Bill and Marcia Shearer are life-long horse enthusiasts and retired Stark County educators, having served the region for thirty years. Throughout their lives, they experienced the power of horses to heal the human spirit. This led the couple to establish their non-profit organization, Whispering Grace Horses, nine years ago.

Today, Whispering Grace Horses is an equine and human relationship program serving the greater Stark County community. The organization facilitates specific programs to reach vulnerable populations, including veterans, children in foster care and victims of human trafficking.

In 2021, the organization received a $5,000 grant from The Aultman Foundation to support equine programming in partnership with Reaching Above Hopelessness & Brokenness (RAHAB) Ministries. The program served 25 women seeking refuge from human trafficking at RAHAB’s safe house. The women were surveyed at the conclusion of the equine therapy program and 100% indicated that spending time at the stables gave them more confidence, acceptance, socialization and compassion.

The Aultman Foundation selected Whispering Grace Horses to receive the inaugural Vicki Haines Legacy Award. The Foundation was inspired by the equine therapy program’s positive impact on the mental health of vulnerable populations in greater Stark County.

When accepting the award in December 2021 Bill and Marcia shared, “Whispering Grace Horses is humbled to receive such a prestigious recognition. We will cherish this award from The Aultman Foundation and Vicki Haines, who has and will continue to be a treasure within our community.”

Vicki’s valuable years of service and leadership improved communities throughout Stark, Wayne, Holmes, Tuscarawas and Carroll counties, and that legacy continues today. The Foundation will bestow the recognition annually.