2. 1
Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................3
Step One – Needs...............................................................................................................................5
Step Two – Program Goals and Objectives............................................................................................6
Step Three – Establishing a Critical Path...............................................................................................6
Step Four – Identify Facilities & Equipment..........................................................................................7
Facility ...........................................................................................................................................7
Equipment......................................................................................................................................7
Step Five – Staffing.............................................................................................................................7
Step Six – Develop a Public Relations Strategy......................................................................................8
Step Seven – Establish a Budget ..........................................................................................................9
Step Eight – Implementation.............................................................................................................10
Event Schedule.............................................................................................................................10
Legislation....................................................................................................................................10
Horse Riding Safety Act, 2001.....................................................................................................10
Mental HealthAct, 1990 ............................................................................................................11
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 ..................................................................11
Services&Supportsto Promote the Social Inclusionof PersonswithDevelopmental DisabilitiesAct,
2008.........................................................................................................................................11
StepNine – Program Evaluation ........................................................................................................11
Business Profile................................................................................................................................13
Company Overview...........................................................................................................................13
Sandy’s History/Company History..................................................................................................13
What They Do...............................................................................................................................13
Target Market...............................................................................................................................13
Where Are They Now?..................................................................................................................14
Second Location........................................................................................................................14
Social Media.................................................................................................................................14
Business Plan Conclusion...............................................................................................................14
Financial Statements.........................................................................................................................15
WindReach Farm Financial Statement – Year 2013..........................................................................15
Financial Position ......................................................................................................................15
Operations Revenue..................................................................................................................15
3. 2
Operations Expenditures ...........................................................................................................16
WindReach Farm Foundation Financial Statement – Year 2013 ...........................................................17
Financial Position ......................................................................................................................17
Operations Revenue..................................................................................................................17
Operations Expenditures ...........................................................................................................17
SWOT Analysis..................................................................................................................................18
Strengths .........................................................................................................................................18
Programs & Services .....................................................................................................................18
WindReach Farm Foundation ........................................................................................................18
Bermuda Location.........................................................................................................................19
Overnight Accommodations..........................................................................................................19
Weaknesses.....................................................................................................................................19
Location.......................................................................................................................................19
Expenditures Higher Than Revenue................................................................................................19
Opportunities...................................................................................................................................19
Offer Single Ride Opportunities .....................................................................................................19
Weddings.....................................................................................................................................20
Summer Camps ............................................................................................................................20
More Partnerships........................................................................................................................20
Threats............................................................................................................................................20
Vet Bills........................................................................................................................................20
Other Organizations......................................................................................................................21
Cost of Programs ..........................................................................................................................21
Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................22
References.......................................................................................................................................23
4. 3
Introduction
For our inclusive recreationandfinance projects,ourgrouphaschosento utilize the growing
trendof equine therapyfortreatmentof mental illness.Equinetherapypromotesemotional growth
utilizinghorsesforindividualswithvariousdiagnosesincludinganxiety,autism,dementia,depression
and traumaticbraininjuries (EquestrianTherapy,n.d.).The theorybehindthisformof therapyisthat
horsesbehave similarlytohumans,andthathorseswill oftenmirrorhumanbehaviourpatterns.
In the firstsectionof our report,the readerdevelopaknowledge of the programthatwe
developedforindividualswithmental illnessat WindReach Farm.Thissectionwill coverthe topicsof
program needs,conceptsandgoals.Additionally,the readerwillfindthe critical pathestablished,
facilitiesandequipment,staffingrequirements,apublicrelationsstrategyandthe programbudget.The
readerwill thenfindthe plansof implementation,includingsafetyrequirementsandlegislationthat
correlateswithequinetherapyinOntario.Towrapit all up,the readerwill findthe programevaluation
plan.
In the secondpart of thisreport,the readerwill findabusinessplanon WindReach Farm.This
businessplanwillinclude abusinessprofile of the organizationandaSWOT analysis.Lastly,the reader
will findthe company’sfinancestatementsof the 2013 fiscal year.
6. 5
Step One – Needs
At this point in time, we have established the need for an inclusive recreation program that is
utilizedby individuals diagnosed with mental illness.Our program could potentiallybe utilizedin
Whitby, Ontario. In Whitby, there is a private psychiatric hospital, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental
Health Sciences. This facility is located at 700 Gordon Street, with inpatient and outpatient services.
