Murrells Inlet Nonprofit Seeks Public Help for Equine Therapy Facility Overhaul

The Barnabas Horse Foundation, a Murrells Inlet-based nonprofit, is appealing to the community for help to raise $60,000 after being selected as the partner for Leadership Grand Strand (LGS) Class 46’s annual Legacy Project. The funds will go toward critical facility improvements to expand the foundation’s capacity to provide equine-assisted psychotherapy services.

Barnabas, which was established in 2011, offers programs focused on emotional healing for a number of populations, including:

• Survivors of trauma (such as child abuse, bullying, and human trafficking)
• Veterans and active military (through the “Veterans, Horses and Heroes” program, which is free of charge to them)
• First responders (fire, police, paramedics, etc.)
• Children and adults with disabilities

The organization’s mission is to “encourage hope and healing through fellowship with horses,” using a team approach to counseling that focuses on integration and regulation to help clients overcome trauma.

“Barnabas Horse Foundation’s work plays a meaningful role in the emotional recovery and well-being of individuals and families,” said Sue McKinney, founder and president of the foundation. “Having the hands-on assistance of LGS Class 46 to strengthen our facilities will allow us to continue offering a safe, therapeutic environment for years to come.”

LGS Class 46 will lead the installation of improvements in three main areas:

• Safety and Security: Installing 580 feet of vinyl fencing around the Equine-Assisted Learning Facility.
• Client Comfort: Creating a new Memorial Garden & Outdoor Dedication Space with benches and shelter for client reflection.
• Operational Reliability: Constructing a covered storage structure to protect feed, tools, and farm equipment.

“By partnering with Barnabas Horse Foundation, we’re not only improving facilities but investing in the emotional well-being of our community,” said Shannon Furtick, LGS executive director.

To donate and learn more about the project, visit the Leadership Grand Strand Class 46 Legacy Project page: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/support-barnabas-horse-foundation-through-leadership-grand-strand