News and Events

Lighthouse Ranch Brings Healing and Connection to CRC’s Annual October Festival

On October 31, 2024, the Community Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Jacksonville, Florida, held its annual October Festival—a day filled with activities, joy, and support for CRC clients. This year, as in years past, Lighthouse Ranch Equine Therapy Center from St. Augustine was honored to join the festivities, bringing horses and staff to CRC’s campus for a special day of equine assisted activities and learning.

A Day of Celebration and Healing

CRC’ October Festival is a beloved tradition, held each year to bring clients and their families together for a day of fun and healing. While CRC hosts the festival on-site in Jacksonville, Lighthouse Ranch staff traveled with their horses to bring the calming presence of equine therapy directly to participants. The event included therapeutic horse interactions that offered attendees a unique experience to connect with the horses Bulletz and Tony in a peaceful, supportive environment.

“It’s so exciting to bring the horses here,” said Alexandria Jones, Director at Lighthouse Ranch. “Each year, we look forward to working with CRC to help their clients experience the incredible grounding and healing that comes from being with horses.”

Finding Calm and Confidence Through Equine Therapy

For many CRC clients, this festival is their first encounter with horses. One participant, Marcus, expressed his appreciation for the experience: “I’d never been near a horse before, but being with them felt calming. Just standing next to them and petting the horse made me feel more relaxed.”

Another participant, Lisa, shared, “This was something I’d never imagined myself doing. But today, I felt more connected to myself and a little more confident. It’s amazing what horses can do.”

A Partnership Rooted in Mental Health Support

Lighthouse Ranch has been honored to collaborate with CRC at their October Festival for several years, sharing the benefits of equine therapy as a complement to CRC’s mental health services. CRC’s event coordinator, Ann Marlow, commented on the impact, saying, “Having the Lighthouse Ranch team here really makes a difference. Our clients get to experience something new, something that helps them feel calm and empowered. It’s a special part of our annual festival.”

Looking Toward the Future

As the day came to a close, CRC clients expressed their gratitude for the experience, with many looking forward to the return of Lighthouse Ranch’s horses next year. “Today was amazing,” one client said. “I felt a kind of peace I haven’t felt in a long time. I hope we can do this every October.”

This annual collaboration highlights the shared mission of CRC and Lighthouse Ranch: providing unique, supportive experiences that foster healing, growth, and resilience within the community.