Carmel-based nonprofit Ben’s Ranch Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new host facilities for its teen internship program. Ben’s Ranch connects teens who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety to paid internships with farms, stables and equine therapy facilities. The combination of animals, nature, and hard work have been shown to help give the teens purpose and relief.
Ben’s Ranch welcomes new host facilities:
- Southport Equestrian Center in Indianapolis,
- Lakeland Center in Coatesville,
- and Leaping Fox Equine Center in Roachdale.
Southport Equestrian Center is Perry Township’s first full-care quality horse facility and offers outdoor riding arenas and multiple fenced paddocks for riders.
Since 2000, Lakeland Center has been committed to improving the lives of people by advancing the therapeutic riding industry through innovative technology and research.
Sitting on 47 acres in Roachdale, Leaping Fox Equine Center offers training, boarding, lessons, and horse sales.
“We are excited for the opportunity to reach even more struggling teens around the state as we work to address mental health in a unique way,” said Ben’s Ranch Foundation Founder and Board Chairman Brose McVey. “We rely on our community to help us further our mission, so we are forever grateful for the strong support from these amazing equestrian facilities. We are thrilled to welcome these new partners.”
Ben’s Ranch Foundation believes having teens work at a farm, ranch or stable is good for mental health. We arrange part-time, paid job opportunities or “internships” for teens who are 16-19 and have been diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Our interns work hard, learn new skills, build self-esteem and earn a paycheck. This program is not a good fit for teens struggling with active addiction issues, severe mental health conditions or physical impairments.
You can apply for our internship program here.