Combination Project: Inclusive Recreation and Recreation Admin, Revenue & Finance

Felicity Phillips & Fallon Evans

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ContentsIntroduction.................................................................................................................................................3

Step One – Needs........................................................................................................................................5

Step Two – Program Goals and Objectives..................................................................................................6

Step Three – Establishing a Critical Path......................................................................................................6

Step Four – Identify Facilities & Equipment.................................................................................................7

Facility.....................................................................................................................................................7

Equipment...............................................................................................................................................7

Step Five – Staffing......................................................................................................................................7

Step Six – Develop a Public Relations Strategy............................................................................................8

Step Seven – Establish a Budget..................................................................................................................9

Step Eight – Implementation.....................................................................................................................10

Event Schedule......................................................................................................................................10

Legislation..............................................................................................................................................10

Horse Riding Safety Act, 2001............................................................................................................10

Mental Health Act, 1990....................................................................................................................11

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.......................................................................11

Services & Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008...................................................................................................................................................11

Step Nine – Program Evaluation................................................................................................................11

Business Profile.........................................................................................................................................13

Company Overview...................................................................................................................................13

Sandy’s History/Company History.........................................................................................................13

What They Do........................................................................................................................................13

Target Market........................................................................................................................................13

Where Are They Now?...........................................................................................................................14

Second Location.................................................................................................................................14

Social Media..........................................................................................................................................14

Business Plan Conclusion.......................................................................................................................14

Financial Statements.................................................................................................................................15

WindReach Farm Financial Statement – Year 2013...............................................................................15

Financial Position...............................................................................................................................15

Operations Revenue..........................................................................................................................15

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Operations Expenditures...................................................................................................................16

WindReach Farm Foundation Financial Statement – Year 2013................................................................17

Financial Position...............................................................................................................................17

Operations Revenue..........................................................................................................................17

Operations Expenditures...................................................................................................................17

SWOT Analysis...........................................................................................................................................18

Strengths...................................................................................................................................................18

Programs & Services..............................................................................................................................18

WindReach Farm Foundation................................................................................................................18

Bermuda Location.................................................................................................................................19

Overnight Accommodations..................................................................................................................19

Weaknesses...............................................................................................................................................19

Location.................................................................................................................................................19

Expenditures Higher Than Revenue.......................................................................................................19

Opportunities............................................................................................................................................19

Offer Single Ride Opportunities.............................................................................................................19

Weddings...............................................................................................................................................20

Summer Camps.....................................................................................................................................20

More Partnerships.................................................................................................................................20

Threats......................................................................................................................................................20

Vet Bills..................................................................................................................................................20

Other Organizations..............................................................................................................................21

Cost of Programs...................................................................................................................................21

Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................22

References.................................................................................................................................................23

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IntroductionFor our inclusive recreation and finance projects, our group has chosen to utilize the growing

trend of equine therapy for treatment of mental illness. Equine therapy promotes emotional growth utilizing horses for individuals with various diagnoses including anxiety, autism, dementia, depression and traumatic brain injuries (Equestrian Therapy, n.d.). The theory behind this form of therapy is that horses behave similarly to humans, and that horses will often mirror human behaviour patterns.

In the first section of our report, the reader develop a knowledge of the program that we developed for individuals with mental illness at WindReach Farm. This section will cover the topics of program needs, concepts and goals. Additionally, the reader will find the critical path established, facilities and equipment, staffing requirements, a public relations strategy and the program budget. The reader will then find the plans of implementation, including safety requirements and legislation that correlates with equine therapy in Ontario. To wrap it all up, the reader will find the program evaluation plan.

In the second part of this report, the reader will find a business plan on WindReach Farm. This business plan will include a business profile of the organization and a SWOT analysis. Lastly, the reader will find the company’s finance statements of the 2013 fiscal year.

