The recipient entity's physical address:
           1416 Rowland Rd.
Monroe, LA 71203

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           1416 Rowland Rd.
Monroe, LA 71203

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          NA

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  8713

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $275,000

What type of request is this?  Both

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Board of Directors
Debbie Bright Chunn – 981 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe, LA 71203
Ronnie Chunn - 981 Stubbs Vinson Rd, Monroe, LA 71203
Dr. Florencetta Gibson – 107 Kiowa Ln., Monroe, LA 71203
Ricky Hester – 121 Deer Ridge Ln., Monroe, LA 71203

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Bright Star Ranch is a therapeutic facility that provides services through the use of equine assisted activities in order to meet a variety of participant needs. We offer therapeutic riding for individuals with physical and neurological needs. The movement of the horse not only provides the physical movement for the muscles these individuals need to exercise but also calms their neurological system in a way that allows them to concentrate more easily on certain tasks.


We also have a mental health and social/emotional mentoring program called Freedom to Flourish. It is a one-on-one mentoring program that utilizes groundwork with the horses and teaching horsemanship skills with activities that are relatable to life skills and situations. These sessions have been utilized to work with individuals with anxiety/depression, PTSD, suicide attempts, complex trauma, victims of trafficking, low self-esteem and as of this year, has expanded into an Alzheimer’s/Dementia program.


One of the other areas that we have begun to branch out into is literacy. We began holding Books in the Barn events last year where kids could sign up to come and read to the horses. We have had so much positive feedback from these simple, yet impactful interactions between our horses and students in our area. We have written a literacy program that we will be looking forward to starting with elementary schools in our area in the near future.


As our programs have continued to expand and grow, so has the need for space, staffing, operating expenses, etc. We are seeking this help in order to continue pushing forward and supplying the services that are needed in our community.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $130,000
          Professional Services. . . $3,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $14,000
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $100,000
          Operating Services. . . . $20,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $8,000

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Bright Star Ranch wishes to continue providing therapeutic services through the use of equine assisted activities to our community. State monies are needed to renovate spaces that would allow for more classroom areas, mentoring spaces and instructor office space as well as paving areas such as the parking lot that will make it easier for those in wheelchairs to maneuver between the arena and barn. We are also seeking to add a covered round pen to provide additional areas to work with horses and clients as we are growing and have the need for more space in order to accommodate the lesson schedule. During this growth period, we are planning to have additional instructors complete their certification process and have staff who will specialize in grant writing and program management. These projects as well as some operating expenses and arena maintenance equipment will allow us to concentrate fully on the most important part of our mission, which is helping our participants reach their goals whether physical, cognitive, or social/emotional.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          1. Continue providing equine assisted services to those in need in our community.
2. Provide a facility that is open enough to enjoy the benefits of interacting with nature while also providing the spaces needed to allow participants to have the privacy needed when there are multiple lessons happening at once and to be shielded from the weather when necessary and still continue with lessons rather than cancelling due to the inconveniences weather can bring.
3. Train and provide the staff needed to keep up with the growth in client participation.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           12 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 NA
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 NA

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 NA

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  NA

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               NA

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               NA

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                NA

          What is the nature of the relationship?  NA

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 NA

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               NA


Contact Information
name:  Debbie Bright-Chunn 
                                       address:  981 Stubbs Vinson Rd.
Monroe, LA 71203
                                       phone:  318-282-9908
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  debbie.brightstarranch@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director