​Road to Independence, a 501(c)3, was created in June 2011 to provide a wider variety of opportunities and experiences for individuals with differing cognitive and physical abilities.

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We offer empowering opportunities on a local farm where we strive to improve communication and listening skills, as well as self-awareness in an outdoor setting with an emphasis on following proper procedures. We provide specific instruction in our non-riding equine program. As skills are practiced and mastered, self-confidence levels rise, and formally unemployable individuals are now better prepared for employment and community involvement. We see our equine assisted activities as a starting point on the road to independence and a productive life within the community for individuals with differing abilities.

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Our farm setting provides additional life skill building opportunities as well.  Participants have learned to stack wood, shovel snow and manure, haul brush, and fix fences. Many tasks that we as able-bodied individuals take for granted can be used as skill boosting routines. For instance, the necessary task of stacking wood for an individual with differing abilities breaks down to balance, lifting, communication and teamwork.  This same concept is used in many of the projects we complete during our activities. We feel strongly that skills gained at Road to Independence will transfer to other employment opportunities within the community. 

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We recognize that not everyone can come to the farm, and we created an "On the Road" program. As our donkey handler's skills increase, they become our volunteers when we visit area elder care residences - Summercrest, Woodlawn, Harvest Hill, Woodcrest, Sunapee Cove, Sullivan County Nursing Home and Granite Ledges. We (participants, donkeys and volunteers) also participate in numerous area parades - Woodstock, VT's Wassail Parade, Homecoming and Winter Carnival Parades in Newport, NH and area 4th of July parades. We also collaborate with Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Horsemanship in Newport, NH and offer non-riding and driving opportunities to their school and Veterans programs.

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Over the past few years in our community visits, we have recognized that our programs' impact a broader scope of groups and individuals.  Recently we have received requests to work with Veterans groups, women’s groups, and new educational programs and we are working to accommodate these requests.