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Inclusive Recreation

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Step One – Needs At this point in time, we have established the need for an inclusive recreation program that is

utilized by individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Our program could potentially be utilized in Whitby, Ontario. In Whitby, there is a private psychiatric hospital, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. This facility is located at 700 Gordon Street, with inpatient and outpatient services. Some of the services and programs include:

Adolescent Inpatient Services

Dual Diagnosis Services

Geriatric Psychiatry Unit & Geriatric Dementia Unit

Integrated Community Access Program

Therapeutic Recreation

Youth Case Management

When reviewing programs in the Therapeutic Recreation department at this organization, we discovered that they do provide many services and programs. In the March 2015 calendar, Ontario Shores’ therapeutic recreation program highlights mainly sports programming, including basketball and badminton. Their facilities are equipped with a swimming pool, conditioning room and outdoor therapeutic outdoor area (Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, n.d.). However, these programs do not match what our goal of the program is (seeking recreation programs that correlate with the treatment of medication and psychotherapy).

To find an appropriate program to service the needs of individuals diagnosed with mental illness in the Durham region, we found the need to research various forms of therapy. As recreationists, our emphasis was on therapeutic recreation. Upon completion of this research, we discovered that equine therapy would be an excellent component. There are many academic research articles that present the benefits of equine therapy for various mental health diagnoses, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Eating Disorders.

One of the impact components that is applied through equine therapy is that horses react to human patterns of behaviour (KNRV Reno, 2014). Knowing this information, many service users will then remain calm throughout the riding. In a news report in the United States, a war veteran, Frank Supinski, explains that although he is aware that horses and humans do not speak the same language, but their relaxation provides comfort for himself, and many others (KNRV Reno, 2014).

Additionally, research completed for individuals diagnosed with depression highlights that there are psychological benefits with pet therapy (Sarris, O'Neill, Coulson, Schweitzer, & Berk, 2014). In the evidence-based research completed, the results concluded that individuals with depression have decreased symptoms of depression and reduced anxiety (Sarris, O'Neill, Coulson, Schweitzer, & Berk, 2014). This exact study emphasizes the need for all pet therapy, including equine therapy, in a farm setting. Therefore, our group has decided that equine therapy at a farm setting would be an excellent program to run.

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Step Two – Program Goals and ObjectivesThe mission statement for our event is:

To promote a safe and inclusive environment for individuals diagnosed with various mental health disorders. This event will provide individuals with mental health disorders the opportunity to

participate in a form of therapeutic recreation that correlates with the role of psychotherapy in care.

Our event will be specifically serviced to those who are receiving inpatient or outpatient care at a facility such as Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences, Lakeridge Health Corporation or Community Care Durham – COPE Mental Health. We strongly believe that for this program to be safe, the participants need to be mentally stable. As many of these participants could have mental health disorders that would cause anxiety to self and the horses, we must ensure that there is no high-risk behaviours, such as recent threats of suicide. To ensure safety and liability, we would require that service users speak to the mental health programs in the Durham region.

Specific Goals:

To have approximately ten to fifteen participants diagnosed with a mental health disorder participate in an equine therapy program within the Durham Region.

To ensure the safety of the program participants through safe measures, which will be outlined in staffing.

To help individuals diagnosed with various mental health disorders seek alternative forms of treatment than medication.

Step Three – Establishing a Critical PathThis program will take a lot of time to plan and implement, due to the complex nature of

program. Below, the reader will find the timeline that should be implemented for running this program.

January 23, 2015 – On this date, we will be meeting with Sara Cosway, Education and Recreation Coordinator, at WindReach Farms to express the needs of the program and how it could be implemented.

February 2, 2015 – On February 2, we will be meeting with Jennifer Gardner, Clinical Manager – Recreation and Vocational Services, at Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences and Debbie Whiteway, Clinical Coordinator, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa - Pinewood Centre. We will be hosting an open discussion with these individuals based on our conversation with Sara Cosway.

February 17, 2015 - We have developed a survey for recreation staff at various mental health agencies within the Durham Region area. It was given to Jennifer Gardner and Debbie Whiteway on February 10. February 17 was the date that we requested to have the surveys returned. This gives us ample time to find out the results and implement the plan.