Some of the services and programs include:
Adolescent Inpatient Services
Dual Diagnosis Services
Geriatric Psychiatry Unit & Geriatric Dementia Unit
Integrated Community Access Program
Therapeutic Recreation
Youth Case Management
When reviewingprograms in the Therapeutic Recreation department at this organization, we
discovered that they do provide many services and programs. In the March 2015 calendar, Ontario
Shores’ therapeutic recreation program highlightsmainly sports programming, including basketball
and badminton. Their facilitiesare equipped with a swimming pool, conditioning room and outdoor
therapeutic outdoor area (Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, n.d.). However, these
programs do not match what our goal of the program is (seekingrecreation programs that correlate
with the treatment of medication and psychotherapy).
To find an appropriate program to service the needs of individualsdiagnosed with mental illness
in the Durham region, we found the need to research various forms of therapy. As recreationists,
our emphasis was on therapeutic recreation. Upon completion of this research, we discovered that
equine therapy would be an excellentcomponent. There are many academic research articles that
present the benefitsof equine therapy for various mental health diagnoses, including Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder and Eating Disorders.
One of the impact components that is appliedthrough equine therapy is that horses react to
human patterns of behaviour (KNRV Reno, 2014). Knowing this information, many service users will
then remain calm throughout the riding. In a news report in the United States, a war veteran, Frank
Supinski, explainsthat although he is aware that horses and humans do not speak the same
language, but their relaxation provides comfort for himself,and many others (KNRV Reno, 2014).
Additionally,research completed for individualsdiagnosed with depression highlights that there
are psychological benefitswith pet therapy (Sarris, O'Neill,Coulson, Schweitzer, & Berk, 2014). In
the evidence-based research completed, the results concluded that individualswith depression
have decreased symptoms of depressionand reduced anxiety (Sarris, O'Neill,Coulson, Schweitzer,
& Berk, 2014). This exact study emphasizes the need for all pet therapy, including equine therapy, in
a farm setting. Therefore, our group has decided that equine therapy at a farm setting would be an
excellentprogram to run.
7. 6
Step Two – Program Goals and Objectives
The mission statement for our event is:
To promote a safe and inclusive environment for individuals diagnosed with various mental health
disorders. This event will provide individuals with mental health disorders the opportunity to
participate in a form of therapeutic recreation that correlates with the role of psychotherapy in
care.
Our event will be specificallyserviced to those who are receiving inpatient or outpatient
care at a facility such as Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences, Lakeridge Health Corporation or
Community Care Durham – COPE Mental Health. We strongly believe that for this program to be
safe, the participants need to be mentally stable. As many of these participants could have mental
health disorders that would cause anxiety to self and the horses, we must ensure that there is no
high-risk behaviours, such as recent threats of suicide. To ensure safety and liability,we would
require that service users speak to the mental health programs in the Durham region.
Specific Goals:
To have approximately ten to fifteenparticipants diagnosed with a mental health disorder
participate in an equine therapy program withinthe Durham Region.
To ensure the safety of the program participants through safe measures, which will be
outlined in staffing.
To help individualsdiagnosed with various mental health disorders seek alternative forms of
treatment than medication.
Step Three – Establishing a Critical Path
This program will take a lot of time to plan and implement,due to the complex nature of
program. Below, the reader will find the timeline that should be implemented for running this
program.
January 23, 2015 – On this date, we will be meeting with Sara Cosway, Education and Recreation
Coordinator, at WindReach Farms to express the needs of the program and how it could be
implemented.
February 2, 2015 – On February 2, we will be meetingwith JenniferGardner, Clinical Manager –
Recreation and Vocational Services, at Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences and Debbie
Whiteway, Clinical Coordinator, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa - PinewoodCentre. We will be hosting
an open discussion with these individualsbased on our conversation with Sara Cosway.
February 17, 2015 - We have developeda survey for recreation staff at various mental health
agencies within the Durham Region area. It was given to JenniferGardner and Debbie Whiteway on
February 10. February 17 was the date that we requested to have the surveys returned. This gives
us ample time to findout the results and implement the plan.
March 3, 2015 - Based upon our results from our needs assessment, we have met with three
managers together at WindReach Farms. From this point forward, we will be working with them to
8. 7
implement the program, with a prospective date of April 18, 2015. We hope that with this date, we
can avoid any unforeseenweather that could impact the program such as snow or freezingrain.
March 28, 2015 - On March 28, we will be completing a presentation at Ontario Shores for Mental
Health Sciences to answer any questions that may have arisen from recreation staff at the facility,
program participants and familymembers.
