Six Foreign Leaders Volunteer at Equest
Equest hosted a day of volunteerism for six European leaders who are participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. On March 7, representatives from Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Luxembourg, and Spain met Equest’s staff and 30 therapy horses that provide hope and healing daily for those with special needs. After touring the 6,000-square foot campus located at Texas Horse Park in southern Dallas, the international leaders rolled up their sleeves, put on work gloves, and helped clear riding trails and prep for an upcoming volunteer banquet.
“We are honored that the World Affairs Council selected Equest for their day of volunteerism,” said Equest CEO Lili Kellogg. “We were able to showcase how equine assisted activities and therapies change lives daily for children and adults with special needs. Perhaps this one interaction might inspire the interest and support of therapeutic horsemanship programs in other countries.”
The foreign leaders are invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, arranged by World Learning. The IVLP builds mutual understanding through carefully designed short-term visits to the United States for current and emerging foreign leaders. Through the combination of meetings, site visits, and focused cultural events, IVLP, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, promotes a deeper understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural diversity of the United States; a thorough range of viewpoints; and the opportunity to develop meaningful professional relationships.
About Equest
Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine assisted learning, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and equine assisted learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With the help of 30 therapy horses, eight instructors, four therapists, three counselors, and 700 volunteers, lives are changed for more than 2,000 served annually. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. Equest offers an engaging volunteer program that provides 30,000 hours of direct program service opportunities each year. www.equest.org
About the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is a dynamic organization that brings international awareness and cross-cultural understanding to the North Texas community and presents distinguished international figures year-round for in-depth interpretations of global events. The Council presents around 100 programs annually, primarily focusing on the international aspects of business, politics, culture and foreign policy. With the goal of connecting North Texas with the world, the Council has been educating Metroplex citizens on global affairs since 1951. Today, it serves as a gateway to the world for the region, offering an impressive range of programs and events for the public and its 4,000 members. The Council takes education directly into North Texas schools through its Global Young Leaders Program. Additionally, it coordinates visits to North Texas of delegations and leaders from around the world through the International Visitor Program and the City of Dallas Office of Protocol. www.dfwworld.org