Birches Residents Head to the Hanson Center for Some Fun on the Farm

On Friday, August 29, residents of The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills visited the Hanson Center for an afternoon full of fresh air and farm animals.

The Hanson Center is a 12-acre facility in Burr Ridge with an indoor riding arena and stable, horse pastures, a small animal farm, the Funk Memorial Garden, and an 11,000 square-foot playground.

The center is owned and operated by the Ray Graham Association, a social service organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. Consequently, it offers programs and services that cater to disabled children and adults, like its therapeutic horsemanship program and service dog program.

During their trip to the Hanson Center, Birches residents toured the grounds, visited with farm animals, learned more about the therapeutic horsemanship program, and relaxed in the beautiful setting while enjoying an outdoor picnic.

The Hanson Center’s Horsemanship Coordinator Cathy LeBeau, who helped facilitate the visit, says she enjoys sharing the center’s resources with community groups like The Birches. As a rural respite embedded in a bustling suburbia, LeBeau sees the Hanson Center as the perfect destination for anyone looking to retreat to nature for an afternoon.

“You’re out in the fresh air and you’re interacting with the animals and nature which is always really healthy and good for people,” said LeBeau.

Birches’ Activities Assistant Ellie Orozco says residents delighted in the farm-like setting and the time spent outdoors.

Resident Mike Meier enjoyed learning more about the history of the farm and the center’s therapy services.

“I really like that the Hinsdale Rotary Club helped build the barn,” said Meier. “I also enjoyed how everything looks so comfortable, not only for the animals but for the people as well.”

Another resident, Marie Mateski, was grateful for the fresh air and the opportunity to interact with farm animals.

“I enjoyed getting out and getting to know the animals,” said Mateski.

Based upon their smiling faces and enthusiastic attitudes, Orozco says a trip to the Hanson Center was the perfect way for Birches residents to spend a beautiful August afternoon.

“I really enjoy seeing the residents happy,” said Orozco. “It was a pleasure taking them out on such a nice outing.”

The Birches’ trip to the Hanson Center was just one event in a week-long celebration of the Wild West that ran from August 24 to 30. Other events included a “Gunfighters of the Old West” presentation by John Boda on August 25 and a cowboy-themed musical performance by Uncle Willy and Gilly on August 28.