The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation houses many distinct and unique charitable funds. Of the 480 funds the Foundation currently administers, there is a story behind each one that ultimately leads to their establishment. Such is the case with Centaur Stride, Inc. There are two endowments which have been initiated to benefit this not-for-profit organization.

 

Centaur Stride was founded in 1993 to promote the development of therapeutic horseback riding. Students of all ages come to the center with diverse backgrounds and ability levels. Whether they have physical, cognitive, sensory or emotional disabilities, they benefit from riding or working with the horses at the center.

 

Animals for the Disabled Fund was created by Douglas and Lamae McCullor to specifically provide financial assistance for the care and maintenance of Centaur Stride’s horses. Mr. and Mrs. McCullor witnessed the therapeutic value of animals largely as a result of their experiences with their son, Derek. Derek has cerebral palsy, which has restricted him to a wheelchair much of his life. In their search for a program for their son, they learned of the Centaur Stride Program. The benefits to Derek have been immeasurable. Aside from the physical nature of the horseback riding program, there are also recreational activities that provide a great level of fun and mental stimulations.

 

The Community Foundation also administers the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped Fund. This fund was established by Lyle and Gladys Peterson in 2004. The Peterson’s story involves a special person who also had cerebral palsy. Mr. Richard W. Johnson was Lyle Peterson’s neighborhood friend. Richard was unable to walk. Lyle would pick Richard up in a wagon and take him to Falconer Street School, where he would carry him to his class. Their friendship endured for years. Lyle also loved horses. From the time he was little and visited his grandfather’s farm, he felt that the back of a horse was good for the inner part of his person.

 

The concept of horses and the handicapped being brought together under one organization, Centaur Stride, became the perfect fit for Lyle’s legacy. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson established the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped Fund. Money generated from this fund is dedicated to help offset daily operational expenses and to help provide riding scholarship assistance for individuals.

 

We all have a story that has helped shape who we are. Through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, individuals are able to tell their story. They are able to create an endowment which will support an organization for future generations and benefit untold numbers of people. If you have a particular interest and would like to support it, contact the Community Foundation and see how you can secure its future for many years to come.