April 1, 2015 - We will be hosting orientation for the staffing and ensuring that certifications
required have beenobtained.
April 11, 2015 - We will be having a site tour with the program managers that we’ve been working
with to ensure that safety protocols and measures are in place. Additionally,we will be ensuring full
accessibility for participants’ needs.
April 17, 2015 - We will have one final site visit, and ensure that any paperwork that needs to be
completed has been done.
April 18, 2015 - We will implement the event on this date. Please see ‘implementation’section for
further information.
April 21, 2015 - We will meet with program managers to complete a program evaluation. This will
allow for future programs be to implemented,or taken away.
Step Four – Identify Facilities & Equipment
Facility
WindReachFarm– 312 TownLine Rd.,Ashburn,ON
WindReachFarmfollowsAODA regulations,includinghavingprotocolsinplace toensure accessibility
for all.Some of these include wheelchairaccessible stablesandpathways.
Equipment
In orderfor our programto run safelyandsuccessfully,there are manyitemsthat will be needed.
Below,the readerwill findwhatthe equipmentneededis (EquestrianTherapy,n.d.):
Horses
Helmets
Saddles/Halters
Lead ropes
Shuttle bus
Wheelchairaccessible ridingmount
platform
Step Five – Staffing
In orderto ensure safetyamongall participantsandstaff,we will be requestingthatthere is1:1
program staff to participant.We will be utilizingstaff fromthe followingorganizations:
WindReach Employees
Equine TherapyEmployees–trainedinall equine procedures
Volunteers
NursesfromOntarioShores
All staff will be trainedinequine safety,andemergencyprocedures.Eachstaff memberand
volunteermustpresentaFirstAid and CPRcertificationtoapplyforan appropriate position.All staff
withundergoASIST(AppliedSuicide InterventionSkillsTraining) training,aswell asMental HealthFirst
Aid.Thiswill assistinappropriate responsesif aparticipantbecomesupset, anxiousorsuicidal whileon
9. 8
a horse.Both certificationscanbe obtainthroughCanadianMental HealthAssociation,DurhamRegion
office. We will requestthatthese certificationsbe pre-requisitesforpeople applyingforthe position,or
theyare willingtoobtainat theirownexpenses. The costsforthese programsare listedbelow:
ASIST– $180.00
Mental HealthFirstAid – $180.00
Step Six – Develop a Public Relations Strategy
To promote our program,we planto create and distribute flyerstoorganizationsthatspecialize in
mental healthcare throughoutthe Durhamregion.Some of these facilitiesinclude:
OntarioShoresCentre forMental HealthSciences
Lakeridge HealthCorporation(Mental HealthServices)
CanadianMental HealthAssociationoffices
CommunityCare Durham(COPEMental HealthProgram)
Below,the readerwill findacopyof our poster.
10. 9
Step Seven – Establish a Budget
On WindReach Farm’swebsite,theyhave abreakdownof the weeklyexpensesforthe horsesused
ina program,barn expenses,programdeliveryandstaff wages.Below,the readerwill findwhat
WindReachstatesforeach (WindreachFarm, n.d.):
Horse Expense:$800/week
Barn Expense:$525/week
Program Delivery:$155/week
Staff Wages:$3000/week
On the company’swebsite,theystate thatthismeansthata lesson wouldcostapproximately$96.
Whenbreakingitdownfora day,thisis whatour groupfound:
800 + 525 + 155 + 3000 ÷ 7 = $640.00
Our goal is to have 10 to 15 participants.Fortenparticipants,we wouldthendothe followingformula:
640 ÷ 10 = $64.00/person
As WindReach Farmsisa not-for-profitorganization,we wouldleavethe programcostat $64.00. If we
were tohave all 15 participants,we wouldmake $960.00. If there wasa $320.00 revenue,we would
donate that fundintothe WindReach FarmFoundationtofurtherprogramslike this.
11. 10
Step Eight – Implementation
In implementation,we will be discussingthe eventscheduleandthe legislationthatneedstobe
followedtoensure the safetyandinclusionforall participants.
Event Schedule
Time Activity Description
10:00 AM Drop off/Welcome Clients will begin to arrive and
will be greeted by staff. A
welcome andanimal safety talk
will talk place.
10:30 AM Facility Tour Clientswillbe given a brief tour
of the facility.
11:00 AM Group A – Riding
Group B – Hayride & Century
Barn
The group will be split into two
groups and sent to two
different stations. At riding a
brief safety talk will take place.
The clients will also have a
chance to visit and tour around
the Century barn.
