HEALING HORSES "ONE CHILD AT A TIME" INC.
WESLEY CHAPEL, FLORIDA

My name is Beverly Levitt, I am the founder of Healing Horses "One child at a time" Inc. Many in the Tampa Bay area read about our mission in the Tampa Tribune in August of 2010, or viewed our story on Channel 8 news. We were aired on Channel 9 and Channel 10 news in Dec of 2015, as well as the Laker/Lutz News for our service to our community and need for support to continue our work here. After a quick brain check and adding up how long this lady had been in possession of six of the horses (over five months), things were not adding up. One small bin of feed, that was certainly less than 50lbs and one small bin, yes bin, not bale of hay were brought that day. I immediately demanded that a vet be called, a blacksmith.and that feed and hay be brought. The next day I began making these things happen on my own. Quickly the lady vanished. I knew I was in deep, deep trouble. Trouble because these were God's creatures and I certainly could not turn my back. Trouble because how could an every day blue collar person manage this. On the third night, I woke at 3 am and realized that these horses were sent for a reason. First, to heal their bodies and spirit. Second, to help children that were either challenged or traumatized. God had literally laid this life long dream of helping children in my lap. He never promised it was going to be easy. So I pulled up my boots and with the help of many deeply caring volunteers and donators, our ongoing journey has been one of success. Currently we house up to 30 horse on a total of 28 acres between our farm here and on property donated in Brooksville. We provide sanctuary for those who can't be adopted until they pass over the bridge. Another 693 have been networked to safety via cooperation of many advocates and fellow rescues across the country. We follow AAEP Care Guidelines for the care of our horses! Wendy B. Rice, Psy.D., Director of Development and Human Resources of Healing Horses "One child at a time" Inc. Dr. Rice is th President and Founder of Rice Psychology Group in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Rice grew up in the suburbs of New York, attended college in the very horsey Saratoga Springs and received her master’s degree and doctorate in psychology from Yeshiva University in New York City. She completed her doctoral project on child-pet attachment. Dr. Rice began her career in Manhattan at a practice that specialized in working with children with difficult temperaments and at a school for children with special needs. Dr. Rice began riding horses in summer camp at age 8 and is still at it all these years later. She rides most days either before or after work and competes in the Adult Amateur Hunter division. Dr. Rice is also involved in Kids and Canines, a service dog training program that works with at risk middle school students who train dogs for physically disabled adults and children with autism. Helping Bev with Healing Horses brings together Dr. Rice’s passion for horses, the human-animal bond and helping children with special needs. Besides serving on our Board of Directors, Dr. Rice volunteers to do grooming and exercising of the horses here on the farm. She also assist in helping children get the services they need. Beverly Levitt, President, Founder, Treasurer and farm manager of Healing Horses "One child at a time" Inc.. Beverly grew up in Texas. She is a retired animal technician who worked with small, exotic and large animals and spent 34 years in the construction industry. The love of horses came for her at an early age and horses and ownership have been a part of her life since she was a child. She was a scout leader and leader trainer for many years. As a leader for BSA, Beverly was first introduced to the problems children face with ADD/ADHD. This began her dream of a center for special needs children. Later in life Beverly was blessed with a special needs grandchild that further concreted her desire to help children and their families. Beverly has had extensive hands on experience with motor skill deficits, speech apraxia, social stigma and lack of social skills that impede special needs children on a day to day basis. As well as the therapies and the encouragement needed for them to excel. Beverly attends to the day to day needs of the horses on her farm in Wesley Chapel. She also personally works with each child or volunteer that visits the farm. She is an avid believer that more laws and tougher prosecution need to be in place for the protection of abused animals and children. Carol Ames, Secretary and Vice Treasurer of Healing Horses "One child at a time" Inc. Mrs. Ames owned a reputable business in the Tampa Bay Area for over 15 years. Upon retirement Mrs. Ames, along with her husband George Ames, decided to help children in need by becoming foster parents. Mrs. Ames has much needed knowledge and understanding of the emotional trauma caused to children by abuse, neglect and abandonment. Her insight is invaluable to our mission. Carol & George both give tirelessly to the welfare of emotionally traumatized and at risk youth. As a couple, they have sponsored Deputy and also contributed and labored for the building of a bathroom with handicap access, a tack room and many more hours of digging drainage, leveling stalls and improving our barn for the welfare of the horses.