Horses change lives. Let them change yours!
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TEC harnesses the gentle power of horses to give our participants the opportunity to say: "I Did It!"
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TEC Supporter & WWII Veteran Passes Away at 98 |
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Long before the creation of the Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC), Stephen Upton was a supporter of therapeutic riding through the We Can Ride 4-H Club. The club was formed in 1979 through the Berrien County 4-H Proud Equestrians Program to provide therapeutic horseback riding to people with disabilities, up to the age of 26.
Stephen E. Upton, the beloved father of U.S. Congressman, Fred Upton, and the son of Whirlpool co-founder, Frederick S. Upton, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022, at the age of 98. A lifelong native of Berrien County, Stephen was the proud husband of Elizabeth for 71 years, a devoted father to five children, and the proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s 76th Infantry Division. After the war, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1949. Shortly thereafter, in 1955, he began a 33-year career at Whirlpool. After retiring from Whirlpool, he went on to lead the Whirlpool Foundation and Frederick S. Upton Foundation through decades of charitable contributions to the community he so loved.
TEC has been blessed to call Stephen and Elizabeth supporters since we began back in 2006. They have made numerous donations to support our horses, general operating funds, and various programs; including our Gateway program for adults with disabilities. We are especially grateful for the support we received in 2016 as the first recipient of the Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant. The $50,000 grant allowed us to launch our TEC WITH VETS program, which is designed to help with the healing process for our wounded veterans. Thanks to the grant we are able to offer this program free of charge to veterans, active military personnel, and their family members.
“The Upton’s have always had a down-to-earth nature about helping others and simply making the world a better place,” said Autumn Zick, TEC Board President and Instructor. “We have been so fortunate to be at the receiving end of their giving spirit more than once, which has allowed us to make the world a bit better for our participants.”
On behalf of the TEC Board members, staff, volunteers, and participants, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Upton.
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Launched in 2016, TEC WITH VETS is a program designed to support the healing process for veterans, active military personnel, and their family members. The program is ideal for our wounded warriors and those struggling with the transition back to civilian life.
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About the TEC
Since 2006, TEC has been making “I Did It!” moments happen. TEC is a nonprofit service organization that provides year-round, horse-related activities, and therapeutic riding to people with disabilities. All programs at TEC are designed to help participants find hope, reach beyond their expectations, and discover unlimited possibilities. This is done by engaging the power of horses to challenge, inspire, and strengthen participants’ bodies, minds, and spirits. TEC is open to residents of all ages with disabilities in Southwest Michigan and the Michiana Area. There is also a dedicated program for veterans, active members of the military, and their families. For more information, visit www.tecfarm.org or following TEC on Facebook and Instagram.
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A short drive from your home, office, or school ...
TEC's indoor arena, stables, and beautiful outdoor pastures are easily accessible by major roads in Southwest Michigan and the Michiana area. Click here for directions.
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PLEASE VISIT US AT
Jane M. Hiler Facility
1207 E. Galien-Buchanan Road
Buchanan, MI 49107
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CONNECT WITH US
(269) 429-0671
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MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 1250
Niles, MI 49120
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TEC has been a member of PATH since 2006 and all of TEC's instructors are certified through PATH.
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SERVING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN AND THE MICHIANA AREA.
TEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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