March 3, 2015 - Based upon our results from our needs assessment, we have met with three managers together at WindReach Farms. From this point forward, we will be working with them to

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implement the program, with a prospective date of April 18, 2015. We hope that with this date, we can avoid any unforeseen weather that could impact the program such as snow or freezing rain.

March 28, 2015 - On March 28, we will be completing a presentation at Ontario Shores for Mental Health Sciences to answer any questions that may have arisen from recreation staff at the facility, program participants and family members.

April 1, 2015 - We will be hosting orientation for the staffing and ensuring that certifications required have been obtained.

April 11, 2015 - We will be having a site tour with the program managers that we’ve been working with to ensure that safety protocols and measures are in place. Additionally, we will be ensuring full accessibility for participants’ needs.

April 17, 2015 - We will have one final site visit, and ensure that any paperwork that needs to be completed has been done.

April 18, 2015 - We will implement the event on this date. Please see ‘implementation’ section for further information.April 21, 2015 - We will meet with program managers to complete a program evaluation. This will allow for future programs be to implemented, or taken away.

Step Four – Identify Facilities & EquipmentFacilityWindReach Farm – 312 Town Line Rd., Ashburn, ONWindReach Farm follows AODA regulations, including having protocols in place to ensure accessibility for all. Some of these include wheelchair accessible stables and pathways.

EquipmentIn order for our program to run safely and successfully, there are many items that will be needed.

Below, the reader will find what the equipment needed is (Equestrian Therapy, n.d.): Horses Helmets Saddles/Halters Lead ropes

Shuttle bus Wheelchair accessible riding mount

platform

Step Five – StaffingIn order to ensure safety among all participants and staff, we will be requesting that there is 1:1

program staff to participant. We will be utilizing staff from the following organizations: WindReach Employees Equine Therapy Employees– trained in all equine procedures Volunteers Nurses from Ontario Shores

All staff will be trained in equine safety, and emergency procedures. Each staff member and volunteer must present a First Aid and CPR certification to apply for an appropriate position. All staff with undergo ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) training, as well as Mental Health First Aid. This will assist in appropriate responses if a participant becomes upset, anxious or suicidal while on

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a horse. Both certifications can be obtain through Canadian Mental Health Association, Durham Region office. We will request that these certifications be pre-requisites for people applying for the position, or they are willing to obtain at their own expenses. The costs for these programs are listed below:

ASIST – $180.00 Mental Health First Aid – $180.00

Step Six – Develop a Public Relations StrategyTo promote our program, we plan to create and distribute flyers to organizations that specialize in

mental health care throughout the Durham region. Some of these facilities include: Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences Lakeridge Health Corporation (Mental Health Services) Canadian Mental Health Association offices Community Care Durham (COPE Mental Health Program)

Below, the reader will find a copy of our poster.

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Step Seven – Establish a BudgetOn WindReach Farm’s website, they have a breakdown of the weekly expenses for the horses used

in a program, barn expenses, program delivery and staff wages. Below, the reader will find what WindReach states for each (Windreach Farm, n.d.):

Horse Expense: $800/week Barn Expense: $525/week Program Delivery: $155/week Staff Wages: $3000/weekOn the company’s website, they state that this means that a lesson would cost approximately $96.

When breaking it down for a day, this is what our group found:800 + 525 + 155 + 3000 ÷ 7 = $640.00

Our goal is to have 10 to 15 participants. For ten participants, we would then do the following formula: 640 ÷ 10 = $64.00/personAs WindReach Farms is a not-for-profit organization, we would leave the program cost at $64.00. If we were to have all 15 participants, we would make $960.00. If there was a $320.00 revenue, we would donate that fund into the WindReach Farm Foundation to further programs like this.

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Step Eight – ImplementationIn implementation, we will be discussing the event schedule and the legislation that needs to be

followed to ensure the safety and inclusion for all participants.

