Local non-profit works with re-entry center residents to provide equine therapy

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Former prison inmates are joining forces with a local equine therapy non-profit to help others, and themselves.

Offenders from the South Bend community re-entry program are working with the horses at Reins of Life, a charity dedicated to equine therapy for the disabled. The partnership both fills the need for volunteers and helps inmates transition to life outside of the prison system.

For Mark Duncan, who has been incarcerated for nearly 30 years, being outside with these animals brings a feeling of peace. 

"Volunteering at a place like Reins of Life helps you because you get to see how people are living day to day, you get to come out and interact with them, plus, you're working, it kind of takes your mind off of the whole prison thing," said Duncan.

The nonprofit began in 1978 and provides equine therapy to children and adults with disabilities.

Duncan has been a part of this partnership with Reins of Life for around a year.

"It gives me a sense of accomplishment, like I've helped some people, like I've been able to do something to become somebody that maybe I was before and didn't realize and acting on that type of person that I could've been, and now it's helping me be the person that I can be," said Duncan.

"It's very rewarding, it's character-building, it's reinstating the belief in society and the community, and the power of positive change. I cannot stress enough how much we value their partnership," said Dorota Janik, Ph.D., executive director of Reins of Life.

Volunteers from the re-entry program get a chance to hone potential job skills, while clearly enjoying their time around these beautiful creatures.

"It brings a smile to my face, and it lightens my heart, even if I'm in a bad mood. I wake up sometimes, not wanting to come out here, but I make myself get up and I come out here, and then I'm glad I came out here," said Duncan.

One of the members of the re-entry partnership says he’s enjoyed his time with Reins of Life so much, he plans on staying in South Bend after his release to be a permanent part of the program.