In a collaborative effort to enhance the lives of students with disabilities, the Wellington Community Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. This generous contribution will empower Wellington High School students to participate in the equine-assisted therapy program, equipping them with essential life skills for their educational and personal journeys.
The donation was officially presented on Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Vinceremos facility, with board members from the Wellington Community Foundation, members of the Wellington Village Council and the Vinceremos team in attendance. The foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life for seniors, children and veterans aligns perfectly with the mission of Vinceremos, which has been serving individuals with disabilities in central Palm Beach County for more than 35 years.
Vinceremos offers a range of therapeutic programs, including therapeutic riding, hippotherapy and equine-assisted learning. Accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), these programs provide invaluable benefits, such as improved balance, core strength, motor skills and social interaction, all in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
“By fostering experiences with horses, we are helping students develop skills that will prepare them for real-world challenges and allow them to contribute meaningfully to their community,” said Barry Manning, chair of the Wellington Community Foundation. “This donation is about more than just funding; it’s about creating opportunities that can profoundly impact these young lives.”
Vinceremos CEO Susan Guinan emphasized the transformative nature of the nonprofit’s programs.
“Learning through interaction with horses reveals potential that may not be visible in traditional classroom settings. Our partnership with Wellington schools continues to flourish as we work together to support our community’s needs,” she said. “This gift will make an incredible difference in the lives of those students who live with unimaginable challenges every day!”
Partnering with the foundation and the village, the riding center continues to grow and looks forward to adding additional students with the launch of a program in conjunction with Palm Beach Central High School next school year. Learn more about Vinceremos at www.vinceremos.org.
For more information about the Wellington Community Foundation, and how to get involved, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.
