LUCKEY – Serenity Farm, 21870 Lemoyne Road, Luckey, recently served as the training ground for
participation from around Ohio as well as visitors from the state of Washington to learn how to use the
12-step and equine-assisted therapy for addictive clients.
One participant is looking to add the program to help with soldiers returning from battle.
The farm received several positive comments from participants in varying areas not normally associated
with animals and farms.
"I currently work with an evidence-based program with Medina Juvenile Court and wanted to
incorporate this 12-step program into our programming," said Amy Kathe, a professional clinical
counselor. "Our youth are court-ordered from the drug court and we typically serve over 130 youth
per year."
Kathe added, "We needed to add something ‘outside the office’ for more effectiveness in treatment.
This program is exactly what we needed."
Jerry West, who has a doctorate and is a clinical psychologist agreed calling it a "great
workshop."
West wrote, "My hope is to incorporate this 12-step program into treatment with the Army in
Washington state with soldiers returning from battle with PTSD and brain injuries to name a few."

According to Serenity Farm’s director Debra DeHoff, similar programs are already in existence in other
areas of other country.
"Dr. West has introduced it in the Tacoma area. We are thrilled he chose our program," she
said.
DeHoff indicated she and others may provide a workshop in Washington for those who will operate the
program should everything proceed.
The director also indicated Medina is fully behind this program. They have funding in place and had three
people who trained in Luckey, two counselors and an equine therapist.
DeHoff also indicated her organization can assist with anyone who is experiencing difficulty with
addictive behaviors or other similar challenges.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the office at (419) 833-1308.