Event ScheduleTime Activity Description

10:00 AM Drop off/Welcome Clients will begin to arrive and will be greeted by staff. A

welcome and animal safety talk will talk place.

10:30 AM Facility Tour Clients will be given a brief tour of the facility.

11:00 AM Group A – RidingGroup B – Hayride & Century

Barn

The group will be split into two groups and sent to two different stations. At riding a brief safety talk will take place. The clients will also have a chance to visit and tour around the Century

barn.12:00 PM Lunch Clients will have lunch and have

a chance to explore the Foundation Garden.

1:00 PM Group A – Hayride & Century Barn

Group B – Riding

The groups will switch stations to ensure all clients have a chance to try everything.

2:00 PM Free Time Clients will be able to visit the: Foundation Garden

Sensory room Century barn Petting Zoo

3:00 PM Goodbye/Participants Get Picked Up

The staff will make closing remarks and clients will leave

the facility

LegislationHorse Riding Safety Act, 2001

The Horse Riding Safety Act was developed in 2001. This Act covers the use of equine animals over the height of 14.2 hands. This Act states that all staff members must make sure the horse is fitted with the appropriate tack. Additionally, for safety reasons, the organization must ensure the helmets used are developed specifically for equine programs. Finally, all riders must also wear hard-soled shoes that are at least 1.5 centimeters tall for safety (Government of Ontario, 2001).

WindReach Farm ensures that this act is followed through have fully accessible riding program, including a wheelchair accessible mount (Windreach Farm, n.d.).Mental Health Act, 1990

The Mental Health Act was developed in 1990. This Act was developed to promote the rights of individuals with mental illness as per the Human Rights Code. Specific topics included in this Act include Standards and Hospitalization (Government of Ontario, 2010).

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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, or more commonly known as AODA, was

developed to help erase barriers for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of AODA is to develop, implement and enforce accessibility standards by 2025. Some of the accessibility standards include communication and customer service (Government of Ontario, 2009).Services & Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008

We have decided to address the need to implement appropriate measures in regards to this Act, as there is potential for a participant with dual diagnosis. In Canada, a dual diagnosis is when someone is diagnosed with both a mental illness and a developmental disability (Canadian Mental Health Association, n.d.).

This Act emphasizes the importance of social inclusion for individuals in their community. This Act highlights topics including access to supports, services and funding (Government of Ontario, 2010).

Step Nine – Program EvaluationIn step 2 we discussed our program goals being:

To have approximately ten to fifteen participants diagnosed with a mental health disorder participate in an equine therapy program.

To ensure the safety of the program participants through safe measures, which will be outlined in staffing.

To help individuals diagnosed with various mental health disorders seek alternative forms of treatment than medication.

After our program, we would like to be able to assess these goals through the following discussion with the program managers:

How many participants did we have? Was this above or below the goal? In step eight, we discussed implementation. Were the any complications in assuring safety?

Additionally were there any implications that allowed for an unsafe situation?Due to confidentiality, we may not be able to have access to the health files of the program participants. To learn whether or not the participants benefited, we can ask the program managers about the clients’ overall wellbeing. This could asking questions such as, “how are all of the participants feeling after event?” Asking these questions can allow for appropriate measures and programs in the future.

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Recreation Administration, Revenue & Finance

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Business ProfileWindReach Farm312 Townline Road, Ashburn, ON

Company OverviewWindReach Farm’s mission statement is:“WindReach Farm strives to enrich the lives of persons of all ages with disabilities and/or special needs by providing opportunities to enjoy experiences in farming, nature, outdoor recreation and other activities and to share those experiences with families and friends” (Windreach Farm, n.d.)

Sandy’s History/Company HistoryWindReach Farm was developed after Sandy Mitchell, a man with Cerebral Palsy, expressed his

lifelong interest in farming and being outdoors (Windreach Farm, n.d.). Sandy grew up in Scotland, where he worked on a farm. Later in life, Sandy worked in a farming community for people with Down Syndrome. This opportunity made him realize that he wanted to work at enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities. Sandy purchased the land in 1979, built the buildings and worked the land. In 1989, Sandy officially opened WindReach Farm; which has serviced thousands of people since (Windreach Farm, n.d.).

