The purpose of Many Hearts, One Farm is to educate and inspire our team, clients and the communities that we serve. The Many Hearts, One Farm logo reminds us that no one heart is better or more important than the other because we need each one in order to make different but beautiful colors. Just like every paint color on a palette, everyone who walks through the doors of Main Stay plays an equally important part in our mission.

In the month of February, as we honor Black history, we'd like to share the story of one cowgirl whose mission is to increase awareness of people of color in the equestrian world. 

Meet Caitlin Gooch, also known as "The Black Cowgirl". Growing up with horses, Caitlin's love for animals started at an early age. After graduating college in 2015 with a B.S. in Sociology, Caitlin dedicated her career to working with youth. However, it was in 2017, amidst North Carolina's concerning literacy rates, that Caitlin discovered a deeper calling. Understanding the incredible power of horses, Caitlin founded the nonprofit organization, Saddle Up and Read. Their mission is to inspire youth to achieve literary excellence through engaging equine activities.

Although, Caitlin's deeper calling was fueled by more than just literacy concerns. The absence of Black representation in children's books about horses ignited a determination within her. As Caitlin shares on her website, "I never had a book or coloring book with Black people and horses as a kid, so I created one." In 2019, she brought her vision to life with the publication of her first book, "My Black Equestrian Coloring Book Volume 1: The Trail Blazers," offering a way teach children about the underrepresented Black equestrians in history in a fun and educational way.

To discover more about Caitlin's inspiring work, visit her website at theblackcowgirl.com.

Calendar

Upcoming Holidays | Celebrations | Awareness Days

February 1st 

• First day of Black History Month: (U.S., CAN, U.K.) A month dedicated to honoring all black people across different periods of history. Although it originated in the U.S. the significance of this month has gained recognition in many other countries including Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. 

• National Freedom Day: (U.S.) Honors the day that President Lincoln abolished slavery by signing the 13th Amendment in 1865. 

• Imbolc: (pagan) A fire festival celebrating hearth and home. This day also marks the halfway point between winter and spring. 

February 7th

• Isra and Miraj: (Islam) Celebrates the journey the Prophet Muhammad took from Mecca to Jerusalem and then from Jerusalem to the heavens.

February 10th

• Lunar New Year: (China) The first new moon of the lunar calendar and start of the new year. 2024 is the year of the Dragon. 

February 13th

• Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras: (Christian) The day before Ash Wednesday and often involves participating in confession as well as eating sweets. This day is also known throughout the Chicagoland area as Paczki Day.

February 14th

• Valentine’s Day: Though there are many legends about the start of this holiday, in modern day culture it is a celebration of love. 

• Ash Wednesday: (Christian) A holy day of prayer, fasting, and repentance. This is also the first day of Lent. 

• Vasant Panchami: (Hindu) A festival celebrating the arrival of spring and honors the goddess Saraswati. 

February 19th

• President’s Day: (U.S.) Celebrates all people who served as President of the United States. 

February 18th

• Shivaratri: (Hindu) A festival honoring the god Shiva and the night Shiva performed the dance Tandava-the dance of creation, preservation and destruction. 

Be sure to check out the live Calendar through the link below! You can view the entire year by clicking the blue arrows at top left of the calendar.