Horses Help

Part of the Foundation’s focus on Summer Learning Loss (aka Summer Slippage) last summer included a partnership with MARE (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines) and the Migrant Services Summer Outreach for Literacy.

This program used materials inspired by The Arabian Horse Reading Literacy Project. The students, grades 2-5, read a horse-themed book and did educational exercises related to it. At the end of the program, the students went on a field trip to MARE’s facilities, where they were able to observe horses and interact with them.

This summer, MARE and The Bakersfield Californian Foundation, along with the Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic will sponsor a similar program, with a horse-themed literary component and a visit to MARE.

Horses are becoming known for their therapeutic powers. Check out this story from KPCC on how veterans are recovering through the healing power of the horse.

Funding update!

Though our spring grant cycle might be over, the Foundation continues to receive some truly exciting grant proposals that we just can’t say no to. Here are two of the latest in that category:

• The Kern Economic Development Foundation was awarded $49,478. The KEDF has partnered with the city of McFarland and the money granted to them will be used to purchase an animal control vehicle for McFarland’s use. After struggling with their animal overpopulation problem, McFarland is turning a corner and putting a lot of effort into improving the lives of their citizens — both two- and four-legged. (Check out the city’s Animal Shelter’s Facebook page to see all the good they are doing.)

• The United Way of Kern County was given $15,000 to be split between their Raising a Reader and Born Learning programs. Both programs encourage literary and early childhood learning — causes near and dear to the Foundation’s heart.

Who knows what worthy causes will cross the Foundation’s path next? Can’t wait to find out!