Latest News and Press
A New Space for Hope: Thank You, SolidBuild!
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
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.
A Magical Night of Joy: Speedway Children’s Charities Awards Shining Hope Farms $25,000 Grant
The holiday season is always a time for reflection and gratitude, but this December, our hearts are overflowing. We are thrilled to share that Shining Hope Farms recently participated in Speedway Children’s Charities’ annual Night of Joy celebration, where we were awarded a spectacular $25,000 grant to support our Therapy Services Program!
Shining Hope Farms Receives $10,000 Grant from the TELUS North Carolina Community Board to Support Nature-Based Therapy Through Outdoor Farm Enhancements
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
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.
We’re thrilled to welcome Alexis Sabul, LCSWA, CCM, our first full-time Mental Health Therapist at our Charlotte location.
Now accepting new patients, Alexis brings over a decade of experience in social work and a deep passion for helping children and adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life’s challenges. Sessions take place at our Charlotte farm and make use of both our indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a peaceful and supportive environment for growth and healing.
Now Accepting Clients for the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
We’re excited to offer a rare opportunity for pediatric clients to participate in the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a powerful short-term listening therapy designed to improve nervous system regulation. This evidence-based approach supports children and teens experiencing anxiety, sensory sensitivities, trauma, ADHD, and autism, among other diagnoses. Openings are limited—learn how SSP can help your child feel more calm, connected, and engaged in therapy.
Shining Hope Farms Announces New Executive Director
MT. HOLLY, NC February 3, 2025 – Shining Hope Farms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through accessible, nature-based therapies and adaptive horseback riding, proudly announces the appointment of Patrice Gibson as Executive Director.
Shining Hope Farms Awarded 2024 Grant from Lincoln County Community Foundation to Support Affordable Nature-Based Therapies
Shining Hope Farms is honored to announce that we have been awarded a 2024 grant from the Lincoln County Community Foundation, a regional affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas. This critical funding will help make our nature-based therapy services even more...
Celebrating Excellence: Kelly Coney-Pacious Named AHA Therapist of the Year 2024
We are thrilled to celebrate our Clinical Director, Kelly Coney-Pacious, who has been honored with the American Hippotherapy Association’s Therapist of the Year Award 2024! Recognized for her exceptional patient care and dedication to advancing hippotherapy, Kelly’s impact reaches far beyond Shining Hope Farms. From mentoring future therapists to serving on the AHA Board of Directors, Kelly continues to shape the field and transform lives through the power of equine-assisted therapy. Read more about her inspiring journey and well-deserved recognition.
Shining Hope Farms Receives $7,500 Grant from The Rosendin Foundation for Equine Assisted Therapies for Individuals with Disabilities
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.
Kai’s Journey: Triumphs and Transformation at Shining Hope Farms
Explore Kai’s inspiring journey from overcoming challenges to scoring unexpected triumphs through therapeutic riding at Shining Hope Farms. His story highlights the transformative power of our program, revealing the profound impact it has on individuals like Kai. Join us in celebrating these remarkable stories at Shining Hope Farms!
Shining Hope Farms Receives Support From the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, an Affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation
Shining Hope Farms is pleased to announce that it has received a $1,500 grant from the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation. The grant will be used to support Shining Hope Farms’ mental health counseling program at their Conover location.
Gratitude to the Carolina Panthers Foundation for Helping to Welcome Levi to Shining Hope Farms
We are elated to share the news that the Carolina Panthers Foundation has generously granted Shining Hope Farms $2,500 to help welcome Levi, a spirited 7-year-old chestnut Quarter Horse, into our equine family.
Shining Hope Farms’ Mental Health Counseling Program Receives Support from The Corning Incorporated Foundation
Shining Hope Farms is thrilled to announce a significant boost to its mission with a $10,000 grant generously provided by the Corning Incorporated Foundation. Established by Corning Incorporated, this charitable contributions organization strives to foster vibrant, enriching, and supportive Corning communities. The Foundation focuses on education, human services, culture, and volunteerism in Corning business locations.
Grant from Lincoln County Community Foundation to Support Equine Assisted Therapies
We are so pleased to announce that Shining Hope Farms has received a grant from the Lincoln County Community Foundation to help create affordable access to equine assisted therapies for Lincoln County participants. It may come as a surprise to learn that we serve...
Boosting Horse Health with Smart Earth Camelina Oil: A Game-Changer for Shining Hope Farms
One year ago, a horse named Red came to us in poor condition. He needed some extra care and attention, especially before becoming a therapy horse, and so our barn manager Cindy started searching on the internet for a good oil supplement to help him. She wanted something to help him gain weight, be shelf stable and offer other types of supplements to help him be the best that he could be. That’s when she found Smart Earth Camelina Oil.
Shining Hope Farms Designated EQUUS Foundation 2023 Guardian
The purpose of the Guardians program is to encourage equine organizations to be transparent and accountable to the public through the disclosure of their equine care and use practices.
Our First Charity Bass Tournament is in the Books
On Saturday, May 20, we hosted our inaugural Charity Bass Tournament on Lake Norman at the Beatty’s Ford Access Area in Denver, NC. Being that the tournament had the biggest one-day payout on Lake Norman in 2023, it was widely attended with over 100 registered boats.
Shining Hope Farms Receives Support From the Unifour Foundation Endowment, a Fund of The North Carolina Community Foundation
Shining Hope Farms is pleased to announce that it has received a $5,000 grant from the Unifour Foundation Endowment, a fund with the North Carolina Community Foundation. The endowment promotes general welfare among citizens in the four North Carolina counties that comprise the Unifour area: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba.
Shining Hope Farms Works With Local Nonprofit Apparo
This past winter, Shining Hope Farms was fortunate to work with local nonprofit Apparo, and Digital Strategy and Transformation Leader Saravana Rajan who generously volunteered his time on transitioning Shining Hope Farms to Salesforce as part of their free “Tech Therapy” service offering.