What They DoWindReach Farm is a charitable not-for-profit organization (Registered Charity Number: 13454 2497

RR0001). Since opening its doors in 1989, the organization has been able to serve many individuals due to their highly accessible facility (Windreach Farm, n.d.). The facilities that WindReach Farms has on site are very unique. These facilities include accommodation, meeting facilities, a children’s centre and a sensory room. Additionally, they also have a visitor centre, foundation garden, century barn/museum, stables, trails, a petting zoo and a boardwalk (Windreach Farm, n.d.). People who choose to participate in programs at WindReach Farm have plenty of recreational and life skills activities. Specific programs that WindReach Farm offers include (Windreach Farm, n.d.):

Education and recreation-based programs Riding programs Accommodations Adult Day ServicesAs stated in Sandy’s story, this organization has done phenomenal things for their community,

servicing both individuals with disabilities and individuals who are not disabled. In a CityTV news article, it is emphasized how wonderful to have an organization that can service 22 000 individuals with various disabilities annually (News Staff, 2014). This article also highlights a participant of the day program, who highlights how wonderful their day services are. She stated that when she puts the life skills that she learned at WindReach on her resume, people are automatically impressed. Therefore, this provides evidence that in addition to their therapeutic farming experience, their services allow for brighter futures for individuals with disabilities.

Target MarketWindReach Farm has a very broad target market. Although their targeted market is individuals

with disabilities, they provide services to anyone wanting their services. This allows for WindReach to proudly state that they are an inclusive community.

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Where Are They Now?WindReach Farm first opened their doors 26 years ago. Since then, they have had the

opportunity serve around 500 000 community members with various needs and abilities.In addition to their standard programs mentioned in What They Do, WindReach Farm has many

different avenues that they have created for continual growth and success. Below, the reader will find more information on their current partnerships with Durham College and the public school system.

In 2014, WindReach Farm signed an agreement with Durham College to utilize their land. Durham College’s Horticulture – Food and Farming program will be growing crops on WindReach Farm’s property. The produce grown will then be used by the college’s culinary students (Durham College, 2014).

WindReach Farm also has a school therapeutic riding program, which is endorsed by the Government of Ontario. The Program costs $20 per student per sessions. Therefore, for 10 sessions, it would cost $200/student. The cost is lower than their regular fees as they receive subsidies from the government. At the end of the sessions, WindReach Farm hosts a mini horse show for the program participants’ families and friends to come view (Windreach Farm, n.d.).Second LocationIn addition to the Ashburn location, WindReach Farm has a location in Warwick, Bermuda. This location is very similar to the Ashburn location; however, this facility is on much smaller property. Additionally, they have a campsite on the 3.7 acres for program participants to use (Windreach Farm, n.d.).

Social MediaAs social media continues to be a growing factor for the success of an organization, WindReach Farm

is very active online. The links to the organization’s social media accounts are: LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/company/WindReach-farm Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/WindReachfarm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WindReachFarmAshburn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindReachfarm?_rdr Twitter: https://twitter.com/WindReachfarmThe two forms of social media utilized the most by WindReach Farm are Facebook and Twitter.

Below, the reader will find information on some of the most recent highlights from the organization’s Twitter account:

WindReach Farm visiting Brain Injury Durham with baby lambs for Easter The staff participating in Light it Up Blue for autism awareness day A link to an article on their Volunteer of the Month The organization had 800+ participants in their March Break Madness; an event organized by

Ontario Power Generation and implemented at WindReach

Business Plan ConclusionSince Sandy Mitchell first opened WindReach Farm 26 years ago, it has continued to grow into a

well-established organization that is known for their inclusive approaches. Through their programming, facilities and partnerships, it is clear to one that WindReach Farm truly cares about their community, and promoting inclusion for all.

