Strongwater Farm Receives First $10,000 Impact Award of 2024

3 Amigos hosted 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury group last night

It costs around $300 to feed a horse for just one month, Joni Bryan, Strongwater Farm’s Executive Director, told about 75 members of Tewksbury’s local giving circle last night. Bryan, who describes herself as a “Texas cowgirl” with a lifelong love of horses, is from a military family and saw firsthand the transformative power of horses in healing wounds caused by emotional and physical trauma.

That passion led her to Strongwater Farm, a therapeutic equestrian center at 500 Livingston St. where horses serve as a source of physical and emotional therapy for children and adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, PTSD, neurological challenges, and a number of other issues. The farm employs 15 people, many of them with training in providing trauma-informed care, and welcomes domestic violence survivors and veterans.

The farm will host a Veteran’s Resource Fair on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She also said that Strongwater is always looking for volunteers to work with staff to help care for the farm’s 15 specially trained horses, maintain the physical facilities and run therapeutic programs. Lessons are also available. Donations like those from the 100+ People subsidize two-thirds of the actual cost of providing lessons. There is no fee charged for any veteran, Bryan told the audience.

The 100+ People group also heard from House of Hope and The Megan House Foundation, which each received donations from members as well as $250 from sponsors Bernard Jewelers and Senco Home Services. Local bagpiper Eddie Elwell provided seasonally appropriate entertainment.

The 100+ People Who Care Tewksbury was founded in 2021 as a way for the community to come together and make significant change through impact giving. The group will mark its third year in June, returning to the venue where it launched, TJ Callahan’s, on Monday, June 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. The first Impact Award winner, Alternative House, will be eligible for nomination, followed by other local favorites including Hidden Battles.

Any Tewksbury resident can join the 100+ People either individually or as a team of two and nominate a nonprofit. The more nominations, the more likely it is a group will be selected to present, so local nonprofits are encouraged to ask their volunteers and donors to nominate them. One Tewksbury nonprofit presents at each meeting. Learn more.

Members who were unable to attend can make their donations by scanning the codes below or clicking here for Strongwater’s donation page.