Shining Hope Farms

Shining Hope Farms is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 by Paul and Milinda Kirkpatrick in response to the needs in the community to provide therapeutic services in an enriching natural environment. The purpose of Shining Hope Farms' services is to improve the quality of life of the participants as well as their families. Their programs have been structured to serve individuals and groups with a variety of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, developmental delay, brain injuries, and genetic disorders, as well as those in need of mental health support. Shining Hope Farms offers physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and mental health counseling. They also provide adaptive riding horseback riding lessons for individuals with disabilities, aiming to contribute positively to their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Additionally, they have a program called Saddles and Salutes that serves Veterans as part of their community support system for Veteran wellness. Shining Hope Farms operates three locations in Charlotte, Mt. Holly, and Conover, NC, where children with disabilities and mental health needs receive life-changing therapy.