Little Blessings: Finding Purpose Through Healing
At Charles Boyk Law Offices, we’re proud to highlight the people and organizations making a meaningful difference in our community. Recently, we visited Little Blessings Outreach in Ottawa Lake and spoke with founder Jamie Paxton about the powerful work being done for veterans and their families.
After serving 25 years in the Air National Guard, Paxton retired in 2017, expecting a smooth transition into civilian life. Instead, she recalls facing unbearable experiences. She said she was struggling with anxiety, depression, and a loss of purpose.
Determined to turn that hardship into something positive, she founded Little Blessings Outreach to help veterans rediscover connection and direction in their lives.
What makes Little Blessings unique is its equine-assisted approach to healing. Veterans participate in a 50-week program where they work closely with horses. Participants are not riding them, but building trust, communication, and emotional awareness.
Horses naturally reflect human emotions, allowing veterans to better understand and regulate their responses in a safe, supportive environment. Over time, these horses become “battle buddies,” restoring a sense of teamwork many veterans miss after leaving
the military. Each participant also works with a licensed mental health professional.
The organization has already made a meaningful impact, with dozens of veterans completing the program and 22 currently enrolled, which is its largest capacity to date. In addition to serving veterans, Little Blessings also supports spouses and children through specialized
programs focused on emotional resilience, teamwork, and community connection.
Looking ahead, Paxton hopes to expand the facility to include additional stables and a comprehensive wellness center, increasing capacity to serve more individuals. She shared that the organization has seen close to $1 million in funding and support in recent years and remains committed to expanding its reach.
Little Blessings Outreach is a testament to the power of community and innovative healing and a reminder that even in life’s most challenging moments, something meaningful can grow.