12:00 PM Lunch Clientswillhave lunchand have
a chance to explore the
Foundation Garden.
1:00 PM Group A – Hayride & Century
Barn
Group B – Riding
The groups will switch stations
to ensure all clients have a
chance to try everything.
2:00 PM Free Time Clients will be able to visit the:
Foundation Garden
Sensory room
Century barn
Petting Zoo
3:00 PM Goodbye/Participants Get
Picked Up
The staff will make closing
remarks and clients will leave
the facility
Legislation
Horse Riding Safety Act, 2001
The Horse RidingSafetyActwasdevelopedin2001. This Act coversthe use of equine animals
overthe heightof 14.2 hands. This Act statesthatall staff members mustmake sure the horse is fitted
withthe appropriate tack. Additionally,forsafetyreasons,the organizationmustensurethe helmets
usedare developedspecificallyforequine programs. Finally,all ridersmustalsowearhard-soledshoes
that are at least1.5 centimeterstall forsafety (Governmentof Ontario,2001).
WindReachFarmensuresthatthisact isfollowedthroughhave fullyaccessible ridingprogram,
includingawheelchairaccessible mount (WindreachFarm, n.d.).
12. 11
Mental Health Act, 1990
The Mental HealthActwas developedin1990. ThisAct was developedtopromote the rightsof
individualswithmental illnessasperthe HumanRightsCode.SpecifictopicsincludedinthisActinclude
Standardsand Hospitalization (Governmentof Ontario,2010).
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
The AccessibilityforOntarianswithDisabilitiesAct,ormore commonlyknownasAODA,was
developedtohelperase barriersforindividualswithdisabilities.The purposeof AODA istodevelop,
implementandenforce accessibilitystandardsby2025. Some of the accessibilitystandardsinclude
communicationandcustomerservice (Governmentof Ontario,2009).
Services & Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Act, 2008
We have decidedtoaddressthe needtoimplementappropriate measuresinregardstothisAct,
as there ispotential fora participantwithdual diagnosis. InCanada,a dual diagnosisiswhensomeone
isdiagnosedwithbothamental illnessandadevelopmental disability (CanadianMental Health
Association,n.d.).
ThisAct emphasizesthe importance of social inclusionforindividualsintheircommunity.This
Act highlightstopicsincludingaccesstosupports,servicesandfunding (Governmentof Ontario,2010).
Step Nine – Program Evaluation
In step 2 we discussed our program goals being:
To have approximately ten to fifteenparticipants diagnosed with a mental health disorder
participate in an equine therapy program.
To ensure the safety of the program participants through safe measures, which will be
outlined in staffing.
To help individualsdiagnosed with various mental health disorders seek alternative forms of
treatment than medication.
After our program, we would like to be able to assess these goals through the followingdiscussion
with the program managers:
How many participants did we have? Was this above or below the goal?
In step eight, we discussed implementation.Were the any complications in assuring safety?
Additionallywere there any implications that allowed for an unsafe situation?
Due to confidentiality,we may not be able to have access to the health filesof the program
participants. To learn whether or not the participants benefited,we can ask the program managers
about the clients’ overall wellbeing.This could asking questions such as, “how are all of the
participants feelingafter event?” Asking these questions can allow for appropriate measures and
programs in the future.
14. 13
Business Profile
WindReachFarm
312 Townline Road,Ashburn,ON
Company Overview
WindReachFarm’smissionstatementis:
“WindReachFarmstrivesto enrichthe livesof personsof all ageswithdisabilitiesand/orspecialneeds
by providingopportunitiestoenjoyexperiencesinfarming,nature,outdoorrecreationandother
activitiesandtoshare those experienceswithfamiliesandfriends”(WindreachFarm, n.d.)
Sandy’sHistory/CompanyHistory
WindReach Farmwas developedafterSandyMitchell,amanwithCerebral Palsy,expressedhis
lifelonginterestinfarmingandbeingoutdoors (WindreachFarm, n.d.).Sandygrew upinScotland,
where he workedona farm.Later in life,SandyworkedinafarmingcommunityforpeoplewithDown
Syndrome.Thisopportunitymade himrealizethathe wantedtoworkat enrichingthe livesof
individualswithdisabilities.Sandypurchasedthe landin1979, builtthe buildingsandworkedthe land.
In 1989, Sandy officiallyopened WindReachFarm;whichhasservicedthousandsof people since
(WindreachFarm,n.d.).