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Financial Statements WindReach Farm Financial Statement – Year 2013Financial Position

Assets $471 751

Cash, bank accounts, and short term investments $90 830

Amounts receivable from all others $46 780

Land and buildings in Canada $1 332 361

Accumulated amortization of capital assets - $1 011 907

Other assets $13 687

(donate2charities.ca, 2014)Operations Revenue

Total Revenue $891 477

Amounts of all gifts which the charity issued tax receipts $23 296

Amount received from other registered charities $30 000

Received from federal government $33 165

Received from provincial or territorial governments $45 220

Non tax-receipted revenue from fundraising $108 546

Sale of goods and services $145 136

(donate2charities.ca, 2014)

Liabilities $401 975

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $82 839

Deferred revenue $360

Amounts owning to non-arm’s length parties $138 750

Other liabilities $180 026

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Operations ExpendituresTotal Expenditures $928 798

Operating Cost

Advertising and promotion

Interest and bank charges

Licenses, membership, and dues

Office supplies and expenses

Occupancy costs

Professional and consulting fees

Education and training for staff and volunteers

$129 250

$9 183

$3 674

$2 867

$17 556

$81 979

$10 169

$1 459

All compensation

10 permanent, full-time, compensated positions

22 part-time or part year employees

$613 008

$526 912

$86 096

Fundraising $40 727

Amortization of capitalized assets $73 330

Purchased supplies and assets $21 659

Other expenditures

Farm animals costs, insurance

$91 551

(donate2charities.ca, 2014)

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WindReach Farm Foundation Financial Statement – Year 2013Financial Position

Assets $481 966

Cash, bank accounts, and short-term investments $25 646

Amounts receivable from all others $1 203

Long-term investments $445 117

Liabilities $5 138 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $5 138

(donate2charities.ca, 2014)

Operations Revenue Total Revenue $116 961 Amount of all gifts for which the charity issued tax receipts $12 162

(donate2charities.ca, 2014)

Operations ExpendituresTotal Expenditures $88 759 Operating Cost Interest and bank charges Office supplies and expenses Professional and consulting fees

$15 153$113$3 439$11 601

All compensation 1 permanent, full-time, compensated positions

$35 350$35 350

Fundraising $42 619 Other Expenditures Fundraising, Foundation Garden

$8 256

(donate2charities.ca, 2014)Although WindReach Farm’s expenditures are more than their revenue, it seem as if they’re

financially okay; especially with the foundation. The 2014 fiscal year’s reports will be released soon through the Canadian Revenue Agency and we’re extremely interested in seeing if the organization changed some of the expenditures.

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SWOT AnalysisStrengths

Variety of programs and services Unique, versatile programming Inclusive programs Innovative, including wheelchair

accessible hay wagon rides Registered charity as of 2005 (WindReach

Farm Foundation) Additional location in Bermuda Has available overnight accommodations

Weaknesses Location Higher expenditure than revenue

Opportunities Offer single ride opportunities Host weddings Have a summer camp More partnerships

Threats Vet bills Other farms and pet therapy

organizations Cost of programs may not be feasible for

some families

StrengthsPrograms & Services

WindReach Farms has a variety of programs and services that promote inclusion and accessibility. Some of these programs include (Windreach Farm, n.d.):

Riding programs Hands-on farm tours; target audience is seniors, special education classes and Community Living

organizations Adult Day Services

o Community Participation Program: teaches individuals with disabilities life skills and hands-on farming skills

o Learning 4 Life: therapeutic program that has been developed to enrich the lives of adults with disabilities through strengthening their skills, independence and physical wellbeing

Sensory room Therapeutic petting zoo

The nature of the innovative programs allow individuals with or without exceptionalities to participate in animal therapy in a unique facility. These opportunities can impact individuals in an extremely positive way, as outlined in our Inclusive Recreation assignment.

