Hearts, Horseshoes & Heroes

The Heart of the City Foundation, Inc. was formed in 2010 to serve as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 umbrella corporation for several existing, stand alone, non incorporated, inner city programs.  Collectively, these programs serve the inner city families of Fort Wayne, Indiana with a focus on providing life skills mentoring and education for financially disadvantaged children and youth.

The ultimate goal of Heart of the City Mission Foundation, Inc is to break the cycle of generational poverty.   To accomplish this, we believe it is of highest priority that young people are simultaneously developed in two areas:  First, young people must be encouraged to exceed educational proficiency standards for their age group with the intention of attending a college or university.  Secondly, we believe they must to be mentored into developing life skills and the so-called “moral compass.”  This two-pronged effort requires long-term commitments from volunteers and the ability to bring every resource available into the process; some success stories have been in the making for 5-10 years.

It is important to note that, while the main focus of the programs is on children and youth, approximately 25% of our efforts also directly help low-income adults of all ages and no-resource adults who are usually homeless.  These individuals often represent second and third generation poverty households and are raising the young people in those households to see themselves with a worldview colored by generational poverty.

Summit Equestrian Center was founded in 2010 to provide outside the box therapeutic opportunities for people of ALL abilities in Northeast Indiana.  

Early on we were a traditional therapeutic riding center, serving mostly children with physical, developmental, and learning disabilities.  As time went on we realized the need for social and emotional support, especially for people that traditional therapy does not reach.  Expanding into the emotional health and wellness services has brought depth and authenticity across our programs.

We are proud that our barn is a place our clients feel safe and feel heard.  We not only address the physical challenges that often come with TBI, Spina Bifita or Autism Spectrum diagnoses, but also the anxiety, depression or communication challenges that can come too.  

The Cavalry has evolved to become the capstone of our organization, serving veterans and their families as they navigate life after time in the service.  PTSD, depression and anxiety affect everyone in the family.  Through working with the horses we help people develop the tools to live in recovery and lead a meaningful life.