Our Mission at Hope Meadows Foundation
“Hope Meadows is dedicated to transforming lives through equine assisted mental health services and life skills programs; body, mind and spirit.”
OUR VISION
Our vision is a community where everyone has access to effective and compassionate mental health support, utilizing the healing power of horses as a catalyst for change.
Transformational opportunities with horses
Equine-assisted experiential techniques for counseling and life skills programs to help facilitate healing mind, body, and spirit
A safe and calm environment
A Staff and Board committed to:
Professional growth and learning
Serving the community
Personal and herd transformation mind, body, and spirit
Respecting our therapeutic herd’s physical and psychological needs
Using a team approach that honors our therapeutic herd as the core of our program
Providing a calm and safe environment for both horse and human
Respecting, honoring and utilizing the healing power of nature
OUR VALUES
Our Values are:
Rooted in faith, respecting and honoring individuals from all faiths and backgrounds
Excellence in our services, staff, and Board.
Collaboration with the community to address the needs in pursuit of our mission
Viewing our herd as equal partners who provide us with valuable feedback about their needs and the needs of others.
Providing quality of life for our therapeutic herd through professional care and management.
Working as a team, honoring that our herd (human and horses) is the foundation of our program.
Honoring and respecting nature and it’s healing capacity.
THE HEARTFELT JOURNEY OF HOPE MEADOWS
In the quiet halls of high school, Anne Kichurchak and Michelle Togliatti formed a bond that would grow into something profoundly transformative. Both struggled with mental health challenges—trauma, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders—but their paths to healing diverged in unique ways.
Anne found her refuge in the West, where the therapeutic presence of horses played a crucial role in her recovery. Meanwhile, Michelle, facing financial constraints, sought healing through a blend of personal determination and unwavering faith.
Years later, Anne and Michelle reconnected, and their shared passion for equine-assisted therapy reignited. They were united by a deep belief in the power of this unique therapeutic approach and a vision to make it accessible to everyone in Northeast Ohio.
In 2018 Michelle and Anne set out to bring this transformative modality to life. By 2019, their dream took shape with the founding of Hope Meadows Foundation. This new chapter saw them working out of Misty Acres of Bath, offering equine-assisted counseling to their community with a commitment to overcoming financial barriers.
In 2021, Anne expanded her vision by purchasing her own property in Richfield, Ohio. Her new facility, equipped with a dedicated space for their work, allowed them to broaden their impact. With the addition of this new location, Hope Meadows could support more clients and continue its mission of providing therapy through a growing herd of equines, including Jake, Duke, Dominic, and Georgio.
In 2022, Hope Meadows took another significant step by acquiring a 20-acre property in Wadsworth, Ohio, within Granger Township. This expansive new home featured a 16-stall barn and a large indoor arena, providing an ideal setting for their continued growth. The property now hosts an extended herd of horses—Elucktra, Rob, Jags, Durk, Bailey, Foxy, Soleil, Faith, Zeus, Naomie, Yager, our three miniature ponies: Pumpkin, Peanut and Pookie—and has become the heart of their operations.
From a modest beginning with just four dedicated volunteers, Hope Meadows has grown into a vibrant community of over 16 team members, numerous volunteers, and 18 remarkable equines. The story of Hope Meadows is one of resilience, compassion, and the enduring impact of shared passion. Anne and Michelle’s journey from high school friends to co-founders of a thriving sanctuary is a testament to their commitment to healing and making a difference in their community.