Building Hope: How O’Keefe Built Created a Brighter Future for the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center

Sometimes, a deck is more than just a structure. It becomes a bridge between hope and healing, a place where lives are touched and transformed. This is the story of how a simple act of kindness became a beacon of renewal for a community in need.

A Community in Distress

The Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is a sanctuary for those who seek solace, strength, and a sense of belonging through the powerful bond between human and horse. For over four decades, CTRC has been a place where children and adults with disabilities have found a sense of freedom and empowerment, all thanks to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and the gentle giants they work with.

But as the years passed, the center’s farmhouse deck, once a welcoming space for families and participants, began to deteriorate. The wood, weathered by countless seasons of Colorado’s harsh sun and snow, started to rot. What was once a sturdy platform that supported the weight of many hearts began to crumble, symbolizing the growing challenges the center faced in maintaining its facilities.

For CTRC, every dollar counts. The resources needed to replace the deck would have diverted funds away from their life-changing programs. The staff, deeply committed to their mission, felt the weight of this dilemma. They needed a miracle, a helping hand from someone who understood that the work they do is about more than just horses—it’s about hope.

A Gift of Kindness

Enter O’Keefe Built, a company known for its exceptional craftsmanship and community spirit. When they learned of CTRC’s plight, they didn’t hesitate. O’Keefe Built stepped up, offering to replace the aging deck at no cost to the center. This wasn’t just about donating labor and materials; it was about restoring a space that meant so much to so many.

The crew from O’Keefe Built arrived with their tools and their hearts wide open. They dismantled the old, rotting wood, piece by piece, understanding that this deck wasn’t just a structure—it was a lifeline. They worked tirelessly, transforming the worn-out deck into a beautiful, sturdy platform that would serve the community for years to come.

As the final boards were laid, there was a sense of something special in the air. The new deck wasn’t just wood and nails; it was a testament to what can happen when people come together for a cause greater than themselves.

A Day of Celebration

When the project was complete, CTRC held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new deck. Jessie, our Client Success Rep from Deck Builder Marketers, was there to witness the joy and gratitude firsthand. She toured the facility with members of the O’Keefe team, seeing up close the lives their work would touch.

The smiles on the faces of the CTRC staff and participants said it all. This wasn’t just a deck—it was a promise. A promise that the work of CTRC would continue, that more children and adults would have the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of equine therapy in a safe, welcoming environment.

CTRC shared their heartfelt thanks on social media, writing, “While we are busy working on the gala, O’Keefe Built Inc. has been busy working on our new farmhouse deck. The old deck had served its time and was in dire need of replacement. O’Keefe Built stepped up and took this project on at no charge to CTRC. What a huge gift! We are so grateful. We know the new deck will serve CTRC well and for many years to come!”

Building a Legacy

For O’Keefe Built, this project was more than just another job. It was a chance to give back to a community that gives so much to others. It was a way to use their skills and resources to make a real difference in the lives of people who need it most. And it was a reminder that the work they do isn’t just about building decks—it’s about building hope.

The new deck at CTRC stands as a symbol of resilience, community, and the power of giving. It’s a place where families can gather, where participants can feel safe, and where the mission of CTRC can continue to thrive.

In a world where we often feel disconnected, stories like this remind us of the incredible impact that one act of kindness can have. O’Keefe Built didn’t just rebuild a deck—they helped rebuild the spirit of a community. And that’s a legacy that will last far longer than any structure.