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Healing Has Come by Brendan Brooks
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Promoting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals through faith-based equine-assisted recreational activities and therapies.
G.E.M. (or Gaitway Equine Ministries) is a faith-based outreach of Branded Cowboy Church, focusing on recreational therapeutic healing of children, adults and veterans with disabilities, mental health issues, or those in need of any type of healing from past or current trauma, as well as their families. We serve Northern Minnesota and beyond in order to help the individuals and their families move beyond merely surviving to a place where they are thriving. Our primary tools are Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Learning and Therapeutic Horseback Riding. We utilize state-of-the-art assistive technology. We believe that all individuals have the right to enjoy life. It is our aim to provide a positive atmosphere where people are valued and respected, and potentials are realized while having fun. We are dedicated to supporting our volunteers and donors by maintaining excellence and being fiscally responsible. We are committed to following all applicable rules and regulations pertaining to our organization.
Wheel Chair users?We can help nearly everyone ride a horse - even people who are wheelchair users. We have trained volunteers and instructors to help achieve it. |
Need extra help? We have lots of help to give you whatever support you need to build your confidence and get you riding. |
Independent Riding?Always wanted to learn to ride by yourself? If you can dream it, we will help you accomplish it. |
Gaitway is committed to providing high-quality therapeutic riding and non-riding programs which aim to improve quality of life by promoting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals through equine-assisted activities and therapies. Our desire is to touch the lives of veterans, victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking, individuals with disabilities, mental illness, or addictions, and at-risk youth by helping them achieve their maximum potential. We also serve their family members, as well.
Our GoalWe have fun and therapy happens! Improving lives and having fun! |
First Let'sTherapeutic Riding
WHAT ARE THE BENFITS OF THERAPEUTIC RIDING?
Physical Benefits
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Now let's WORKEAP and EAL
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP) AND EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING (EAL) (UNMOUNTED)
Equine-assisted work honors the natural behavior of horses and herds. Horses are skilled at keeping themselves safe and adept at survival; their natural behaviors are optimal for mental and physical health. In many respects, humans have lost the instinct to keep themselves safe and healthy. We entrust horses to show us the way back to health. Work and observation in the horse world lends itself to extremely powerful metaphors into our own patterns, strengths, and the nonverbal messages we send out. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy implements the power of equine-assisted principles and exercises to introduce therapy clients to themselves in a modality that has been found to be more efficient and less threatening than traditional talk therapy. Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is a field of practice based on the successes of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. We have learned that everyone can benefit from equine-assisted work - not just therapy clients. EAL uses equine-assisted principles and exercises in a variety of "arenas" from corporate retreats, to church groups, personal coaching, parenting and family dynamics and more! |
IT'S UP TO USVolunteering
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING?
1. Reduces Loneliness It is a great way to combat the loneliness that affects many people. By actively engaging in community service, volunteers form meaningful connections with others, foster friendships, and combat social isolation. The shared sense of purpose and belonging within volunteer groups provides a supportive network, helping individuals build relationships that alleviate feelings of loneliness and positively impact their overall well-being. 2. Improves Job Skills It goes beyond the act of giving. It’s also an opportunity for personal and professional growth because volunteers develop diverse skills through practical experience. From leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and communication, volunteering provides a platform to develop these vital new skills, making individuals more attractive to potential employers and boosting their overall career prospects. 3. Connection to the community It fosters a deep sense of connection to the community one serves, strengthening the bond with residents and cultivating solidarity and a collective commitment to community well-being. Through active involvement in community-driven initiatives, volunteers develop a profound understanding of local needs, challenges, and available resources. By becoming integral members of the community, volunteers collaborate to drive positive transformations and uplift the lives of those they help. 4. Feel a sense of purpose It helps give individuals a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Whether you are Grooming, Side Walking, Horse Leading, Horse Handling, Clerical Work, Volunteer Recruitment, Scheduling, or Fundraising, volunteering enables individuals to participate in activities that align with their values to create a profound sense of purpose. By contributing their time and skills to causes they care about, volunteers experience a deep understanding of meaning and satisfaction. 5. Meet new people It is an effective way to expanding one's social circle and meeting new people from diverse backgrounds. Volunteer groups attract individuals with a shared passion for a cause, providing the ideal ground for building lasting friendships. Through collaboration, shared experiences and a common goal, volunteers forge connections that often extend beyond the volunteer setting, enriching their personal and professional networks. 6. Drive community improvements Volunteers play a vital role in driving positive change within ouir communities. By actively engaging in projects and initiatives, volunteers contribute to improving local infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. Their collective efforts create a tangible impact, transforming neighborhoods, enhancing public spaces, and addressing pressing community issues. Volunteering empowers individuals to drive change and make a lasting difference in the place they call home. 7. Improves physical & mental health Engaging in volunteer activities has been linked to improved physical and mental health. Volunteering promotes an active lifestyle with many opportunities involving physical exertion and outdoor activities. Volunteer work and the act of giving back can reduce stress levels and promote a positive mindset. Volunteering also provides a sense of social support and belonging which can help foster resilience and combat feelings of depression and anxiety. 8. Gets you out of your comfort zone Engaging in volunteer work encourages individuals to explore uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of their comfort zones. It presents opportunities to embrace new challenges and experiences and foster the development of resilience, adaptability, and a mindset geared towards growth. By confronting fears, overcoming obstacles, and venturing into the unfamiliar, volunteers can unlock untapped potential within themselves. Stepping outside the confines of familiarity allows for personal growth and transformation, empowering volunteers to recognise their true capabilities and broaden their horizons. 9. Increased empathy and understanding It provides an opportunity to develop empathy and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us. Engaging in meaningful service exposes individuals to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. This experience enables volunteers to empathize with the challenges others face which nurtures compassion and the ability to connect on a profound level. Through acts of kindness and support, volunteers bridge the gap between different communities, promoting unity and social cohesion. 10. Personal growth and self-discovery Volunteer work offers individuals a way to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. It is an opportunity to discover one's passions, interests and values which can lead to a profound understanding of their strengths, principles, and aspirations. This process of self-discovery has the potential to uncover hidden talents, improve self-confidence, and cultivate emotional resilience. |
