S5 16: Helping Kids Heal with Horses with Kim Tschirret
Nov 20, 2024
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Kim Tschirret, founder of Hope Reigns, shares her powerful journey from childhood trauma with an abusive father to creating an equine therapy ministry. She emphasizes the healing bond between kids in crisis and rescued horses, illustrating how unconditional love fosters resilience. Kim discusses her transformation through faith and the importance of supportive relationships, aiming to empower future leaders through the Hope Reigns Academy. She reflects on self-worth and draws inspiration from historical figures like Harriet Tubman, showcasing the enduring power of divine love.
Kim Tschirret's personal healing journey through faith and horses inspired the creation of Hope Reigns, which serves children in crisis.
The structured sessions at Hope Reigns facilitate trust-building between children and horses, promoting resilience and personal agency in their healing process.
Deep dives
The Mission of Hope Reigns
Hope Reigns aims to pair children in crisis with rescued horses and mentors to foster hope and healing. The organization operates in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is dedicated to providing free services to families, particularly those living at or below the poverty line. By creating an environment that removes barriers to entry, Hope Reigns ensures that the children it serves can access the support they need without financial constraints. This unique approach not only helps the children but also enriches the lives of the horses involved, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
Personal Journey and Transformation
Kim Charette, the founder of Hope Reigns, shares her personal history of growing up in a chaotic environment due to her father's alcoholism and abuse. This past instilled in her a sense of unworthiness and the belief that love was contingent upon performance. Through her journey, she discovered a transformative relationship with God, which began to heal her wounds and instill genuine value within her. This experience motivated her to build Hope Reigns, a place where children could reclaim their voices and learn resilience, mirroring her own path to healing.
The Impact of Equine Therapy
The program features structured sessions where children engage with horses, building relationships that foster trust and communication. Each participant is paired with a specific horse and mentor, facilitating a safe space for connection and growth. Children are encouraged to say 'yes' to the program, allowing them to reclaim agency over their healing journey. This process not only helps them connect with their horse but also teaches valuable life skills that resonate with their experiences of trauma and adversity.
Innovating for the Future
In response to the success of Hope Reigns, Kim and her team have launched the Hope Reigns Academy to equip others interested in starting similar initiatives. This innovative approach allows the organization to share their knowledge and experience while expanding their impact. The goal is to inspire and support the establishment of 200 ranches worldwide, creating a broader network for healing and support. By teaching others how to navigate the complexities of starting a horse therapy program, Hope Reigns aims to replicate its success to help more children in need.
Growing up with an emotionally abusive father, Kim Tschirret believed she needed to perform for love and approval. She found solace during her turbulent adolescence in taking care of her horse. After she met Christ, He began to heal her and eventually led her to open an equine therapy ministry to help kids in crisis find healing. Today, she shares how God’s steadfast love has taught her to rest in Him and share His comfort with others.
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