Mission Vision & Values
Our Mission
‘Where Literacy Meets Love—And Every Horse Has a Purpose.'
1 Corinthians 13:13
FOR HANK’S SAKE is a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to supporting youth literacy and community service through the real-life stories of rescued horses, retired racehorses, and beloved burros.
Since the inception of For Hank’s Sake in 2011, and earning nonprofit status in 2018, the organization has grown in credibility, reach, and power—lending life-saving, life-changing support to horses once forgotten or forsaken. After lives of uncertainty, the herd now thrives—serving as equine ambassadors of kindness, role models, literacy partners, and beacons of hope for children, families, and anyone in need of a second chance.
Led by the enduring stories of the herd, For Hank’s Sake empowers individuals through equine coaching, mentoring, and literacy excellence programs. Each horse brings a unique brand of courage, dignity, and heart. Their collective survival, companionship, and bond form the heartbeat of the mission.
Through compassionate care, individualized rehabilitation, and specialized retraining, every horse becomes a safe, well-prepared, and purpose-driven partner in For Hank’s Sake reading and learning curricula.Their impact shines brightest through the flagship initiative, Pages For A Purpose®—a horse-powered literacy experience that brings books, learning, and equine connections to classrooms, libraries, and community outreach services. These efforts help address the literacy gap, especially among children and vulnerable populations with limited access to books. All programs are grounded in the belief that second chances matter—for horses, for children, and for literacy.
Vision
We envision that we will one day live in world where animal abuse and neglect will no longer be tolerated in our society; that our rehabilitated horses will continue to add precious value to our communities; and that our model of animal care will serve as a benchmark of global excellence.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At For Hank’s Sake, inclusion is a core value that informs every aspect of our programs, practices, and community engagement.
Through equine-assisted programs, we create inclusive learning environments where all
individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The horses in our care serve as nonjudgmental
partners—helping to foster trust, empathy, and authentic connection.
We are committed to creating safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces for individuals of all backgrounds—including children, teens, adults, volunteers, and community partners.
We uphold the values of equity, kindness, diversity, inclusion, and we work to ensure that all voices are heard, all individuals are respected, and all communities feel represented in our mission.
“We believe in kindness, humility, and the power of love. We speak up for those who can't, loud enough to be heard by every heart. We stay strong for those who no longer can.”
— For Hank’s Sake
Values
The values that guide our organization have been inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:13:
Love
Love is at the core of our mission and vision. It is the strength from which our service flows. It is the heartbeat that propels our dedication and devotion to helping at-risk horses and disadvantaged children. We serve with unqualified compassion, humility, and deep gratitude for the privilege of ‘helping our horses help others.’ Every day, we are fueled by the power of love. “Love Reigns Here” is more than a slogan. It is our guiding principle by which we stay focused on serving the horses in our care, our communities, and all who enter our Stables.
Respect
We hold a deep respect for the soul of every horse we rescue, rehabilitate, and retrain. We honor them, restore their faith in mankind, and nurture their innate gifts.
Kindness
Because they have led lives of suffering, cruelty and neglect, we treat our rescue horses with utmost compassion and kindness every minute of every day.
Empowerment
We work hard to reverse the psychological, emotional, and physical damage done to each horse so that they can begin to have faith in their own abilities. We celebrate their milestone achievements, take delight in their daily learnings, and revel in their many accomplishments.
Partnership
We work with like minded individuals and organizations to identify horses that may be treated with neglect or cruelty and share resources so that no abused horse is left behind.
Leadership
We take a leadership role in the community and explore creative ways to advocate for and be the voice for all horses suffering from abuse and neglect.
Community
We are deeply involved in the community and have developed programs using our horses to involve underprivileged children, at-risk youth, and children and families in underserved populations. Studies have verified that Equine Assisted Learning can help individuals build confidence, self- efficiency, communication, trust, perspective, social skills, and impulse control. Children and horses both benefit from these extraordinary relationships.
Integrity
Our entire team is dedicated to maintaining an environment of devotion, trust, honesty, commitment, and a steadfast allegiance to our mission and vision.