About Us
In 1984, two women, life-long equestrian, Sara Foszcz, and Physical Therapist, Sandy Barcus, started Main Stay in order to meet the growing need for adaptive horseback riding in the area. Our adaptive riding program was one of the first of its kind in Chicagoland. Main Stay became a 501(c)3 organization in 1987, dedicated to children and adults with physical, developmental, emotional and social challenges. Main Stay expanded service in 2012 to include our unique Animal Assisted Learning programs for individuals, families and groups.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Our state-of-the-art equestrian facility, built in 2016, is located on 40 acres of serene open land across from the McHenry County Conservation District’s Glacial Park and is in the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge corridor. In 2013, Main Stay was the first nonprofit agency to place its land in a conservation easement with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County to ensure that the land would be protected in perpetuity.
The 37,000 sq. foot facility offers flexible meeting space that can accommodate intimate groups or space for up to 100 and includes a/v capabilities, a kitchen area, and a temperature controlled indoor arena.
Meet Our Team
As a premier accredited PATH Intl center, all adaptive riding sessions are taught by a certified PATH Intl instructor. Many of our instructors are also licensed teachers, or occupational / physical / speech therapists. A large base of more than 100 weekly volunteers allows Main Stay to offer quality services with a small core of full and part-time employees.
Of course, our work wouldn’t be possible without our therapeutic riding horses and other therapy animals. They are truly the heart and soul of Main Stay.
2024 Annual Appeal
What could a group of young adults from the McHenry High School Bridges program possibly have in common with a group of seniors and their caregivers from Senior Services Associates?
More than you could possibly imagine.
Partner Agencies
CYN Counseling Center
Independence Health & Therapy
Johnsburg School District 12
Kenosha Health Department
Lake County Health Department
McHenry 22nd Judicial Circuit of Special Projects
McHenry School Districts 15 + 156
NAMI McHenry County
Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Pioneer Center for Human Services
Refuge for Women
Richmond Burton School District 157
Turning Point
Youth and Family Center of McHenry County
Woodstock School District 200
How You Can Help
