June 2023: Capital Campaign Update
Momentum begets momentum, and since the snow melted in April we have been moving quickly, but diligently through a number of construction projects on the ranch.
Phase I: Real Estate Acquisition - COMPLETE!
Phase II: Equine Facilities - COMPLETE!
The final touches on the indoor arena have been completed, and the facilities are in full use!
Phase III: Human Facilities - Phase III is underway!
Cabins 1 and 2 have been built, and are being used by our first two classes this season! Constructed of logs, the participant cabins house eight (8) veterans each and include four bunk beds and storage space for participants’ belongings.
We are incredibly fortunate to have corporate partners like Kenyon Noble and High Caliber Concrete that have donated goods to support the build-out of these facilities ahead of the season’s start date!
Furthermore, our amazing Construction Crew spent nearly two weeks pre-season refining a couple of our existing human facilities.
Projects included:
Extended our outdoor gym surface area
Built stairs down to the sauna
Installed a new heater in the sauna
Constructed a storage space for all of our functional mobility equipment
Built a walkway for our outdoor showers
Updated our two ranch cabins for staff
Next up are student cabins 2 and 4! Once the season wraps in September we’ll begin preparing the site for the new lodge and indoor gym space!
Sustainability
Did you know that organizational sustainability is one of the pillars of our One-Eighty Out Capital Campaign? Our goal is to minimize our dependence on external sources for things like hay and food for our program enabling us to reduce our existing operational expenses.
Nutrition Program
Included in the infrastructure plans for the Double H Ranch is a greenhouse. Fruits, vegetables, and spices grown in the greenhouse will be used in our nutrition program to feed participants during their 41-day experience.
Equine Program
We are in the process of developing our two pivot fields. These fields will be utilized to grow hay that will feed our herd for a substantial portion of the year, dramatically decreasing our hay expenses annually.
Cattle Program
What’s a ranch without cattle? We are in the process of developing our own cattle program which includes the purchase of 39 cow/calf pairs. These cows will be used during the program in daily ranch activities that the students participate in as well as serve as a food source for the program, reducing our food expenses annually.
For more information about the One-Eighty Out Campaign, ways to invest, and naming opportunities please contact Chloe Garrison, Development Director at chloe@heroesandhorses.org or at (406) 946-2645.