MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — A Monticello nonprofit set a goal last year to raise almost $90,000 for a new facility.

The founder said she expected the fundraising to take around three years, but she got to reveal some great news this month. Hope Lives Youth Ranch is building a new indoor riding facility. The founder said this will help her work with at least 20 more people year-round.

The ranch helps both at-risk youth and veterans through guided horse therapy. Right now, they’re limited to working between May and September. The indoor facility would allow them to have sessions for nine months of the year, and recent statistics show this type of work is needed now more than ever.

“The 2024 youth survey came out last August, and it stated that one out of almost three students in Piatt County have thought about suicide that are within high school age range,” said Emily Reichman, Hope Lives Youth Ranch Founder. “So that’s pretty severe, and we’ve also seen a lot of anxiety and just students in general that have come through.”

The fundraiser opened up last February at Hope Live’s annual gala, and Reichman said at this year’s event, she got to tell everyone the goal was met.

Things should be moving quickly on the ranch. Reichman said dirt for the building’s pad is planned to be brought in next week, and the work will go from there.