management, Mr. Schrott co-manages the Global Blue Chip Growth, Blue Chip Growth, Global Equity Income and Equity Income Strategies. Prior to joining Medallion, Mr. Schrott served as a financial advisor and portfolio manager with a regional financial services company and as a senior relationship manager, senior investment officer and metro-region team leader at a large wealth management organization. He was also a member of various investment and strategy committees for National City’s Private Client Group. Mr. Schrott earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, graduated from the Central Atlantic School of 9 Trust and is a Certified Wealth Strategist®. He is a board member of the Nickers N’ Neighs Therapeutic Riding Center and is a Trustee at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. Mr. Schrott and his wife, Cris, reside in the Mars area of Butler County. Mary Ann DeMarco is a founding member of the Nickers ‘N Neighs Board of Directors. She holds an undergraduate degree of education from Duquesne University as well as a Masters of Education Degree in Library Science. She has a broad range of education and early childhood experience, including both classroom and curriculum development. Mrs. DeMarco lives in O’Hara Township where she continues to be active in charitable work including early childhood vision screening and as a Meals on Wheels volunteer. She joined the board to focus on services to young children from an educator’s perspective. Julie Whitbeck-Lewinski joined the Board of Directors in May of 2013. In the past she has volunteered for therapeutic riding programs as a side-walker and provider of animal husbandry. She has completed several hippotherapy courses through the American Hippotherapy Association. Ms. Whitbeck-Lewinski, who is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist, has been working with children and adults with special needs for over two decades. In the past, Ms. Whitbeck-Lewinski served as an adjunct faculty member for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Community College of Allegheny County in Monroeville, PA. She currently provides a variety of therapeutic and management services from her private practice and contracts with organizations throughout Western PA to provide services to individuals with special needs. Ms. Whitbeck-Lewinski will complete a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Chatham University in 2014. Originally from Western 10 New York, she currently resides with her husband, son, and two therapy dogs in Robinson Twp, PA. Margaret Cox is the President of Cantering for Exceptional Children, a NNNTRC parent & caregiver group, and represents that group on the NNNTRC board. She has two grandsons, who are diagnosed with autism who ride at NNNTRC. She has worked in the retail field as an Operations Manager for Homelife Furniture, Roomful Express and Sears. Mrs. Cox was previously a secretary for James A. Hall Insurance. She was a stay at home mom when her daughters were young, and when her twin grandsons were born she retired to take care of them. Mrs. Cox also does various volunteer and fundraising projects at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Michael McCalpin has in the past served on the board of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Program in Blair County, Pa. In addition to serving on the board of directors for NNNTRC, Mr. McCalpin also has served as a volunteer for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, Corolla, NC since 2007. Currently, he is the President/COO of Adelphoi Village, and has been with Adelphoi since 2004. He was a chief probation officer for twenty-seven years, and a director of The Center for Juvenile Justice for four years. Mr. McCalpin has a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. Staff Lin M. Podolinsky, Executive Director Mrs. Podolinsky earned a BA in German from Dickinson College and a BS from Wilson College in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics. While at Wilson College, she studied under Master Level PATH, Intl. Instructor and PACTH Executive Director Ann O’Shallie. 11 Mrs. Podolinsky has a background in Hunt Seat Equitation and Dressage. Kristin Jones, Head Riding Instructor Ms. Jones earned her Bachelor of Technology in Animal Science: Equine Management and Associates degree in Applied Science in Animal Science with a concentration in Therapeutic Riding from the State University of New York at Cobleskill. She is a Level One Recreational Riding and Stable Management instructor of the American Riding Instructors Association, a PATH International registered instructor, and a Pennsylvania Qualified Instructor. Ms. Jones has a background in hunter/jumper competition. Kimberley Reynolds, Barn Manager Kim has a BS in Business Management and Communications from the University of Phoenix. She has a background in AQHA and dressage showing, and a lifelong love of horses. Lu McElhatten, Office Manager Ms. McElhatten has an extensive background of over twenty years in office administration in the medical field. She has a lifelong love of horses and a passion to serve others. Kayla Umbaugh, Riding Instructor Assistant Ms. Umbaugh has a background in Western riding, and is currently training in Dressage. She is a Member of Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship (PACTH). She is currently an Instructor in Training and working on becoming certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Ashleigh Eutsey, Riding