WindReach Farm FoundationWindReach Farm Foundation was developed in 2005 (Windreach Farm, n.d.). This foundation

raises funds for long-term sustainability. Additionally, this foundation allows for an endowment fund. The Canadian Revenue Agency states that the foundation declared $116 961 for revenue and $88 759 for expenses in 2013 (donate2charities.ca, 2014). The financial statements for 2014 will be related later this year, however, they are announced through the foundation’s T3010.

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Bermuda LocationIn addition to the organization’s Ashburn location, they have a location in Warwick, Bermuda.

Similar to the Ashburn location, their core belief is inclusion to individuals with or without exceptionalities. This location is 3.7 acres and serves those with intellectual and physical disabilities. In Warwick, they provide services for equine therapy including stables, paddocks and an indoor riding arena. Additionally, they have a sensory trail, nature trail, petting zoo and camping facilities (Windreach Farm, n.d.).

Overnight AccommodationsThe Ashburn facility has full accommodations for those who want to participate, but come from

a distance. There are 2 apartments on site, one that sleeps four and one that sleeps six. Both rooms are $50/per person per night and individuals can stay for up to six nights (Windreach Farm, n.d.). Highlights from the overnight accommodations are:

Able to attend all recreation programs onsite during stay Fully equipped kitchen Fully accessible washroom Outdoor BBQ & picnic area Laundry amenities

Having these facilities onsite allow for out-of-area community members to enjoy these facilities.

WeaknessesLocation

WindReach Farm is located in Ashburn, ON. It is 21 km from Whitby and 15 km from Port Perry. At this point, their location could potentially cause transportation barriers. Due to its remote location, there is no bus service. Therefore, program participants would be required to rely on their own vehicle or use a wheelchair accessible taxi, should they need one. Additionally, if a participant needs to utilize a taxi, the cost could be high; which in then can cause financial strain.

Expenditures Higher Than RevenueIn 2013, WindReach Farm’s expenditures were higher than their review, therefore leaving them

with a net income of -$37 321. In the 2013 fiscal year, the organization had a $108 548 revenue from their fundraising projects; however, their expenditures from fundraisers was $40 727 (donate2charities.ca, 2014). It does not list on their website what these fundraising projects were. We recommend that there could be some more cost-friendly fundraising opportunities for WindReach, which would save them some money, and decrease expenditures.

Additionally, a lot of the expenditures came from salaries. In 2013, WindReach Farm spent $613 008 on compensating their employees. $526 918 of that expenditure went to paying 10 full-time employees wages (donate2charities.ca, 2014). Realistically, an opportunity to help organization break even for their finances would be to cut their full-time employees salaries by $3 000/year per person. Our group is aware that $3 000 annually may be a lot to some people; however, it would be beneficial as it may save one employee from being laid off due to lack of finances.

OpportunitiesOffer Single Ride Opportunities

Through our research on the organization, we discovered that there is no single ride opportunities. Currently, it costs an individual $520 for 13 riding lessons at WindReach (Windreach Farm, n.d.). This equals to $40 per lesson. This opportunity would be beneficial for new riders who have

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fears of riding, thus allowing for a “trial run” before they commit to 13 lessons. Additionally, this provides an opportunity for individuals who may not be able to afford $520 for 13 lessons. In further discussions in the Threats area, we will be discussing the expenses of an individual with a physical disability; which allows for financial strains for some programs.

WeddingsCurrently, WindReach Farm hosts minimal weddings annuals. As popularity grows in the “rustic

chic” and farm/country themed weddings, WindReach could successfully market their facilities. Organizations that have been able to successfully implement this idea are South Pond Farms in Bethany and Bloom Field Farms in Newcastle. This would in turn increase revenue. On the organization’s website, it currently does not list any weddings scheduled for 2015.

Summer CampsAt this time, WindReach does not offer summer camps. This is potential for a camp to be

implemented that is similar to the Community Participation Program. This program could be targeted toward high school students in a special education program, teaching life skills.

