By Jeanni Ritchie
A new Central Louisiana nonprofit is combining faith, music, animals and a mission of healing for a special night this fall.
Healing Hearts Through Hooves will host its Night of Worship, Hope & Healing on October 10 at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center in Alexandria. Christian recording artist Jordan St. Cyr, known for songs including “Weary Traveler,” “Fires” and “Rescue,” will perform, with special guest Josh Blakesley.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the work of Healing Hearts Through Hooves, a nonprofit organization operating through Ol’ Mel’s Farm in Deville.
Healing Hearts Through Hooves provides therapeutic farm and animal-assisted experiences designed to promote emotional healing, resilience and human connection. The organization serves veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, healthcare workers, caregivers, grieving families and youth facing emotional or life challenges.
While horses are at the heart of the program, they aren’t the only animals providing a little therapy on the farm. Scottish Highland cows, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and chickens also call Ol’ Mel’s Farm home. Participants may groom a horse, cuddle a bunny, hand-feed a Highland cow or simply spend some quiet time surrounded by animals and nature.
The organization is also developing a Reflection Corner inside the horse pasture, creating a peaceful space for rest, prayer, remembrance and healing. Through its Legacy Brick Campaign, supporters can purchase engraved commemorative bricks in memory of a loved one, in honor of a veteran or first responder, as a family or business sponsorship, or with a message of hope, healing or faith.
The October concert offers the community an opportunity to support that growing mission while enjoying an evening of Christian music, worship and hope.
Healing Hearts Through Hooves is located at Ol’ Mel’s Farm, 50 Chevallier Road in Deville. More information about the organization, its programs and the Legacy Brick Campaign is available at HealingHeartsThroughHooves.
