Simple Changes
Pandemic or no pandemic, the needs of people with disabilities in the community don’t take a hiatus.
Therapeutic riding program Simple Changes has been continuing to serve residents through fostering connections with horses. The organization has an ongoing relationship with Goodwin House Inc. (GHI) and other groups to get people with disabilities practice memory skills, language, and enjoy some fresh air and time with animals, Simple Changes Executive Director Corliss Wallingford explained.
“Maintaining operations with COVID-19 has been a challenge. We had to cancel our major annual fundraiser and stop lessons for three months. We are now back to about half of our usual operations with health and safety protocols in place — physical distancing where possible, mask wearing, hand washing and disinfection of tack and equipment between riders,” Wallingford said.
For the past 15 years, Simple Changes has partnered with the federal government (Bureau of Land Management) to operate as a community outreach program on a portion of BLM’s equestrian facility at Meadowood Special Recreation Area on Mason Neck.
But by the end of September, Simple Changes will have to move, as a new lease for the equestrian facility starts and Simple Changes is not allowed to stay in their current location. “That means the kids with disabilities, the seniors with dementia, the veterans in transition — all of the diverse people they serve — are facing an uncertain future,” said Realtor Sue Goodhart, who has been helping Simple Changes find a new home.
Simple Changes has been searching for a new center since January. Their long-term vision has always been to purchase their own property to sustain the organization’s mission and grow their programs — but the change in federal regulations means that time is now.
“Some of our riders are too medically fragile to come back for the foreseeable future. Having our own facility will give us greater ability to serve some of these clients,” Wallingford said.
With the help The Goodhart Group, the organization has zeroed-in on a beautiful property that would allow Simple Changes to serve even more people while staying in the Mason Neck area.
The challenge: They have about a week to come up with the down payment. The organization is making significant progress, but they’re asking the community for assistance. (You can donate securely though the Simple Changes website here.)
“At a time when we're all hurting in one way or another, it's heartening to see people coming together to support those whose disadvantages will exist pandemic or no pandemic,” Wallingford said.
Learn more about Simple Changes in this Alexandria Living Magazine story and at simplechanges.org.
