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How Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Program is Helping One Pennsylvania Family Give Their Son a Better Life

When Susan Shaffer first discovered that horseback riding could help her son Daniel, she never imagined how it would benefit him—or that a local nonprofit would one day make it possible. Now 31 years old, Daniel lives with significant developmental delays. He is deaf, legally blind, and requires 20 hours of care every day. Despite these challenges, Daniel has a spark. It shines brightest when he’s on the back of a horse.

“He gets so excited when he knows it’s riding day,” Susan says with a warm smile. “It’s one of the few things that truly brings him joy and also helps him physically.”

Daniel’s journey with therapeutic horseback riding began when he was a child. Riding helped him build core strength, balance, and sensory regulation. Susan recalls how Daniel learned to sit up independently— something he first achieved on a horse. “He even rode backwards for a while,” she says, “laying on the horse would calm him. It was the only therapy that gave us consistent progress.”

But as Daniel got older, sustaining those sessions became difficult. After moving from their home into a community home at 15, and eventually graduating from the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children at 21, Daniel lost access to funding sources that once supported the therapy. New regulations, fewer waivers, and a complicated maze of eligibility rules made it harder for the family to get the help they needed.

“We tried everything,” Susan explains. “Volunteering, adult programs, anything—but it’s nearly impossible. He needs people who can sign, and those staff just aren’t there. He needs more than what the system can offer.” That’s when a county caseworker stepped in with a life-changing suggestion: the Achieva Family Trust’s Charitable Residual Program.

The Program provides critical funds to Pennsylvanians with disabilities, using money remaining in pooled trust accounts after beneficiaries pass away. These grants cover important but often unfunded needs— from camps and recreation to assistive technology, and more. For Daniel, it meant a return to something that mattered most: horseback riding.

Applying was simple. “There’s paperwork, of course,” Susan says, “but it’s nothing compared to what most systems make you go through. And they respond. They care.”

In 2021, Daniel began riding once a week at Walnut Grove Farm. This year, thanks to continued funding from Achieva Family Trust, he rides twice a week—and the benefits have been profound.

“His balance has improved. He can give commands like ‘turn left,’ ‘trot,’ ‘stop.’ He actually listens and pays attention to his trainer— something that’s very hard for him in other environments,” Susan explains. “The woman who works with him is amazing. She’s patient, calm, and she just gets Daniel.

A Moment in the Spotlight
Last fall, Daniel reached a milestone his family once never imagined: his first-ever horse show at the Harrisburg Farm Show. For Susan Shaffer, the moment was emotional—not because of competition, but because of what it represented.

“This isn’t just an activity. It’s something he worked toward. He practiced. He’s proud of himself.” Susan says.

The family attended the show quietly, watching from a distance so Daniel wouldn’t become distracted. “If he sees us, he’ll focus on us instead of the horse,” Susan laughs. “So we stayed in the background—but we were so proud.”

For Daniel, the horse show wasn’t about ribbons or recognition. It was about mastery, trust, and joy— proof that with the right support, he can do hard things and shine.

“For Us, It’s Huge.”
Daniel’s needs are extensive, and costly. After rent and basic care, he has only about $180 per month for everything else—from medical expenses to personal needs. “The trust makes all the difference,” says Susan. “Without it, we couldn’t do this. We’re retired. His sister has needs too. This funding makes horseback therapy possible.”

The program at Walnut Grove is also incredibly affordable—just $30 per session, compared to up to $85 elsewhere. “It’s not just a program, it’s a community,” Susan adds. “And Achieva Family Trust is part of that community.”

Looking Ahead
Each December, the Shaffers reapply to the Charitable Residual Program, and each year they are grateful for the support. Susan takes comfort in knowing that if she and her husband are no longer able to advocate for Daniel, his community home can continue applying on his behalf.

“It gives us peace of mind,” she says quietly. “There’s something there for him. Someone who sees him.”

Thanks to Achieva Family Trust, Daniel isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving. With every ride, every command, every moment of joy on horseback, he’s building confidence, skill, and a stronger connection to the world around him.

About the Charitable Residual Program
Established in 2005, the Achieva Family Trust Charitable Residual Program has distributed more than $14 million in support to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and $2 million in just the past year alone. The program funds a variety of needs that aren’t typically covered by insurance or government programs— helping people like Daniel live fuller, more independent lives.

Grants are awarded quarterly to eligible people with disabilities in need throughout Pennsylvania. Disabilities include developmental, physical, or mental health disorders. Common requests include home and vehicle modifications, technology, camps and recreational supports.

To learn more or apply, click here or contact Jennifer Stoyer, Community & Charitable Trust Coordinator, at 412.643.4845.