Grant Application for
Wildfire Dreams Sanctuary
Mission Statement:
The mission of Wildfire Dreams Sanctuary is to positively change lives by creating connections in a sacred place of healing that promotes wellness, balance, and harmony with horses.
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
39-2415460
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Carolyne
Stolzenfels
Address:
8218 Quarterline Road
Phone Number:
2317582277
Website:
Project Name:
Heart 2 Heart Teen Program
Project start and end dates:
April 28, 2026
June 5, 2026
Amount Requested:
$
1500
Project Description:
I am starting a new program at our Sanctuary that is specifically geared towards teen girls after reviewing the youth advisory council surveys in Charlevoix and Emmet County. This program will be for small groups of middle school and high school students, meeting once a week for 6 consecutive weeks in the Spring and then again in the Fall. The goal is to improve mental health and wellness, emotional regulation, empowerment, and effective communication all in the presence of horses.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
24
What percentage are female?
100
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
N/A
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Any student that is interested in the program must fill out an intake form explaining why they would like to participate in the program. They also must have parental permission. Financial need is not considered at this time, as it has come to our attention that financial need is not necessarily the issue for these students - it is having a program like this existing and giving students access to it.
There is a $50 co-pay for families so that there is buy in to show up for 6 consecutive sessions. If a family is unable to pay this fee, we discuss other ways they can support our non-profit with time or talent.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
We hope to give girls the opportunity to gain self-confidence, emotional intelligence, empowerment, and the ability to effectively communicate their needs. As an Equine Gestalt Coach, I've seen the experiences of many women and girls that come to our farm and the positive effects that our programs have. Equine Assisted Learning is life changing and transformational. This program will meet Hestia's mission statement because the outcomes match the mission. Young women need to know how to be confident in their choices and their communication outside of their family and friends. With the skills they learn, and the experiences they have with myself and the horses, they will have the confidence to persevere, take responsible risks, and have self-control. These are all life skills that are needed to be successful in life. When a student is partnered with a 1,000 lb prey animal that reads their intentions and their energy, it gives these girls the life changing experience of self confidence that stays with them for the future.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
At the beginning and end of the program we will have surveys for all attendees and also their parents to fill out. During the program, part of each session is learning how to effectively communicate non-verbally and verbally. Each student will either be able to successfully do the exercises, or not based on their ability to persevere, problem solve, and work it out. We will document each student's growth during the sessions. Self reflection will also be a key to the program, giving students time to foster their own self-awareness, feedback, and observations.
At the end of the Spring and Fall program, we also invite attendees to write a letter to their future selves and we mail it 6 months later to the address they provide.
Grant Project Budget Form
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