HRET is passionately committed to empowering the lives of individuals with varied physical, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities through the spirit of the horse HRET offers a variety of skill appropriate classes meeting the needs of preschoolers on our ponies to independent riders on our program safe horses. We are an equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) program that provides horse and pony therapeutic riding and activities. Our classes are approximately an hour long and incorporate grooming and bonding time with horses or ponies in addition to riding.

United Sertoma has been a proud supporter of this organization and with our donations, HRET has established a scholarship fund to financially assist families so they are able to take advantage of these amazing programs.

Shady Oaks Camp is a summer camp for people with disabilities located in Homer Glen, Illinois. In the 1940’s, there were little or no services available for people with disabilities. Seeing this, a group of dedicated parents of children with Cerebral Palsy came together to form The Parents Association for Cerebral Palsy Children Inc. The Association purchased 30+ acres of land in Homer Township, Illinois in hopes of building a summer camp which specifically served people with CP and similar disabilities. In 1947, this dream came to light with the opening of Shady Oaks Camp for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy. For the past 68 years, the dream of a few caring parents has survived through Shady Oaks. In recent years, the group has grown to not only accept children with Cerebral Palsy, but all disabilities.

Recently, United Sertoma provided assistance to help with the renovation and design of one of the cabins to become a sensory room for the campers. This room is a special room designed to develop a person’s sense, usually through special lighting, music and objects. It can be used as a therapy for children with limited communication skills.