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Ohana Preservation Foundation describes grief-support programs, fundraising after local tragedy
Summary
Family members of Brody, whose 2022 death spurred creation of the Brody Ohana Fund, told the Board how the Ohana Preservation Foundation uses equine-assisted and arts-based therapy to help grieving families and at-risk youth; the group reported roughly $50,000 raised from two annual walks.
Members of the Ohana Preservation Foundation addressed the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Nov. 18 to describe programs the small nonprofit provides for grieving families, hospice children, and other trauma-affected youth.
Ashley Watson (board vice president) and other family members said the Brody Ohana Fund was formed after the 2022 death of their son and that their organization combines licensed counselors, certified equine specialists, and horticultural therapists to deliver site-based therapeutic retreats and programs on an 81-acre property. The Watsons described early fundraising success: a first walk raised about $15,000 in short planning time and a second annual walk brought total fundraising near $30,000 for the year, putting cumulative proceeds around $50,000 from two events.
Ohana staff said programs focus on resilience, bullying prevention, and grief support; volunteers and donations are crucial to sustain animal care and program operations. Board members thanked presenters and said they would help share contact information via newsletters and county channels.
Contact and volunteering: Ohana's website was provided as ohanapreservationfoundation.org for donations and volunteer sign-ups.
