Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Eliada Homes
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Eliada
Mailing Address: 2 Compton Dr.
City: Asheville
State: NC
Postal Code: 28806
Main Phone: (828) 254-5356
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.eliada.org/
Employer ID Number: 56-0611587
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3-25-2025
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Equine Assisted Therapy (TASC)
Project Description:

The Equine Assisted Therapy Program provides psychotherapeutic services for children and youth ages 5-21 in Eliada’s other programs and in our community. An estimated 45% of Buncombe County residents have 1-2 risk factors associated with mental illness, and mental health was among the top three Buncombe County Health Assessment priorities. According to the NC Psychiatric Crisis Line, 21% (5,657) of Medicaid-enrolled youth in Buncombe County have a psychiatric disorder. Further, Buncombe County has only 10 child psychiatrists. Given the lack of providers and high levels of risk and diagnoses, additional services and modalities are needed.
The Equine Therapy Program addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of each child and youth served by guiding participants on a journey of self-exploration and healing. We focus on client-centered and trauma-informed approaches specifically designed to enhance resilience, utilizing the EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model and believing participants can discover the best solutions for themselves when given the opportunity. Therapy goals combined with experiences with the horses allow participants to explore themselves, overcome challenges, and discover hidden strengths, thus giving children the support needed to develop strategies for overcoming stress and trauma.
Staff are trained to address all treatment needs presented by participants, including stress, anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD. We work with youths who have difficulties connecting with themselves and others to reform those skills and establish new, positive, and long-term habits by harnessing the bond between animals and people. There is no “right way” to have a session; each one is different for every person. The horses’ interactions with each other, participants, and the environment become a symbolic reflection of the child’s needs. If they are looking for a different response from a horse, they will have to try something different, making a genuine transformation within themselves.

Total Project Budget: $100,966

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Medicaid Reimbursement, Projected ($90,966)

Project Duration: 12 months
Geographical Area Served: Buncombe County, NC
Age Group To Be Served: 5-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Dr.
Contact First Name: Marilyn
Contact Last Name: Chamberlin
Contact Title: Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 828-399-1445
Contact Email: mchamberlin@eliada.org