WhatThey Do
WindReachFarmis a charitable not-for-profitorganization(RegisteredCharityNumber:13454 2497
RR0001). Since openingitsdoorsin1989, the organizationhas beenable toserve manyindividualsdue
to theirhighlyaccessible facility (WindreachFarm, n.d.). The facilitiesthatWindReach Farmshasonsite
are veryunique.These facilitiesinclude accommodation,meetingfacilities,a children’scentre anda
sensoryroom.Additionally,theyalsohave avisitorcentre,foundationgarden,centurybarn/museum,
stables,trails,apettingzooanda boardwalk (WindreachFarm, n.d.).People whochoose toparticipate
inprograms at WindReachFarmhave plentyof recreational andlife skillsactivities.Specificprograms
that WindReachFarmoffersinclude (WindreachFarm, n.d.):
Educationand recreation-basedprograms
Ridingprograms
Accommodations
AdultDay Services
As statedinSandy’sstory,thisorganizationhasdone phenomenal thingsfortheircommunity,
servicingbothindividualswithdisabilitiesandindividualswhoare notdisabled.InaCityTV newsarticle,
it isemphasizedhowwonderful tohave anorganizationthatcan service 22 000 individualswithvarious
disabilities annually (NewsStaff,2014).Thisarticle alsohighlightsaparticipantof the dayprogram,who
highlightshowwonderfultheirdayservicesare.She statedthatwhenshe putsthe life skillsthatshe
learnedatWindReach onher resume,people are automaticallyimpressed.Therefore,thisprovides
evidence thatinadditiontotheirtherapeuticfarmingexperience,theirservicesallow forbrighter
futuresforindividualswithdisabilities.
Target Market
WindReach Farmhas a verybroad target market.Althoughtheirtargetedmarketisindividuals
withdisabilities,theyprovide servicestoanyone wantingtheirservices.Thisallowsfor WindReachto
proudlystate thattheyare an inclusive community.
15. 14
WhereAre They Now?
WindReach Farmfirstopenedtheirdoors26 yearsago. Since then,theyhave hadthe
opportunityserve around500 000 communitymemberswithvariousneedsandabilities.
In additiontotheirstandardprograms mentionedin WhatThey Do,WindReach Farmhas many
differentavenuesthattheyhave createdforcontinual growthandsuccess.Below,the readerwillfind
more informationontheircurrentpartnershipswithDurhamCollege andthe publicschool system.
In 2014, WindReach Farm signedanagreementwithDurhamCollege toutilizetheirland.
Durham College’sHorticulture –Foodand Farmingprogramwill be growingcropson WindReach Farm’s
property.The produce grownwill thenbe usedbythe college’sculinarystudents (DurhamCollege,
2014).
WindReach Farmalsohas a school therapeuticridingprogram, whichisendorsedbythe
Governmentof Ontario.The Programcosts $20 per studentpersessions.Therefore,for10sessions,it
wouldcost$200/student. The cost is lowerthantheirregularfeesastheyreceive subsidiesfromthe
government.Atthe endof the sessions, WindReachFarmhostsa mini horse show forthe program
participants’familiesandfriendstocome view (WindreachFarm, n.d.).
Second Location
In additiontothe Ashburnlocation, WindReachFarmhasa locationinWarwick,Bermuda.Thislocation
isverysimilartothe Ashburnlocation;however,thisfacilityison muchsmallerproperty.Additionally,
theyhave a campsite onthe 3.7 acres for programparticipantsto use (WindreachFarm, n.d.).
SocialMedia
As social mediacontinuestobe a growingfactorfor the successof an organization, WindReachFarm
isveryactive online.The linkstothe organization’ssocial mediaaccountsare:
LinkedIn:http://ca.linkedin.com/company/WindReach-farm
Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/WindReachfarm/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/WindReachFarmAshburn
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WindReachfarm?_rdr
Twitter:https://twitter.com/WindReachfarm
The two formsof social mediautilizedthe mostby WindReachFarmare FacebookandTwitter.
Below,the readerwill findinformationonsome of the mostrecenthighlightsfromthe organization’s
Twitteraccount:
WindReach FarmvisitingBrainInjuryDurhamwithbabylambsforEaster
The staff participatingin Lightit Up Blue for autismawarenessday
A linktoan article on theirVolunteerof the Month
The organization had 800+ participants in their March Break Madness; an event organized by
OntarioPowerGenerationandimplementedat WindReach
Business Plan Conclusion
Since SandyMitchell firstopened WindReachFarm26 yearsago, ithas continuedtogrow intoa
well-establishedorganizationthatisknownfortheirinclusive approaches.Throughtheirprogramming,
facilitiesandpartnerships,itisclearto one that WindReach Farmtrulycares abouttheircommunity,
and promotinginclusionforall.
