MOULTRIE — NAMI Moultrie will focus on veterans for NAMI Night Thursday, Nov. 5. The speakers are Mike and Debra Randall, owners of Hopes and Dreams Riding Facility in Quitman.

The meeting will be 6 p.m. in the chapel of First Methodist Church, 409 First St. S.E.

Hopes and Dreams Riding Facility, Inc. was created out of the desire to aid and assist veterans, military soldiers, and their families to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other disabilities, according to a press release from NAMI Moultrie, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“The Randalls’ sons who served in the military came home, but brought the war home with them in what is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” the press release said. “They watched as their sons dealt with their memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that only got worse with time and were disappointed as medications and rest didn’t work.”

Hopes and Dreams started with used tents purchased through a grant from the ASMBA Star Foundation to house wounded warrior groups who came from several military facilities, including Fort Campbell, Ky., and Ft. Benning, Ga. Local individuals, banks, civic, church and community organizations began offering in-kind donations of horses, tack, lumber, and fencing materials. Financial contributions helped in the start-up and operational costs of the organization, and volunteers helped build fences, lay water pipes, build the horse arena, and assist in the grooming and care of the horses.

Soon after that they reached out to Moody Air Force Base personnel and their families and offered various equine activities, lodging, food, fun, and games to reduce the stress of everyday military life and to provide solitude and peace of mind, NAMI Moultrie said. 

This organization has developed into a residential equine therapeutic riding facility with a focus on reintegrating veterans back into society through PTSD and addiction counseling, art and music therapy, education, and life skills counseling.

There is no government assistance and all funding is through grants and private donations, NAMI Moultrie said. Hopes and Dreams Riding Facility, Inc is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

NAMI Night usually meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of each month in the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 409 First St. S.E. Parking is available in the church parking lot at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Second Street Southeast. Enter through the door under the canopy. The facility is handicapped accessible. Light refreshments will be served.  Veterans and active duty personnel and their families are encouraged to attend. NAMI Nights are open to the public and are free of charge.

For more information, contact Lynn Wilson: lynnbw45@gmail.com or Joyce Burley: jjburley59@hotmail.com .