BLOOMINGTON — People and Animals Learning Services (PALS) marked a historic milestone on December 3 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new PALS Center for Wellness and Learning, located at 7644 West Elwren Road, in Bloomington.
The event celebrated both the beginning of construction and the continued resilience and renewal of the organization following the EF2 tornado that hit Bloomington on May 16.
Community leaders, board members, client families, and key project partners gathered to commemorate the occasion. Featured speakers included PALS Executive Director Chris Herring; PALS Board President Chris Smith; Incoming PALS Board President Alex Everett; Martha Whitmill, PALS Board Member and client parent. Also in attendance were project partners Greg Young (Young Trucking), Mike and Beverly Baker, and Larry Donovan (Donovan and Donovan). Other project partners (not in attendance) include: Kelly Abel, Dan Graber, DC Metal; Shawn Dugan, Utilities District of Western Indiana, REMC; and Jimmy Stanger, Stanger Excavating.
“The groundbreaking represents more than the start of a new building—it marks a new chapter of hope and renewal for PALS,” said Chris Herring, Executive Director. “After the tornado damaged so much of our campus, we stood together determined not only to rebuild, but to reimagine what PALS could become for the people we serve. Today we break ground on the new Center for Wellness and Learning, a space designed intentionally for clients, families, volunteers, staff, and community partners. This state-of-the-art facility will allow us to expand programming, reduce waitlists, and offer an environment where healing and growth can continue through the human-horse connection.”
The Center for Wellness and Learning will increase accessibility, enhance safety, improve program flow, and allow PALS to serve more clients simultaneously. The facility is designed to support riders of all abilities while providing a welcoming and functional environment for families, volunteers, and community partners.
Board leadership emphasized that this project is a direct result of community support, partnerships, and donor commitment. The groundbreaking also honored the contractors, designers, and supporters whose collaboration helped bring the vision to life.
PALS provides equine-assisted services that improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being for individuals of all ages, including veterans, youth, and families throughout south-central Indiana. The new center represents a long-term investment in healing, learning, and connection.
About PALS
People and Animals Learning Services (PALS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing lives through equine-assisted services. Since its founding, PALS has provided therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, and wellness programs for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Serving clients, veterans, youth, and families, PALS promotes personal growth, confidence, and meaningful connection through the human-horse bond. More information is available at www.palstherapy.org.