16. 15
Financial Statements
WindReach Farm FinancialStatement – Year 2013
Financial Position
Assets $471 751
Cash, bankaccounts,and shortterm investments $90 830
Amountsreceivablefromall others $46 780
Land and buildingsinCanada $1 332 361
Accumulatedamortizationof capital assets - $1 011 907
Otherassets $13 687
(donate2charities.ca,2014)
Operations Revenue
Total Revenue $891 477
Amountsof all giftswhichthe charityissuedtax receipts $23 296
Amountreceivedfromotherregisteredcharities $30 000
Receivedfromfederal government $33 165
Receivedfromprovincial orterritorial governments $45 220
Nontax-receiptedrevenue fromfundraising $108 546
Sale of goodsand services $145 136
(donate2charities.ca,2014)
Liabilities $401 975
Accountspayable andaccrued liabilities $82 839
Deferredrevenue $360
Amountsowningtonon-arm’slengthparties $138 750
Otherliabilities $180 026
18. 17
WindReach Farm Foundation Financial Statement – Year 2013
Financial Position
Assets $481 966
Cash, bankaccounts,and short-terminvestments $25 646
Amountsreceivablefromall others $1 203
Long-terminvestments $445 117
Liabilities $5 138
Accountspayable andaccruedliabilities $5 138
(donate2charities.ca,2014)
Operations Revenue
Total Revenue $116 961
Amountof all giftsforwhichthe charity issuedtax receipts $12 162
(donate2charities.ca,2014)
Operations Expenditures
Total Expenditures $88 759
OperatingCost
Interestandbankcharges
Office suppliesandexpenses
Professional andconsultingfees
$15 153
$113
$3 439
$11 601
All compensation
1 permanent,full-time,compensatedpositions
$35 350
$35 350
Fundraising $42 619
OtherExpenditures
Fundraising,FoundationGarden
$8 256
(donate2charities.ca,2014)
Although WindReach Farm’sexpendituresare more thantheirrevenue,itseemasif they’re
financiallyokay;especiallywiththe foundation.The 2014 fiscal year’sreportswill be releasedsoon
throughthe CanadianRevenue Agencyandwe’re extremelyinterestedinseeingif the organization
changedsome of the expenditures.
19. 18
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Varietyof programsand services
Unique,versatileprogramming
Inclusive programs
Innovative,includingwheelchair
accessible haywagonrides
Registeredcharityasof 2005 (WindReach
Farm Foundation)
Additional locationinBermuda
Has available overnightaccommodations
Weaknesses
Location
Higherexpenditure thanrevenue
Opportunities
Offersingle ride opportunities
Host weddings
Have a summercamp
More partnerships
Threats
Vetbills
Otherfarmsand pettherapy
organizations
Cost of programsmay not be feasible for
some families
Strengths
Programs& Services
WindReach Farmshas a varietyof programsand servicesthatpromote inclusionand
accessibility.Some of these programsinclude (WindreachFarm, n.d.):
Ridingprograms
Hands-onfarmtours; targetaudience isseniors,special education classesandCommunityLiving
organizations
AdultDay Services
o CommunityParticipationProgram:teachesindividualswithdisabilitieslife skillsand
hands-onfarmingskills
o Learning4 Life:therapeuticprogramthathas beendevelopedtoenrichthe livesof
adultswithdisabilitiesthroughstrengtheningtheirskills,independence andphysical
wellbeing
Sensoryroom
Therapeuticpettingzoo
The nature of the innovative programsallow individualswithorwithoutexceptionalitiesto
participate inanimal therapy inaunique facility.Theseopportunitiescanimpactindividualsinan
extremelypositiveway,asoutlinedinourInclusive Recreationassignment.
WindReach Farm Foundation
WindReach FarmFoundationwasdevelopedin2005 (Windreach Farm, n.d.).Thisfoundation
raisesfundsforlong-termsustainability.Additionally,thisfoundationallowsforanendowmentfund.
The CanadianRevenue Agencystatesthatthe foundationdeclared$116 961 for revenue and$88 759
for expensesin2013 (donate2charities.ca,2014). The financial statementsfor2014 will be relatedlater
thisyear,however,theyare announcedthroughthe foundation’sT3010.