More PartnershipsWindReach Farm’s current partners are (Windreach Farm, n.d.):

Abilities Centre Grandview Children’s Centre Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe York McMaster Offord Centre for Child Studies Durham District School Board Milton and Ethel Harris Research Institute Hewlett Packard Today’s Parent Mackenzie HealthIn addition to these partnerships, there are dozens of other opportunities for partnerships. One

target audience that WindReach could develop higher attendance rates in is seniors. Within their community of Whitby, there are many retirement homes, long-term care facilities and Adult Day Programs. Some of these include Sunnycrest Nursing Home, The Court at Pringle Creek and Community Care Durham’s Adult Day Program. Additionally, WindReach could reach out to organizations such as Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences to develop partnerships in mental health. Lastly, WindReach could develop partnerships in education. In addition to the public school sector, they could reach out to post-secondary schools, such as Durham College and Fleming College to develop placement partnership for students in programs such as Recreation & Leisure Services and Child & Youth Worker.

ThreatsVet Bills

One major threat that could impact the financial status of WindReach Farm is the cost of animal care. On average, a horse costs $300 to $3 000 a month; however, illnesses can cause increased costs (Standard Bred , 2014). In addition, horses can often have unexpected costs for illnesses, such as colic. If more than one horse was to develop an illness or injury, then it could become a giant financial strain on the organization. As outlined in the Financial Statements section of this report, the reader will learn that the expenditures were more than the revenue for 2013. However, there is the Foundation, which had a $28 202 net income in 2013. If the organization was extremely strained, there is the possibility to get some money from the Foundation.

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Other OrganizationsIn addition to WindReach Farm, there is also Nova’s Ark located less than 10 minutes away.

Nova’s Ark has a similar program outcomes as WindReach. Nova’s Ark has a goal to provide individualized programming to stimulate senses for individuals with various impairments (Nova's Ark, n.d.). One advantage that Nova’s Ark does have over WindReach is the camp service they offer, which we highlighted in our Opportunities section of our SWOT analysis.

Additionally, there are organizations such as St. John’s Ambulance and Therapeutic Paws of Canada. These two organizations, however, provide dog visitation therapy. This is different from equine therapy but are both popular forms of animal therapy.

Cost of ProgramsFamilies who are providing care for their loved ones can often find that there is a financial strain.

Depending on the severity of the individual’s needs, costs can become extreme. For example, a power wheelchair can cost around $7 100 (Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 2015). Additionally, some individuals may have frequent trips to specialists. Gas and parking for a child to see a specialist at Sick Kids could potentially cost the family around $60 per trip. If a child has to seek medical treatment at Sick Kids on a weekly basis, it could cost the family around $3 120 annually.

With that being said, many families may not be able to afford $520 to have their family member participate in horseback riding. At this point, we have not found any information on subsidies to attend programs at WindReach Farm.

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ConclusionSince opening in 1989, Windreach Farm has become a well-known facility that provides a safe environment for individuals with mental or physical disabilities, or a dual diagnosis to take place in equine therapy. Inclusion is promoted through the efforts of staff at both WindReach and the surrounding communities.WindReach Farm’s funding comes from program costs, fundraising, donations, grants, and works with WindReach Foundation. With the revenue, this facility allows for social interaction in the neutral world. Starting in Ashburn, Ontario and spreading to Bermuda WindReach Farm has allowed for participants to interact with many different animals and connect with nature.

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Government of Ontario. (2010). Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008. Retrieved from Service Ontario e-Laws: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_08s14_e.htm

KNRV Reno. (2014, October 14). Equine Therapy Helping Veterans with PTSD. Reno, Nevada, United States: Local Broadcast Video Content.

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2015, February). Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Retrieved from Government of Ontario: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/adp/information_technology/docs/mobility_devices_manual.pdf

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Standard Bred . (2014, February 19). How Much Does a Horse Cost. Retrieved from Standard Bred: http://www.standardbredcanada.ca/news/2-19-14/how-much-does-horse-cost.html

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