WHY:
Veterans die by suicide at a rate more than 1.5 times higher than the general population: Over 6,000 of our Heroes’ lives are lost each year. In 2024, more than 30,000 Veterans experienced homelessness. First Responders face similar challenges, with nearly 40% contemplating suicide and divorce rates for each group reaching as high as 75%. In both cases the COVID-19 pandemic only deepened these struggles, leaving increasing numbers isolated, anxious and emotionally exhausted.
THE NEED FOR HEALING, CONNECTION AND HOPE HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER!
ABOUT US:
Serving our Active-Duty Service Members, Veterans, First Responders and their families since 2010, HOPE and HEALING at HILLENGLADE was born of a powerful belief that our HEROES, who have sacrificed so much for our National safeties and freedoms, deserve a safe place and method to RENEW TRUST, RESTORE HOPE and REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Founded by Jennifer O’Neill at her horse farm just fifteen minutes from Downtown Nashville, HOPE and HEALING at HILLENGLADE is a Bible-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit Organization built on the documented therapeutic bond humans have with horses. From a quiet place of recovery and new beginnings, HHH has grown into a RENEWAL CENTER, building on proven successes with individual Warriors and First Responders, to groups from Ft. Campbell, Operation Stand Down, the VA and Vet Court (to name a few). After hosting thousands of Heroes (FREE OF CHARGE) while writing and testing our HHH Curriculums, we are now branching out by expanding our territory and impact to private horse facilities all across America.
At HHH we know that true healing doesn’t just treat surface wounds – we address the deep scars and take on the negative “triggers” left by trauma, loss and hardship. Through our ground-work model (non-riding), HHH participants engage with our horses and donkeys alongside HHH Certified Handlers and Leaders - and, as they do, they rebuild trust, strengthen communication, find their “voice” again while re-discovering and building their confidence and compassion as family and community members and leaders.
Our horses and donkeys (affectionately referred to as “donkeyettes”) were all either rescued from neglect, donated, or recycled from retirement to become powerful partners in the healing process we offer. In addition, we at Hillenglade are committed to our animals’ lifelong care, honoring them as vital members of our Mission.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we opened our HHH Programs to the public, offering paid sessions that directly fund the free services we provide to our Heroes and their families. This model ensures that every session - paid or sponsored - helps spread HOPE and HEALING to those in need.
Over our fourteen years of success followed by the development of our HHH CERTIFIED CURRICULUMS, in 2024 we launch our HHH HARVEST PROGRAM: A sponsored, two-month (two at a time) onsite initiative designed specifically for Veterans and First Responders. Through their HHH Equine Sessions and Barn Management training, these participants reclaim their private and family lives while gaining practical skills that offer them a new vocation in the equine industry (if they so desire). Upon graduation, HARVEST PROGRAM heroes, as well as private HHH Certified Leaders, are then equipped to run their own HHH Certified Equine- Assisted Programs, OR, to train others in the tried and true HHH Method.
Our model is built for replication, and today, through our increasing numbers of Certified Members, this expansion is the primary method of growing our impact... HHH’s first Ambassador “Nate”, graduate of the HARVEST PROGRAM and Certified Leader, is presently qualifying one of many sister-horse facilities soon to offer the HHH Curriculum of HOPE and HEALING at their home locations!
FYI: Equine-Assisted HHH Sessions work for ALL variations of trauma and associated medical needs including autism, depression, anger and relational issues (sponsored or for fees).
Looking ahead, we’re committed to multiplying our Mission’s reach by partnering with like- minded individuals and organizations while continuing to build long-term relationships with sponsors and donors. Thanks to the on-going partnership with the WILBUR C. & BETTY LEA HENDERSON FOUNDATION, for the next three years, every new dollar contributed to HHH will be MATCH FUNDED UP TO $300,000.
IT’S TIME FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO STAND UP FOR OUR AMERICAN HEROES AND THOSE IN NEED!
For more information, please see our Testimonials, HHH Programs and HHH Certifications sections of our website: hillenglade.org. If you have any questions, or you would like to schedule an onsite tour, please feel free to call our office at 615-868-6309.
MISSION
We will continue to empower the reach and impact of our HHH Equine-Assisted HOPE and HEALING victories by training and certifying individuals (as well as other private horse facilities) to deliver our safe, trauma-informed programs that restore lives, rebuild families and support healthy communities.
VALUES and SERVICE
At HOPE and HEALING at HILLENGLADE, we exist to serve others. Our values guide everything we do -from how we care for our horses, to how we lift-up those in need... We are led by Biblical principles and truths while welcoming ALL individuals with respect and love.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
