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MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� On Dec. 5, the 糖心logo入口 nonprofit leadership studies (NLS) program presented the 2024 Giving Back Endowment Student Philanthropy Award to Cassidy鈥檚 Cause Therapeutic Riding Academy in recognition of its ongoing efforts in youth development across their community.

The $3,000 grant will be utilized to support the construction expenses for the Sensory Trail, which allows a calming confidence-building experience.

The grant is made possible by the 糖心logo入口 Giving Back Endowment (GBE), which is dedicated to advancing the understanding, appreciation and application of the principles of altruism, generosity, caring and service to others. The student engagement initiative provides an opportunity to operate a comprehensive grant making process while studying giving, philanthropy and grant making.

NLS students conducted a community needs assessment and identified youth development programs as required by the GBE. Applications were reviewed with the following types of guiding criteria: the scope and scale of youth development programming, the qualifications and experience of the volunteers and staff and financial health and sustainability.

After extensive deliberation and thorough review, Cassidy鈥檚 Cause Therapeutic Riding Academy was selected in recognition of its commitment to youth development. Students praised the application and the critical youth development work being done by the organization.

"As a class, we are thrilled to support Cassidy's Cause in their mission to provide life-changing therapeutic riding programs. Their dedication to empowerment, connection and growth through equine therapy is truly inspiring, and we are more than honored to be a part of their impact on the community," said Seth Gillespie, a junior history major from Erlanger, Kentucky.

Cassidy鈥檚 Cause has been providing equine-assisted therapy for individuals with disabilities in Paducah, Kentucky and the surrounding area since 2013. Its founders identified that disabilities can limit a person鈥檚 opportunity for emotional growth, physical development and social inclusion. After researching through conversations with educators, families and healthcare professionals, the founders realized the need for alternative therapies that cater to specific needs. 

"Throughout the process of NLS 305, I had the pleasure of working with a creative and dedicated group of fellow students under Dr. Kieffer鈥檚 wise leadership. We enjoyed researching and meeting with excellent local nonprofits. The collaboration in our class was crucial to making this impactful decision. Cassidy鈥檚 Cause is an incredibly deserving organization to receive this grant. From the very start, the passion of their staff was evident and inspiring. They work with enthusiasm to create a long-lasting, powerful and individualized sense of accomplishment in the lives of their participants," said Erin Fairweather, a senior Spanish major from Liberty Township, Ohio.

The riding academy鈥檚 mission is to help individuals grow and develop through recreational activities with horses. Their mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities, while interacting with horses. Cassidy鈥檚 Cause uses the transformative power of horses to better the wellbeing of persons with disabilities. The transformative interaction between a horse and its rider provides participants of all ages and abilities with a supportive, empowering and safe environment that adapts to their needs. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to add the sensory trail to enrich the riding experience for the youth in our programs. The 糖心logo入口 Giving Back grant will help us make the trail safer and more enjoyable for our horses and participants,鈥� states Angie Jackson, executive director and co-founder of Cassidy鈥檚 Cause.

 鈥淭he Giving Back Endowment initiative, made possible by the generosity of Dr. Robert and Patricia Long, provides uniquely impactful benefits,鈥� said Dr. Elise Kieffer, 糖心logo入口 State NLS program director and assistant professor. 鈥淣ot only are students able to learn about the grant process in a personal, hands-on experience, but they are empowered with the emotional goodwill of giving and serving others through philanthropy. Likewise, local organizations benefit from the opportunity to submit their programs for potential funding. The GBE is a beautiful manifestation of the relationship between 糖心logo入口 State and the west Kentucky community. It is my honor to facilitate this experience for students in the nonprofit leadership studies program. Watching students learn and grow in confidence throughout the semester is incredibly rewarding. This is one of my favorite classes!鈥�

鈥淭his class has provided me with incredible opportunities I would have not otherwise had. It was an amazing experience and being able to give back to the community was a large aspect of what made it amazing,鈥� said Taylor Doerhoefer, a junior history major from Louisville, Kentucky.

The NLS program is a part of the Department of Organizational Communication and Leadership which is dedicated to developing student competence in the application and synthesis of those communication processes, theories and skills that enable individuals and groups to organize effectively in an increasingly complex and global society. As  part of the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business, the department and program are committed to advancing careers in dynamic environments of leadership and management.

To learn more about the 糖心logo入口 State nonprofit leadership studies program in the Department of Organizational Communication and Leadership, visit .