Miniature therapy horse brings joy to afterschool program

After a long day of lessons at the Phillipsburg Primary School, children enrolled in the afterschool program get to have some fun. The staff have a daily schedule  for the children which consists of homework assistance,  providing snacks and offer a variety of enriching activities. Sometimes, the children will even have special guests and enrichment presenters. Recently, a 10-year-old miniature therapy horse named Michelangelo made an appearance and made quite an impression.

Michaelangelo was escorted by Maureen Coultas, founder of Hope’s Promise, a non-profit farm located in Chester, New Jersey, offering programs that provide opportunities for children and adults to experience the healing powers of horses.

Michelangelo made quite the statement with his glittery shoes, his gentle eyes and his warm personality. When Michelangelo was born, his fur was shaped in a way that looked like a cross. Maureen felt it was only right to name him Michelangelo which means “messenger from God.”

Maureen is a P.A.T.H. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. She has always had a love for horses and even got her own horse, Chief, in the year 2000. While riding Chief, Maureen felt a huge amount of joy, the feeling she has been longing for as a survivor of child abuse and dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Since founding Hope’s Promise in 2012, Maureen now has six horses including Chief, Justice and four miniature horses, like Michaelangelo. She has a lot of volunteers to assist her with the equine activities that take place on the farm, as well as in other locations such as nursing homes and schools.

“We’ve touched over 40,000 lives,” Coultas said, “from schools, to nursing homes, to memory care, and even college campuses.” She continued, “The most rewarding part, is watching the horses connect with kids and people, when normally they may not connect with others.”

The children in the after-school program learned all about Michelangelo and the wonderful healing and happiness he has brought to thousands of people. Coultas even brought a picture book of Michaelangelo’s life which she shared with the children. The children got to learn facts about him, such as he gets carrot cake as a special treat on his birthday, and grass is his favorite food but he can’t have too much of it because it has a lot of sugar in it.

For most of the children, the best part of the visit was getting to see Michaelangelo up close. Coultas explained how to safely pet Michelangelo, and each child got a chance to come and see him. Aubrey who is eight years old, is a huge fan of horses and even cried when it was time for him to leave.

Kassi Radabaugh, Program Director of the Catholic Charities after school programs in Warren and Morris Counties said, “I want to bring him back next year. Especially to the other programs.” She continued, “This was good for kids and their mental health. Even a few of our special needs students had an instant connection with him which was amazing.”

Lisa, the supervisor at Phillipsburg Primary School who has been with Catholic Charities for 28 years said, “Michelangelo is teaching the kids how animals can help people. It is also teaching them kindness and compassion.”

“Programs like this are really beneficial for the social emotional and mental health of children especially after the pandemic and a long day of classroom learning and focus,” said Krista Glynn, Service Area Director of Child Care Services, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen.

Coultas and her horses have helped put smiles on thousands of faces. Together they visit nursing homes, schools and have many activities available on the farm. Hope’s Promise Farm is located in Chester, New Jersey. For more information about them, please visit their website hopespromisefarm.com, LIKE @HopesPromiseFarm on Instagram, and LIKE Hope’s Promise Equine Assisted Activities Programs on Facebook.

The Phillipsburg Primary School’s after school program is just one of thirteen afterschool programs that Catholic Charities offers for children. After school programs are available to children who attend the school that provides the program. For more information about childcare options, please visit ccdom.org/childcare.

For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. Like and Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways CCDM helps clients get the services and assistance they need.

Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations