Overview
The BiNA Farm - where no family member is left behind
The BiNA Farm provides a comprehensive therapeutic environment for individuals with special needs as well as a complementary recreational environment for members of their families.
BiNA serves physical, developmental and emotionally challenged children and adults through a variety of inclusive enrichment programs including equine assisted activities and therapies with operations in multiple locations. Our clients include those with autism spectrum disorders, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing impairment, learning disabilities as well as disabled veterans and those with down syndrome and ADD.
Our vision for the future includes building a BiNA Farm center campus in the Metro West area which will allow all of our programs to be offered under one roof bringing together those with and without special needs. We currently operate from a number of community-based locations including our Norfolk barn, and at satellite locations including The Dana Hall School in Wellesley, The Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton and our Natick location. We also provide services to siblings, parents, caregivers and friends of those who need special therapy or simply wish to be involved in the recreational programs we offer. These therapies do not replace other forms of treatment for our clients, but rather augment them helping them reach their full potential.
The BiNA Farm employs 16 including Therapeutic Riding Instructors, Physical and Occupational Therapists, some on a part-time basis. In 2009, only 13 lessons per week were taught, but in just three years, nearly 100 families per week are now receiving BiNA Farm services. Beginning in 2011 we pledged to offer 50% tuition assistance to every school and non-profit organization participating in our therapeutic and vocational training programs and have continued that pledge during 2013 along with all of our other scholarships awarded. In addition, more than 220 volunteers donated over 3000 hours to The BiNA Farm last year.
The BiNA Farm was founded by Babak Bina, Coryn Bina and Terry Snow. Terry had established the Terry Snow Therapeutic Riding Program in 2003 and began operating under The BiNA Farm when it was founded in 2009. Coryn Bina serves as our Executive Director and forgoes a salary. We received our 501 c (3) non-profit status on February 5, 2010 and began offering therapeutic riding and added hippotherapy, various life skills programs and creative complementary therapies, within our first year of operation, due to the financial support of The Boston Medical Center, The Dana Hall School and our internal fundraising efforts. We receive the bulk of our donations through our yearly gala and we will embark on a multi-year capital campaign to fully realize the BiNA Farm Center goals.
BiNA is well on its way to becoming the preeminent destination in the region for those with special needs, their families, caregivers and friends who care about their welfare. Our unique mission sets us apart from others that serve this community allowing us to play a transformational role to foster tolerance and compassion for those with special needs across generations.
