Connecting Round Rock: Advocates for Veterans – ROCK Ride on Center for Kids

ROCK – Ride on Center for Kids

ROCK MISSION: Improving independence and life skills in partnership with the horse.

ROCK VISION: To be the trusted leader in equine-assisted services through research, education, and programs.

ROCK on Veterans Program
ROCK Ride On Center for Kids offers ROCK On Veterans, a program for active-duty service members and veterans partnering with horses and veteran volunteers. The goal of this program is to improve the lives of servicemen and women who have suffered injury in the line of duty, helping them adjust physically and emotionally to their post-war lives. The cost for veterans and service members to participate in three 8-week sessions is 100% covered through fundraising efforts and grants.

What is your favorite part about the work your organization does?
Our mission is to improve independence and life skills in partnership with the horse, in this case, specifically focusing on veteran families. The journey includes encouraging veterans to step out of their homes, find a welcoming community, and navigate through challenging times together. We understand that true healing happens within a supportive community. ROCK offers various opportunities for veterans to discover this healing environment. Here, community drives the healing process, with horses serving as the vital conduit for transformation and recovery.

What is one challenge your organization faces?
ROCK is a hidden gem dedicated to serving veterans. We’ve discovered that veterans place immense trust in their fellow service members. When one veteran shares their positive experience with our ROCK On Veterans program, it inspires others to participate, highlighting the importance of “Trust and Relationships.” Since 2005, we’ve proudly supported veterans and invite more from Round Rock to visit and learn about the transformative ROCK On program.

How does your organization/business celebrate the veterans you serve on Independence Day?
At ROCK, we honor veterans daily by offering three 8-week sessions each year, completely free of charge for them and their families.

How can Round Rock (and the surrounding areas) support your organization?
Raising awareness is crucial for demonstrating support, spreading the word, signing up to volunteer, and contributing to the veterans program through acts of generosity.

Anything else you would like us to know?
The veterans program takes place on Tuesday nights starting at 5 PM and is open to any veteran or active service member interested in learning more. Please contact Heidi at Heidi@rockride.org by noon on the Monday prior to let her know if you and your family would like to attend. From September to June, the ROCK On Veterans (ROV) program offers a walking tour, grooming sessions, and opportunities for connection on Tuesday nights, along with a meal shared with the ROV community provided by community partners at no cost to you or ROCK. We look forward to meeting and getting to know you. Additionally, we offer a women-only veterans night on Fridays. For more information, please reach out to Heidi at Heidi@rockride.org.

Connecting Round Rock
Know an organization, business, or person we could include in our series?
Email us at connect@roundtherocktx.com.

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