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Main Stay Therapeutic Farm is a nonprofit social services organization based in Richmond, Illinois, United States, offering equine and animal-assisted services and nature-based programs.[1]
 Main Stay's facility front entrance | |
| Founded | 1987-11-07 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sara Foszcz |
| Type | 501(c)(3) nonprofit |
| 36-3565747 | |
| Purpose | Social services |
| Location |
|
Region served | McHenry County, Illinois, and surrounding areas |
| Website | mainstayfarm |
History
editMain Stay was founded in 1987 by equestrian Sara Foszcz and physical therapist Sandy Barcus to support children with disabilities through therapeutic riding.[2]
In 2014, Main Stay became the first nonprofit in McHenry County, Illinois and within the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge boundary to place its land in a permanent conservation land easement with The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, ensuring protection of the land in perpetuity.[3]
In 2016, Main Stay began construction of a new 37,000-square-foot facility, including a 20-stall barn, indoor riding arena, and accessible program areas designed to support year-round services.[4]
In 2017, Main Stay partnered with McHenry Community High School District 156 to introduce a pilot experiential learning program designed for at-risk students, providing an alternative to detention and suspension.[5] Main Stay also partnered with Meridian Health to address gaps in mental healthcare.[6][7][8]
Recognition
editIn 2023, Main Stay's therapeutic riding horse, Kay, received a Region 7 Equine of the Year by PATH Intl., which annually recognizes equines for outstanding service at therapeutic riding centers in the United States.[9]
Governance and funding
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "About Us". Main Stay Therapeutic Farm. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
- ↑ Canfield, Judi (2017-11-03). "More Than Just Horsin' Around at Main Stay". Northwest Quarterly. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ "Main Stay Therapeutic Farm". The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. 2014-06-25. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
- ↑ Reiland, Jordyn (2016-05-04). "Main Stay Therapeutic Farm prepares for new facility in Richmond". Shaw Local News Network. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
- ↑ Krishnamurthy, Madhu (2017-12-30). "How animal-assisted therapy helps students cope with anxiety". Daily Herald. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
- ↑ Kostek, Jackie (2025-05-06). "Developing emotional coping mechanisms at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm". Jump Start. CBS News. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
- ↑ Belaval, Ana (2025-07-08). "Around Town checks out Main Stay Therapeutic Farm with Meridian and YouthCare". Around Town. WGN-TV. Retrieved 2025-07-30.[dead link]
- ↑ "How animals are helping humans heal – Inside animal‑assisted therapy". Fox 32 Chicago. 2025-07-28. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
- ↑ "PATH Intl. and Purina Announce 2023 Equine of the Year – Noble". American Horse Publications. 2023-12-15. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ "Main Stay Therapeutic Farm". GuideStar. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
- ↑ "Community Foundation for McHenry County awards more than $700K in grants". Shaw Local. 2025-08-05. Retrieved 2025-08-08.