Welcome to “The Good Stuff,” where we highlight positive news and ways that NAED employees and member companies go above and beyond to give back to their communities! If you have some “Good Stuff” that you would like to share with tED, find out how below.
In this issue of “The Good Stuff,” Crawford, a Sonepar company, honored America’s 250th through service at Henry’s Home, a space where horses, veterans, and retired first responders can focus on recovery and community through equine therapy.
HOUSTON, Texas – From its Texas roots, Crawford, a Sonepar Company, has grown to serve customers across eight states while remaining closely connected to the communities it serves. As America celebrates 250 years, Crawford is marking the occasion through service, supporting Henry’s Home and its veterans while honoring the men and women whose sacrifices have helped shape the nation.
Henry’s Home creates a space where horses, veterans, and retired first responders can focus on recovery and community through equine therapy. The sanctuary offers programs ranging from gardening to equine-assisted learning, including programs for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, and relies largely on volunteer support. The partnership grew from a personal connection. Mark Ganucheau, Crawford Chief Operating Officer, volunteers at the sanctuary alongside his son, creating an opportunity for Crawford to make a meaningful difference through its electrical expertise.
As horses age, they may need extra support staying cool during the hottest Texas months. Volunteers can spend hours hosing the horses down to provide relief, while paddocks relied on loose electrical cords to power individual pull-string fans alongside outdated lighting. Recognizing a need that aligned closely with its expertise, Crawford’s Conroe branch stepped in to help, supplying the materials needed for weatherproof outlets and receptacles, electrical wiring, and cooling fans to create a more permanent cooling solution.
Extending the partnership, Crawford joined forces with KT Electric, whose electricians provided the on-site installation at no cost to the sanctuary. Together, the donated materials and installation represent a contribution valued at approximately $15,000, providing greater comfort for the horses while giving volunteers more time to care for them.
Each horse at Henry’s Home comes from a unique background, from retired mounted patrol and show horses to surrendered and rescued horses. Each brings its own story and personality. The improved environment helps support their comfort while allowing volunteers to dedicate more of their time and resources to the veterans, retired first responders and programs at the heart of Henry’s Home.
“The best community partnerships start with understanding what an organization actually needs and finding a way to help,” said Lucky DeMoss, Conroe Branch Manager. “Electrical infrastructure is what we know, and if we can use that expertise to make work a little easier for the people serving our community while making a meaningful difference, then the investment is worth making.”
“Horses can detect a human heartbeat from four feet away and can sense your emotions,” said Darlene Gagnon, Henry’s Home Chief Executive Officer. “The connection between a horse and the veterans we serve can be incredibly powerful. We have observed a 40% reduction in participant suicidal ideation and have received personal notes affirming the difference these programs can make. With these facility improvements, we can devote more of our time and resources to the people and horses we serve.”
Representatives from Crawford, Henry’s Home, and project partners recently gathered at the sanctuary to celebrate the completed improvements.
As the nation marks 250 years, the project reflects a shared legacy of service, from the veterans and first responders who have served their country and communities to the volunteers and organizations carrying that spirit forward today. For Crawford, honoring that legacy means finding meaningful ways to put its own expertise to work in the communities it calls home.
Find more “Good Stuff” articles here on tEDmag.com.
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