Instructor Assistant Ms. Eutsey earned her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Westmoreland County Community College. She has a 12 Western riding background, and is currently training in Dressage. Ms. Eutsey is a Member of Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship. (PACTH) She is currently an Instructor in Training and working on becoming a Pennsylvania qualified instructor. She also competes with her horse Scout at barrel shows, through IBRA - International Barrel Racing Association. Rebecca Kostley Ms. Kostley earned a BA in Legal Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a Paralegal Certificate from Duquesne University. Before coming to NNNTRC, she worked 15 years as a Paralegal, with a concentration in Real Estate and Foreclosure. She has volunteered with various children and animal charities, including caring for local rescue horses and volunteering at Nickers 'N Neighs. Ms. Kostley has also served as a wish granter for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. She has a Western riding background, and is just starting lessons in English riding. Keith Martin, Facility Maintenance Technician Keith is AWS Welding Certified, NOCTI Welding Certified, Trained in OSHA Safety, and is an equine farrier apprentice.Appendix I: Action Plans Goal I: Develop a High-Performance Board of Directors Tactic: Clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations for existing Board members Action Steps Action Champion Date 13 Create and approve job descriptions and expectations MM 7/14 MM 7/14 Create election timeline for Board members MM 7/14 Review bylaws, create (if necessary) and approve MM 7/14 MM 7/14 for Board members Create and approve board of director executive committee job descriptions. changes to enhance board best practices Review existing board calendar and meeting months Resources/Info required: Goal I: Develop a High-Performance Board of Directors Tactic: Create process for developing existing Board (recruiting, orientation, evaluation) Action Steps Action Develop a self-evaluation questionnaire to identify Champion MM Date 7/14 board strengths and weaknesses 14 Develop a board matrix to identify existing board MM 7/14 MM 7/14 talents Create a training program for new board members Identify and participate in community resources geared LMP 7/14- for board development ongoing Establish a yearly board of directors’ retreat to JWL 2015 engage and increase board energy and knowledge Resources/Info required: Goal I: Develop a High-Performance Board of Directors Tactic: Identify needed expertise and recruit Board candidates Action Steps Action Champion Use board matrix in identifying skill sets missing Board Dev. in board dynamic Date Ongoing Chair (MM) 15 Identify existing NNNTRC events that are MM Ongoing Create and plan additional board recruitment events MM Ongoing Create training program for non-board sub-committee MM Ongoing opportunities for new board member recruitment members to develop as potential future members Network and establish corporate partnerships with MM Ongoing high prevalence of missing skill sets Resources/Info required: Goal I: Develop a High-Performance Board of Directors Tactic: Maintain a lean and highly relevant set of committees Action Steps Action Champion Date 16 Identify and establish Board committees to engage LMP/JWL 7/14 Create and approve committee chair and committee job LMP/JWL 7/14 Board participation and address the needs of NNNTRC in sustaining and promoting organizational growth descriptions. Establish calendar of annual sub-committee meeting Committee months Chair Identify technology that can be implemented to Committee create a cohesive working group in each committee Chair Identify existing NNNTRC events that are Committee opportunities for committee member recruitment Chair Create and plan additional committee member Committee recruitment events Chair Network and establish corporate partnerships related Committee to each committee Yearly Yearly Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Chair Resources/Info required: Goal II: Develop a 3-Year Fund Development Plan Tactic: Develop a Fundraising Committee Action Steps Action Champion Date 17 Select a committee chair from board of directors Nominating Chair Engage an experienced fund development Fundraising Yearly professional. Chair Create a fund development plan including analysis Fund of current situation with SWOT analysis development Professional Develop a fundraising event sub-committee to Fund Phased establish an equine-focused flagship fundraising development in over event. Professional 4 years of this plan Cooperate with other entities to achieve LMP 7/14 scholarship or fundraising sources Resources/Info required: Goal II: Develop a 3-Year Fund Development Plan Tactic: Pursue institutional funding Action Steps Action Champion Date 18 Identify relevant foundations Fund development Ongoing professional Identify existing personal connections for Fund development introductions professional Augment existing database with targets, Fund development professional Ongoing Fund development professional Ongoing Pursue grants Fund development professional Ongoing Maintain reporting for grantor Fund development professional Ongoing giving profile, and contact information Prepare calendar of deadlines for grant applications Ongoing Resources/Info required: Goal II: Develop a 3-Year Fund Development Plan Tactic: Pursue corporate sponsorship Action Steps Action Champion Date 19 