20. 19
Bermuda Location
In additiontothe organization’sAshburnlocation,theyhave alocationinWarwick,Bermuda.
Similartothe Ashburnlocation,theircore belief isinclusiontoindividualswithorwithout
exceptionalities.Thislocationis3.7 acresand servesthose withintellectual andphysical disabilities.In
Warwick,theyprovide servicesforequinetherapyincludingstables,paddocksandanindoorriding
arena.Additionally,theyhave asensorytrail,nature trail,pettingzooandcampingfacilities (Windreach
Farm, n.d.).
Overnight Accommodations
The Ashburnfacilityhasfull accommodationsforthose whowanttoparticipate,butcome from
a distance.There are 2 apartmentsonsite,one thatsleepsfourandone that sleepssix.Bothroomsare
$50/per personpernightand individualscanstay for upto six nights (WindreachFarm, n.d.).Highlights
fromthe overnightaccommodationsare:
Able toattendall recreationprogramsonsite duringstay
Fullyequippedkitchen
Fullyaccessiblewashroom
OutdoorBBQ & picnicarea
Laundryamenities
Havingthese facilitiesonsite allowforout-of-areacommunitymemberstoenjoythese facilities.
Weaknesses
Location
WindReach Farmis locatedinAshburn,ON.Itis21 kmfrom Whitby and15 km fromPort Perry.
At thispoint,theirlocationcouldpotentiallycause transportationbarriers.Due toitsremote location,
there isno busservice.Therefore,programparticipantswouldbe requiredtorelyontheirownvehicle
or use a wheelchairaccessible taxi,shouldtheyneedone.Additionally,if aparticipantneedstoutilizea
taxi,the cost couldbe high;whichinthencan cause financial strain.
ExpendituresHigher Than Revenue
In 2013, WindReach Farm’sexpenditureswere higherthantheirreview,therefore leavingthem
witha netincome of -$37 321. Inthe 2013 fiscal year,the organizationhada$108 548 revenue from
theirfundraisingprojects;however,theirexpendituresfromfundraiserswas$40 727
(donate2charities.ca,2014).It doesnot listontheirwebsite whatthese fundraisingprojectswere.We
recommendthatthere couldbe some more cost-friendlyfundraisingopportunitiesfor WindReach,
whichwouldsave themsome money,anddecrease expenditures.
Additionally,alotof the expenditurescame fromsalaries.In2013, WindReach Farmspent$613
008 oncompensatingtheiremployees.$526 918 of thatexpenditurewenttopaying10 full-time
employeeswages (donate2charities.ca,2014).Realistically,anopportunitytohelporganizationbreak
evenfortheirfinanceswouldbe tocuttheirfull-time employeessalariesby$3 000/year per person.Our
groupis aware that $3 000 annuallymaybe a lot tosome people;however,itwouldbe beneficialasit
may save one employeefrombeinglaidoff due tolackof finances.
Opportunities
Offer Single Ride Opportunities
Throughour researchon the organization,we discoveredthatthere isnosingle ride
opportunities.Currently,itcostsanindividual$520 for 13 ridinglessonsat WindReach(Windreach
Farm, n.d.).Thisequalsto$40 perlesson.Thisopportunitywouldbe beneficial fornew riderswhohave
21. 20
fearsof riding,thusallowingfora“trial run” before theycommitto13 lessons.Additionally,this
providesanopportunityforindividualswhomaynotbe able to afford$520 for13 lessons.Infurther
discussionsinthe Threatsarea,we will be discussingthe expensesof anindividual withaphysical
disability;which allowsforfinancial strainsforsome programs.
Weddings
Currently, WindReachFarmhostsminimal weddingsannuals.Aspopularitygrowsinthe “rustic
chic” and farm/countrythemedweddings, WindReachcouldsuccessfullymarkettheirfacilities.
Organizationsthathave beenable tosuccessfullyimplementthisideaare SouthPondFarmsinBethany
and BloomFieldFarmsinNewcastle.Thiswouldinturnincrease revenue.Onthe organization’swebsite,
it currentlydoesnotlistanyweddingsscheduledfor2015.
Summer Camps
At thistime, WindReach doesnotoffersummercamps.Thisispotentialforacamp to be
implementedthatissimilartothe CommunityParticipationProgram.Thisprogramcouldbe targeted
towardhighschool studentsina special educationprogram, teachinglife skills.
