Giving Tuesday is tomorrow. Our girls need you.

Friends –

Many of the girls who come to Taking the Reins have experienced complex trauma in other areas of their life – some at extremely young ages. Throughout my 10-year tenure as executive director, I have learned their stories. Amidst their outside burdens, they call Taking the Reins their special place, second home, refuge, and somewhere they can play and not be judged.

Throughout the rest of 2023 – starting with Giving Tuesday – I will be introducing you to some of those girls who find safety at Taking the Reins.

At any given time, these girls are dealing with a variety of things like bullying at school, the death of a parent, gun violence in their neighborhoods, and the implications of growing up in foster care or a homeless shelter. Some are traumatized by leaving family behind in the country they have fled – having no choice but to learn a new language and way of life. And others are looking for their judgment free safe space to be themselves.

Tomorrow, on Giving Tuesday, you will hear more of Sally’s story. She is a familiar face and voice of Taking the Reins. Sally has grown from someone who wouldn’t talk to anyone – except eventually the horses – to someone who teaches classes and willingly took to the camera when Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) came to feature our facility. You can watch that video here.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I identify and witness the resilience so many of our girls possess. I have seen the restorative power of nature at our urban farm. Our staff and youth have learned – as research shows – working in proximity with horses reduces anxiety and stress, along with providing comfort and a feeling of empowerment. Regardless of the type of personal trauma or social trauma many kids experience, Taking the Reins provides a calm and safe place for children to be children. Here they can play with farm animals, spend time with our beloved, gentle horses, and build friendships with peers who value kindness.

Inner city girls in Los Angeles are dealing with many difficult things and have a severe lack of resources. They need places where they can heal and be free. Taking the Reins is proud to be one of those places. We are only able to do this because of your support.

I hope you remember us during #GivingTuesday and as you make your year-end gifts. In addition to your investments, please share our girls’ stories with people who will appreciate hearing them. Make your donation now.

Thank you for your support,

​​​​​​​Jane Haven, Executive Director