Develop a Corporate Sponsorship Sub-Committee Fundraising TBD by as a sub committee of the fundraising Committee fundraisin committee Chair g committee Identify local and regional corporations Fundraising TBD by including medical providers, insurance Committee fundraisin companies, and industries Chair g committee Identify existing personal connections for Fundraising TBD by introductions Committee fundraisin Chair g committee Augment existing database with targets, Fundraising TBD by giving profile, and contact information Committee fundraisin Chair g committee Develop approach strategies for individual Fundraising TBD by targets Committee fundraisin Chair g committee Resources/Info required: Goal II: Develop a 3-Year Fund Development Plan Tactic: Pursue individual donors 20 Action Steps Action Champion Date Identify and acquire appropriate technology to Fundraising As target donors Professional established by fundraising committee Augment existing database with targets, giving Fundraising As profile, and contact information Professional established by fundraising committee Develop approach strategies for individual targets As Fundraising Professional established by fundraising committee Identify existing personal connections for Fundraising As introductions Professional established by fundraising committee Identify new major gift donors Fundraising As Professional established by fundraising committee 21 As co Resources/Info required: Goal II: Develop a 3-Year Fund Development Plan Tactic: Capture funding needs in easy-access format Action Steps Action Champion Date Create a “hot list” of discrete projects suitable Development Phased in for one-off execution to be funded and/or Committee and performed by volunteers, individual donors, or establishe targeted grants d by 2018 Create a “wish list” of discrete projects for Development Phased in pitching to funders. Committee and establishe d by 2018 Refine wish list on an ongoing basis to reflect Development Phased in changing needs Committee and establishe d by 2018 Create case statement for each funding objective Development Phased in Committee and establishe d by 2018 22 Refine case statements as needed to reflect Development Phased in changing objectives Committee and establishe d by 2018 Resources/Info required: Goal III: Develop and Extend Existing Infrastructure, Staff and Volunteers Tactic: Create facility and program enhancement plan to inform fundraising priorities Action Steps Action Champion Date Develop and maintain prioritized list of Development As established facility enhancements with cost Committee by development assessments annually with staff committee involvement Develop and maintain a prioritized list of Development As established programming enhancements with cost Committee by development assessments annually with staff committee involvement Revise list to priority levels for that Development As established year Committee by development with staff committee involvement 23 Resources/Info required: Goal III: Develop and Extend Existing Infrastructure, Staff, and Volunteers Tactic: Fully develop capabilities of existing staff Action Steps Action Review and implement performance review process Champion Date MAD/LMP 11/15 oriented towards growth path. Provide opportunities for structured continuing education Develop a succession plan MAD/LMP Annuall y MAD/LMP 6/15 24 Resources/Info required: Goal III: Develop and Extend Existing Infrastructure, Staff, and Volunteers Tactic: Nurture volunteer base Action Steps Action Develop a volunteer plan to address Champion Volunteer Date 7/14 recruiting, training, retaining engaging, and Coordinator rewarding volunteers Create a volunteer booster organization Volunteer 9/14 Coordinator Develop social media strategy for keeping Volunteer volunteers engaged in the daily events and Coordinator & life of the program booster 7/15 organization Develop online tools for volunteer training Volunteer and scheduling Coordinator & 7/16 Carney & Co. 25 Resources/Info required: Goal IV: Community Collaborations and Outreach Tactic: Develop mentor relationships within the equine assisted activity industry and share the NNNTRC mission with the network of professionals in the local community working with the same targeted populations Action Steps Action Explore and fund opportunities for staff and board to Champion Date LMP/MAD 11/14 visit with other PATH, Intl. accredited centers Increase focus of staff continuing education LMP/MAD 11/15 opportunities toward accredited center located trainings Increase staff and board involvement with LMP/MAD 12/16 organizations like PATH, Intl., PACTH and HETI 26 Identify local organizations with missions that serve LMP/MAD 11/14 the same targeted population Identify existing personal connections for LMP/MAD 11/14 introductions Identify NNNTRC activities that are opportunities to LMP/MAD Ongoing share the NNNTRC mission with the community Resources/Info required: Goal IV: Community Collaborations and Outreach Tactic: Create a consistent and professional marketing identity Action Steps Action Develop website Champion Marketing Date 8/14 Committee & Carney & Co. Develop templates to ensure consistent visual Marketing 8/14 & identity in all communications Committee ongoing 27 Define target audiences: potential students, Marketing volunteers, complementary services, job Committee 12/16 candidates Define a role for and identify a marketing and Marketing development director Committee 12/18 Resources/Info required: 28