I love my job when I get to spend a morning with gorgeous horses while learning about an amazing, giving, loving non-profit organization and the beautiful facilities where the programs take place, via a personal tour with the Executive Director, Alana Koski.
SonRise Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit organization guided by Christian-based values that makes a positive difference for youth living with social, emotional, or physical challenges, including terminal illness. Participating children develop confidence, integrity, and responsibility through mentoring and peer relationships centered around the care and enjoyment of horses.
Describe What Your Organization Does
SonRise serves a broad spectrum of special needs. Some children will always require assistance while riding, while others will develop higher levels of horsemanship.
- ADD/ADHD
- Cancer
- Down Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Scoliosis
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Family Struggles
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Blindness
- Depression
- Learning Disabilities
- Tourette Syndrome
- Brain Injury
- Developmental Delays
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Youth “At-Risk”
Regardless of individual needs, each child finds a loving and accepting community through SonRise. Whatever the challenge, our mission is to help these children thrive through the benefits of our therapeutic horsemanship programs.
What Do Members Love Most About Your Organization?
The horses and seeing the smiles on the faces of the kids, especially when they trot. Many people are also drawn to the fact that we are a Christian based organization - we are founded on and operate under Christian values and principles, but our program is open to any child in need.
What Do Most People Not Know About Your Organization?
That it is offered free to children with special needs and that horses are an amazing tool for physical, therapeutic benefits. The children receive OT and PT type benefits but they just think it is a really fun activity!
Why Did You Decide to Work Here?
In 2001, God told me he had a job for me to do. I didn't know what specifically that meant, so I decided to just wait and listen. Four years later, through a video at church, I discovered that this is what he wanted me to do and I have been doing it ever since.
What Do You Love Most About Working Here?
How the community comes together to offer these services to children in need, through both volunteering and financial support. I am always amazed at the generous & giving hearts of the donors and volunteers.
What is the Most Memorable Experience You’ve Had Working There?
When a girl with autism arrived at the ranch clinging to a toy and crying uncontrollably, but once she started petting the horse, she immediately stopped crying and enjoying the horse. She went on to riding walk, trot and canter and even speaking some words over the couple of years she was in our program. Both her parents and our volunteers were in awe of the transformation in her.
What Does the Future Hold for Your Organization?
On Saturday August 25th at 5:30pm at the Diablo Country Club will be our annual Wine and Equine dinner fundraiser.
Back by popular demand, our fabulous Emcee Mike Nicco, from ABC7, and our famous auctioneer, Frank Hanna will be back in the house!
​The evening will feature "The Cool Tones", an 18 piece big band, swing dance lessons, live auction, an amazing dinner, wine from Wente Vineyards and loads of fun.
​Wear your favorite Big Band Threads and join the swing.
Get your tickets here:
​See you at the Club!
Back by popular demand, our fabulous Emcee Mike Nicco, from ABC7, and our famous auctioneer, Frank Hanna will be back in the house!
​The evening will feature "The Cool Tones", an 18 piece big band, swing dance lessons, live auction, an amazing dinner, wine from Wente Vineyards and loads of fun.
​Wear your favorite Big Band Threads and join the swing.
Get your tickets here:
​See you at the Club!
Note: This article is about SonRise Equestrian Foundation. Please visit their profile page to find more information and review the business.
