Funding to expand therapeutic programs and opportunities for children and families
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (November 5, 2026) —
A $20,000 grant from Royal Neighbors of America® will help Healing Steps Equine Therapy in Brush Prairie, Washington, empower children and adults to build confidence, overcome challenges, and gain independence through the healing connection between humans and horses.
Founded by Dr. Kelsey Herman, Healing Steps grew from her desire to combine her training as an occupational therapist with something that had helped her thrive throughout her own life: horses. Today, a team of therapists and more than 70 volunteers support a growing community of patients and families.
“About 90 percent of what we do, I can explain through science, the human nervous system, and why the movement of the horse is beneficial,” Herman said. “But there is another 10 percent of the human-horse interaction that is purely the magic of horses.”
The Royal Neighbors grant will allow Healing Steps to expand its therapeutic summer camps and launch new small-group programming for girls and young women focused on social skills, confidence, connection, and community.
Previously, Healing Steps could afford to offer just one week of summer camp and had never been able to host the girls’ group. After announcing the new program, approximately 12 young people expressed interest almost immediately. The grant will allow Healing Steps to open opportunities beyond its existing families and serve more people in the community.
“If your nervous system is in fight or flight, you can’t learn,” Herman said. “Our barn creates an opportunity for these girls to come and safely learn to do something that can feel really scary.”
The funding comes as Healing Steps continues to experience significant demand. What began six years ago with Herman expecting to see just a few patients each week has grown to include additional therapists and a waitlist that is again approximately one year long.
“At Royal Neighbors, we believe strong communities are built when women and girls have the support and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Zarifa Brown Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors of America. “Through Nation of Neighbors, we invest in people like Kelsey who are turning compassion and expertise into meaningful change. Supporting Healing Steps means helping more children and families access opportunities to build confidence, strengthen connections, and reach their full potential.”
The award is part of Royal Neighbors of America’s annual Nation of Neighbors℠ program, which recognizes community leaders making a meaningful difference for women and girls and provides grant funding to help expand their impact.
About Royal Neighbors of America
In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Now, 131 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s members, chapters, employees, and its independent agents across the country drive this mission through localized volunteerism and philanthropic programs, making social impact the cornerstone of their work.
Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to give back in their communities, and access to member benefits that support financial and personal well-being.
Royal Neighbors holds an “A” (Excellent) rating from AM Best for financial strength and its ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificateholders. In 2026, Royal Neighbors received its tenth Great Place to Work certification and was recognized by Forbes and Statista as a World’s Best Insurance Company. For more information, visit royalneighbors.org.
Media Contact
Marie Young
Director, Marketing & Communications
Royal Neighbors of America
Marie.Young@royalneighbors.org