When LaShawnda Phillips \u201920 (RHSA), \u201922 (CAHNR) first moved to her neighborhood in Hartford in 2013 at age 13, she set out to do some exploring. \u201cI took a walk at that time, just looking around the area because I didn\u2019t know Hartford at all, and I looked across the street and found horses,\u201d she says. \u201cI remember thinking, \u2018They\u2019re so big.\u2019 I\u2019d never actually seen one in person before.\u201d<\/p>\n
The second oldest of nine children whose mother was battling mental health issues, Phillips says the pressures of school and family life were taking a toll on her. \u201cI was shy and nervous, I didn\u2019t like to share my struggles at home and my background, so I would just keep it to myself,\u201d she recalls.<\/p>\n
Those horses across the street turned out to be her saving grace. They belonged to Ebony Horsewomen, an urban riding center offering equine-assisted psychotherapy programs to the youth of Hartford. Since 1984, the programs have helped young people develop confidence and learn to express their emotions.<\/p>\n
Phillips first began volunteering at the center to complete her high school\u2019s community service requirement. Patricia Kelly, founder of Ebony Horsewomen, suggested Phillips begin riding as a regular participant. \u201cShe knew my situation at home wasn\u2019t great \u2014 Mom was struggling, I was struggling, and she decided, \u2018We are going to take you into our arms,\u2019\u201d Phillips says.<\/p>\n
Then, an anonymous donor stepped forward to fund her riding through high school.<\/p>\n