James first arrived at Hope Services in 2016, eager to find opportunities for growth and personal development. He joined the Employment, Media, and Community Connections (EMCC) program that same year, where he engaged in skill-building activities and explored various career possibilities. Over time, he voiced a clear preference for working in his community, outdoors, and with animals—a goal that his Hope team was determined to help him pursue.

That goal became a reality through Hope’s partnership with the Jean Kvamme Center for Adaptive Riding, a place dedicated to healing and fostering a deep connection between horses and riders. The center is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities, providing therapeutic riding programs and equine-assisted activities that promote confidence, physical well-being, and social engagement. Initially, Hope clients visited the center as part of a community-based outing, but as the relationship grew, an opportunity emerged. Recognizing James’ enthusiasm and skills, his Hope team reached out to Shannon Swanson, the center’s manager, to explore employment possibilities.

Shannon and her team including Natalie Penrose (Certified Instructor) and Caroline Fritch (Program Director) has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities and a deep passion for creating inclusive spaces where people can learn, grow, and thrive. Her dedication to fostering independence and skill development made her eager to welcome James onto the team. She believes that meaningful employment opportunities, like James’ role, empower individuals to build confidence, contribute to their communities, and gain a sense of purpose.

The EMCC program, designed to foster independence through skill-based training, employment support, and job coaching, played a crucial role in connecting James with this opportunity. Through partnerships with local businesses, EMCC creates win-win scenarios where employers gain dedicated workers, and participants like James receive valuable work experience and an income.

This opportunity was exactly what James had envisioned. The center’s proximity to his home made it a sustainable work location, and the outdoor nature of the job, combined with his love for animals, created an ideal environment for him to thrive. His placement exemplifies Hope’s commitment to aligning employment opportunities with each individual’s strengths, ensuring that every participant has the chance to succeed in a role that brings them fulfillment.

Through this partnership, James has not only gained employment but also found a sense of belonging and purpose in his work—one that benefits both him and the community he serves. James is flourishing in his job. Shannon shared that James is a very independent worker. During orientation, the center typically has a staff member interact with the horse to observe how they will do, and James immediately took to the task. He quickly adapted to his responsibilities, checking off daily tasks with confidence.

Building on this success, the center is preparing to onboard another Hope client—demonstrating the lasting impact of these partnerships. This collaboration is more than just a job placement; it’s a testament to the power of inclusive employment and the generosity of supporters who make stories like James’ possible. By investing and partnering with Hope Services, supporters help create pathways to independence, purpose, and community for individuals like James.

During the 2025 In Concert With Hope, we came together to raise critical funds for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Fund-A-Need. While the concert has ended, the need remains — and so does your opportunity to make a difference. Power our work towards a more inclusive future by donating today at https://donate.hopeservices.org/donate/7th-annual-icwh.