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CHAPS reports record year, 341 clients served and measured improvement in veteran mental health
Summary
Kristen Marcus, executive director of CHAPS Equine Assistive Services, reported the program served 341 individuals in the year (including 173 veterans), grew 10%, and preliminary evaluation results indicate statistically significant mental-health improvements for veterans.
Kristen Marcus, executive director of CHAPS Equine Assistive Services, presented the group's annual update to the Sheridan City Council, reporting growth in clients served, volunteer engagement and preliminary evaluation results.
Marcus said an original grant application listed $30,000 but the actual grant was for $25,000; a contracted therapist position was budgeted at $5,000. She told council CHAPS served 341 individuals by the end of the year, including 173 veterans, 77 youth, 59 adults and 32 older community members. "At the end of our year, our total was 341 individuals," Marcus said.
Marcus also described community engagement activities, a volunteer corps that returned to pre-COVID levels (90 volunteers in 2025), staff training and a program evaluation conducted with the University of Kentucky that found statistically significant improvements in veteran mental-health outcomes (95% confidence) including mood and anxiety measures.
Council members thanked CHAPS for the service; staff noted opportunities for volunteers and community partnerships going forward.
