09/09/2026
🐴 Slowing Down. Showing Up. Building Connection.
We loved welcoming the Youth Rural Service Trip from Nazareth Lutheran Church to Strides for a hands-on experience exploring our mission and vision.
But this wasn’t just about learning about horses.
It was an opportunity to slow down and notice what happens when we become more intentional about how we show up—in our communication, our relationships, and our everyday interactions.
Through time with the horses, the group explored ideas like trust, consistency, boundaries, connection, and follow-through. Instead of simply talking about these concepts, they had an opportunity to experience them and think about how they apply to relationships with other people.
There is a faith connection here, too.
So much of serving others begins with being willing to slow down enough to truly notice the person in front of us. To listen. To be present. To follow through. And sometimes, simply to walk alongside someone.
We are grateful to Nazareth Lutheran Church for spending time with us and being willing to learn, participate, ask questions, and experience a little of what makes the work at Strides so meaningful.
Because sometimes making a difference doesn’t begin with doing more.
Sometimes it begins with slowing down enough to connect. 🤍
