Shining Hope Farms Receives $7,500 Grant from The Rosendin Foundation for Equine Assisted Therapies for Individuals with Disabilities

Jan 8, 2024 | News, Press Releases

Picture of the Rosendin Foundation presenting a $7,500 grant check to Shining Hope Farms
News Release:
For Immediate Release

 

SHINING HOPE FARMS RECEIVES $7,500 GRANT FROM THE ROSENDIN FOUNDATION

CHARLOTTE, NC (January 8, 2024) – Shining Hope Farms, a nonprofit healthcare provider of occupational, physical, and speech therapy, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $7,500 grant from The Rosendin Foundation. The grant will support Shining Hope Farms’ efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through therapies that utilize the unique treatment tool of equine movement.

“We are profoundly grateful to The Rosendin Foundation for their generous grant, enabling Shining Hope Farms to meet the growing demand for pediatric therapy services such as occupational therapy. Their support allows us to provide affordable access to our transformative therapy, ensuring that children with disabilities can participate meaningfully in daily life,” said Milinda Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of Shining Hope Farms.

The Rosendin Foundation generously granted 73 nonprofits across the United States $620,000 collectively during this past grant cycle.

The Therapy Services program at Shining Hope Farms utilizes equine movement in a treatment strategy known as hippotherapy. As the only accredited provider in the region, the demand for these services is high. Grant funding will help achieve functional goals for participants, enhance their quality of life, and make these services accessible to all, especially low-income families.

Shining Hope Farms, founded in 2002, has grown exponentially over the years to become a leader in equine-assisted activities and therapies. Operating three locations in the Western Piedmont Region, the organization serves over 300 individuals weekly through Therapy Services, Therapeutic Riding, and its Saddles & Salutes program for Veterans.

With a focus on affordability, Shining Hope Farms ensures that their highly effective services are accessible to everyone, especially low-income families. This second grant from The Rosendin Foundation will contribute to sustaining and expanding this mission.

###

About The Rosendin Foundation
The Rosendin Foundation is the charitable arm of Rosendin Holdings, the parent company of Rosendin, one of the nation’s largest design-build specialty electrical contractors with a regional office in Charlotte, and Modular Power Solutions (MPS), an offsite manufacturing solutions provider.
The Rosendin Foundation provides financial assistance to community nonprofits across the country that promote emotional, nutritional, and occupational health programs. These organizations benefit from the Foundation’s financial grants and donations of up to $50,000 per organization. Through volunteer efforts and donation drives in 23 cities, the nonprofit empowers and inspires people to be their best.
Since its inception, The Rosendin Foundation has given over $1.87 million to nonprofit organizations in communities where Rosendin and MPS employees live and work. Contributions from Rosendin Holdings, as well as employees, retirees, and Foundation fundraisers, are the primary sources of funding. Applications for grants and emergency grants are available on the foundation’s website at https://www.therosendinfoundation.org/grants.

About Shining Hope Farms
Shining Hope Farms is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enable children and adults to reach their full potential through the use of equine assisted activities and therapies. Programs provided include physical, occupational, and speech therapy utilizing equine movement as a treatment strategy called hippotherapy. Shining Hope Farms is the only facility offering this treatment strategy in the counties that they operate in. Equine assisted mental health counseling is also offered along with therapeutic riding for children and adults including Veterans. They are a Premier Accredited Center of PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International) as well as a member of the American Hippotherapy Association. Locations include sites in Charlotte, Mt. Holly, and Conover, NC. Between the three locations there are 30+ horses and 50+ staff members consisting of occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, PATH Intl. certified riding instructors, and administrative staff, plus many wonderful volunteers. Shining Hope Farms is also a GuideStar Exchange Platinum participant, a leading symbol of transparency and accountability among nonprofits. For more information, please visit the website at shininghopefarms.org or call 704-827-3788.

Media Contact: Patrice Gibson, Development Director | (813) 597-9178 | patricegibson@shininghopefarms.org

More News & Events

A New Space for Hope: Thank You, SolidBuild!

Aug 25, 2026 | ,

Something very special has taken shape at our Charlotte farm. Our new Hope Shed, a dedicated space designed to expand Shining Hope Farms’ nature-based mental health counseling services, has officially been delivered and assembled—and it was made possible through an...

Celebrating Leadership: Executive Director Patrice Gibson Earns CFRE Credential

Aug 12, 2026 |

We are excited to share that our Executive Director, Patrice Gibson, has officially earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential! Administered by CFRE International, this globally recognized designation signifies excellence, ethics, and mastery in nonprofit fundraising leadership. Patrice’s dedication to expanding her expertise ensures Shining Hope Farms remains sustainable, strong, and focused on creating greater community impact.

Shining Hope Farms Receives $10,000 Grant from the TELUS North Carolina Community Board to Support Nature-Based Therapy Through Outdoor Farm Enhancements

Oct 21, 2025 |

Shining Hope Farms is pleased to announce it received a $10,000 grant from the TELUS North Carolina Community Board. The funding will support the creation of new nature-based play and therapy spaces at the nonprofit’s three farm locations in Charlotte, Mt. Holly, and Conover, NC, where children with disabilities and mental health needs receive life-changing therapy.

Care for the Caregiver – Double care…one stop

Aug 7, 2025 | ,

Care for the Caregiver is here. While your child is in therapy at Shining Hope Farms, you can now use that time to care for your own mental health with a licensed counselor—right here on-site. It’s convenient, covered by insurance (including Medicaid), and designed just for you.