Earthrise Energy awards grant to Hope 4 Horses
In a significant step toward supporting the welfare and rehabilitation of rescue horses, Earthrise Energy has awarded a $15,000 grant to Hope 4 Horses Rescue and Sanctuary. This funding will contribute to the rising cost of veterinary care, feed and retraining efforts to help equines recover and prepare for adoption into loving homes.
“Our goal is to rescue and adopt as many equines as we can each year into permanent homes,” said Donna Columbus, President of Hope 4 Horses. “This funding will allow us to provide the care our horses, ponies and other equines need to get healthy and ready for their new homes.”
Beyond its core mission of equine rescue, the Effingham-based nonprofit Hope 4 Horses Rescue and Sanctuary is committed to giving back to the Effingham community. With Earthrise Energy’s backing, the organization will be able to continue its equine therapy program, which offers support for veterans, police officers, firefighters, and other service members, both active and retired, in addition to at-risk youth and others in need. The program consists of monthly classes, both group and individual, with activities such as grooming, walking and interacting with horses, allowing participants to experience the calming presence of horses as a therapeutic outlet for managing anxiety, PTSD and other mental health challenges.
“The mission of Hope 4 Horses resonates deeply with Earthrise Energy’s values. Supporting community initiatives that offer healing, and rehabilitation aligns with our commitment to making a positive impact where we operate,” said Nicole Vaughn, Project Developer at Earthrise Energy. “Partnering with Hope 4 Horses allows us to uplift both the equines and the community members who care for them, including some of our own staff who live in the area and volunteer at Hope 4 Horses.”
Earthrise Energy, an independent power producer in Illinois is known for its dedication to the communities in which it operates. The company owns and operates several natural gas plants in the state, including the Shelby County Energy Center in Neoga. It is developing more than 1.5 gigawatts of solar power plants in Illinois that will operate in conjunction with its gas plant, which includes the 150 MW Northwest Solar Project that was recently approved by the Cumberland County Board.
Earthrise Energy launched its RISE Grant program to help fund local initiatives that promote excellence in education, protect the environment, and support the communities where Earthrise Energy has operations. Since it launched the program, the company has committed nearly $600,000 in grants, sponsorships and other funding to support initiatives and encourage civic life in the local communities where it operates.
For more information on Hope 4 Horses Rescue and Sanctuary, and ways to volunteer, go to http://hope4horses.org.