For some time, we have been considering changing our mission statement to reflect the reality that not all of our clients would consider themselves disabled. As examples, through our targeted programming, we have served families of the deployed, children of incarcerated parents, families facing homelessness, and others.
In addition, last year, we contracted with a firm to develop a marketing strategy. As part of the process, they interviewed clients, family members, partners, and others to learn what differentiated Giant Steps in people’s minds. Some of the themes they uncovered were the following:
- Giant Steps has a very strong sense of community that is felt by clients, caregivers, volunteers, and staff. This extends beyond the internal Giant Steps team to the broader community of supporters and friends.
- Giant Steps is multi-faceted and inclusive. Through its different programs, Giant Steps serves a wide variety of individuals in terms of age, disability, income level, and more. In fact, more than 40% of our clients receive some level of scholarship. These are fact to be celebrated. Likewise, our program attracts volunteers from all walks of life.
- Having premier accreditation from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship is an indication of program excellence that should be highlighted.
So we are pleased to present our updated mission statement. We sure hope you like it, because we went through a number of versions, so will not be updating it any time soon. 🙂
Giant Steps is dedicated to enriching lives through the power of horses, team and community. Through the excellence of our equine assisted programs, people of all ages, means, and challenges experience the extraordinary benefits of therapeutic riding and activities.