The ramp builders: Dave Everly, Doug Williams, Bill Wright and Bruce Walker are pictured. They were ably assisted by Jack Callaway, Jim Galbraith, Marv Daniel, Lee Cash and Gene Heathcoat.
Larry Varnes
For the past several years, Kiwanis of Robson Ranch has been building ramps at homes in Denton to give easier access for disabled residents to get in and out of their homes. We thought we had done it all, but a special request came in from a very special organization: New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy.
Sharla Kershen, founder and chairman of New Hope called Kiwanis to help build a ramp for riders to more safely mount their horses. Kiwanis estimated the materials that would be needed, and New Hope got them contributed in a heartbeat. The Kiwanis ramp-building team immediately went into action to build the ramp. The ramp was a totally new design, but the team was up to the challenge.
It was a true team effort. There were 10 workers and one truck (provided by Kiwanian Larry Brown). Bruce Walker did the design, and Jerry Waynant was the project coordinator.
New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy has been in the planning stages for a couple of years. But in January 2014 New Hope celebrated its official opening at Sharla Kershen and her husband’s ranch in Argyle. Their operation provides therapeutic horseback riding services that can enhance the rider’s quality of life, both physically and mentally. New Hope is committed to serving the needs of persons with a wide range of disabilities. Kiwanis is only glad it could help.
Whatever your passion, Kiwanis provides avenues to help others and learn something new, all while having a great time! The Kiwanis Club of Robson Ranch meets the first and third Friday of each month in the Bandera Room of the clubhouse. Social time starts at 8:30 a.m. while the meeting starts at 9:00. Come check us out. We’d love to have you join us. Or you can contact our membership chair, Jim Galbraith, at 940-262-0600 for more information.