SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Security Service Federal Credit Union Charitable Foundation is helping people with disabilities attain therapeutic horse riding by donating $5,500 to Upward Transitions, a Texas-based non-profit organization that provides therapeutic horse riding for children and adults facing a variety of disabilities. Their therapy platform offers a safe and positive environment that enriches the daily lives of participants and allows them to become more self-sufficient.

The donation will be used to purchase program equipment including a large saddle, five sets of safety stirrups, five ASTM/SEI certified safety helmets, one free-standing gate, and a storage shed for the facility.

“For individuals with mental or emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed between a rider and horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem,” said Denise Reding, executive director for Upward Transitions. “The Security Service Charitable Foundation donation is helping us to continue this great work.”

Certified therapeutic riding instructors at Upward Transitions, integrate horseback riding skills into lesson plans designed to enhance the physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing of the riders. The ultimate goal is to encourage independence for participants by helping them to feel the freedom of sitting on top of a horse and leaving the confines of their disability behind.

“As a volunteer at Upward Transitions, I have witnessed first-hand the impact therapeutic horse riding has on the children, adults and veterans who rely on this organization's programs,” said Brandy Ralston-Lint, senior vice president of corporate communications for Security Service Federal Credit Union. “We are honored to play a small role in helping provide this unique program to the families of our community.”

Upward Transitions serves a diverse array of participants including at risk youth; victims of violence; people with mental health challenges; active duty service members and veterans who have returned from service with physical and mental challenges; and people seeking to improve their communication, leadership and team building skills.

The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further Security Service Federal Credit Union’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union's market areas.

The Security Service Charitable Foundation was created to reinforce Security Service’s commitment to the community by contributing to deserving organizations and causes that benefit the community and help to improve the quality of life for its citizens.  The Security Service Charitable Foundation is a Texas Non-profit Corporation and federal public charity that was incorporated in 2007 and is the charitable arm of Security Service Federal Credit Union.

Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union by enriching the lives of its members with beneficial financial solutions and a lifetime of service excellence. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.