MorePartnerships
WindReachFarm’scurrentpartnersare (WindreachFarm, n.d.):
AbilitiesCentre
GrandviewChildren’sCentre
Children’sTreatmentNetworkof Simcoe York
McMaster OffordCentre forChild Studies
Durham DistrictSchool Board
Miltonand Ethel HarrisResearchInstitute
HewlettPackard
Today’sParent
Mackenzie Health
In additiontothese partnerships,there are dozensof otheropportunitiesforpartnerships.One
target audience thatWindReach coulddevelophigherattendance ratesinisseniors.Withintheir
communityof Whitby,there are manyretirementhomes,long-termcare facilitiesandAdultDay
Programs.Some of these include SunnycrestNursingHome,The CourtatPringle CreekandCommunity
Care Durham’sAdultDayProgram.Additionally, WindReachcouldreachoutto organizationssuchas
OntarioShoresCentre forMental HealthSciencestodeveloppartnershipsinmental health.Lastly,
WindReachcoulddeveloppartnershipsineducation.Inadditiontothe publicschool sector,theycould
reach outto post-secondaryschools,suchasDurhamCollege andFlemingCollegetodevelopplacement
partnershipforstudentsinprogramssuchas Recreation&Leisure ServicesandChild&YouthWorker.
Threats
Vet Bills
One majorthreat that couldimpactthe financial statusof WindReach Farmisthe cost of animal
care. Onaverage,a horse costs $300 to $3 000 a month;however,illnessescancause increasedcosts
(StandardBred, 2014). In addition,horsescanoftenhave unexpectedcostsforillnesses,suchascolic.If
more than one horse wasto developanillnessorinjury,thenitcouldbecome agiantfinancial strainon
the organization.Asoutlinedinthe FinancialStatements sectionof thisreport,the readerwilllearnthat
the expendituresweremore thanthe revenue for2013. However,there isthe Foundation,whichhada
22. 21
$28 202 net income in2013. If the organizationwasextremelystrained,there isthe possibilitytoget
some moneyfromthe Foundation.
Other Organizations
In additionto WindReach Farm,there isalsoNova’sArklocatedlessthan10 minutesaway.
Nova’sArkhas a similarprogramoutcomesas WindReach.Nova’sArkhas a goal to provide
individualizedprogrammingtostimulatesensesforindividualswithvariousimpairments (Nova'sArk,
n.d.).One advantage thatNova’sArkdoeshave over WindReach isthe camp service theyoffer,which
we highlightedinourOpportunities sectionof ourSWOTanalysis.
Additionally,there are organizationssuchasSt. John’sAmbulance andTherapeuticPawsof
Canada.These twoorganizations,however,provide dogvisitationtherapy.Thisisdifferentfromequine
therapybutare both popularformsof animal therapy.
Cost of Programs
Familieswhoare providingcare fortheirlovedonescanoftenfindthatthere isa financial
strain.Dependingonthe severityof the individual’sneeds,costscanbecome extreme.For example,a
powerwheelchaircancost around$7 100 (Ministryof HealthandLong-TermCare,2015). Additionally,
some individualsmayhave frequenttripstospecialists.Gasandparkingfora childtosee a specialistat
SickKidscouldpotentiallycostthe familyaround$60 pertrip.If a childhasto seekmedical treatmentat
SickKidson a weeklybasis,itcouldcostthe familyaround$3 120 annually.
Withthat beingsaid,manyfamiliesmaynotbe able to afford$520 to have theirfamilymember
participate inhorsebackriding.Atthispoint,we have notfoundanyinformationonsubsidiestoattend
programsat WindReach Farm.
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Conclusion
Since openingin1989, WindreachFarmhas become awell-knownfacility thatprovidesasafe
environmentforindividualswithmentalorphysical disabilities,or adual diagnosistotake place in
equine therapy.Inclusionispromotedthroughthe effortsof staff atboth WindReachandthe
surroundingcommunities.
WindReachFarm’sfundingcomesfromprogramcosts,fundraising,donations,grants,andworkswith
WindReachFoundation.Withthe revenue,thisfacilityallowsforsocial interactioninthe neutral world.
StartinginAshburn,Ontarioandspreading toBermudaWindReachFarmhas allowedfor participantsto
interactwithmanydifferentanimalsandconnectwithnature.
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StandardBred . (2014, February19). How Much Does a Horse Cost.RetrievedfromStandardBred:
http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/news/2-19-14/how-much-does-horse-cost.html
WindreachFarm.(n.d.).RetrievedfromWindreachFarm:http://www.windreachfarm.org/
