In the heart of Texas, where the open skies stretch endlessly, a woman named Donna Stedman had a dream. It was a dream born out of her profound love for both horses and people. Donna envisioned a sanctuary where these noble creatures and humans could find solace and healing together. This vision gave birth to Henry’s Home, Horse, and Human Sanctuary.

In the early days, the journey to make her dream a reality was filled with challenges. Financial obstacles loomed large, the task of acquiring land seemed daunting, and the need to build a community of supporters felt like an insurmountable mountain. But Donna’s determination was as vast as the Texan plains. She rallied a community of volunteers and established partnerships with local businesses, slowly but surely bringing her vision to life.

By May 2024, after years of dedication and hard work, Donna decided it was time to step back and let new leaders carry her legacy forward. Her retirement marked the beginning of transformative changes at Henry’s Home. Renovations were soon underway, enhancing the facilities to accommodate the growing number of Veterans and Retired First Responders programs. The buildings expanded, pastures improved, and new therapeutic spaces for horses and heroes were constructed, breathing new life into the sanctuary.

Innovative programs began to take root, catering to the diverse needs of the sanctuary’s guests. Equine-assisted learning sessions became a cornerstone of Henry’s Home, drawing Veterans and Retired First Responders seeking healing and personal growth. Special sessions invited participants to connect deeply with the horses, fostering empathy and understanding in a world often in short supply. These ongoing changes amplified Henry’s Home’s impact on both local and extended communities, turning it into a beacon of hope and healing.

Donna’s vision lived on through the passionate efforts of those who followed in her footsteps. As the sanctuary flourished, she watched with pride, knowing her dream had grown into something even more beautiful than she had imagined. Henry’s Home continued to evolve, a legacy of compassion and transformation, standing as a testament to the power of love and determination.

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Voice of Texas Veterans with Julia Conner

Join Julia Conner today at 3:30pm for the Voice of Texas Veterans, as her guests are from Henry’s Home Horse and Human Sanctuary. This 10-minute-long program features Texas Veterans Commission Services, which assists Veterans in obtaining all the state and federal benefits they have earned.

Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA)

The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA or Fund) was created in the 79th Legislature to address the needs of Texas veterans and their families. The Fund is composed of money deposited under the Texas Government Code, the Texas Transportation Code, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. The Commission is authorized to use funds appropriated to the Fund to make reimbursement grants addressing the needs of Texas veterans and their families, as determined through veteran needs assessment studies. All grant awards are made through a competitive grant selection process:

The FVA Advisory Committee reviews all eligible grant applications and makes award recommendations to the Commission.

The Commission awards reimbursement grants. Awards decisions by the Commission are final. Once grant awards are determined by the Commission, grants are administered by the staff of the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Through the Fund, the Commission has awarded over $313 Million Dollars in more than 1,400 reimbursement grants since 2009.