Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 2
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): Commission District 2
Appropriation of $20,000 from the District 2 Reserve for Appropriation to Stride Ahead for Equine Therapy
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears
Phone Number: 404-371-2863
PURPOSE:
To allocate $20,000 from the District 2 Reserve for Appropriation to Stride Ahead for equine therapy.
NEED/IMPACT:
The requested $20,000 allocation will enable Stride Ahead, Inc. to provide 100 equine-assisted sessions in 2027 serving DeKalb County first responders, medical personnel, refugees, women, individuals in drug rehabilitation, and residents in need of mental health therapy. These Equine Stress Relief, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions are delivered by both a licensed mental health specialist and a certified equine specialist, ensuring clinically supported, trauma-informed care. The funding directly supports professional services-$10,000 for a mental health specialist and $10,000 for an equine specialist-to address growing mental health and stress-related needs within the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
An amount not to exceed $20,000 from the District 2 Reserve for Appropriation (00202.579002.100.0000.0000)
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the allocation and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or her designee to execute all necessary documents.