KIDRON, Ohio — Everence members from Northeast Ohio recently spent a day landscaping an area outside the SpringHaven Counseling Center’s new equine assisted counseling arena near Mount Eaton.

The volunteers planted evergreens that will help protect the confidentiality of clients receiving counseling services.

They also created a waiting area for clients outside the arena with pea gravel and pavers. “It’s a much nicer area now for clients waiting for their equine sessions,” said Mark Leinbach, executive director of SpringHaven.

SpringHaven Counseling Center offers a variety of types of therapy, including equine assisted counseling focused on clients working with horses.

In addition to the volunteer labor, the Northeast Ohio Everence member chapter contributed $2,000 to buy supplies for the landscaping project.

The local member group also is supporting Lighthouse Ministries in Canton’s Affordable Christmas project, which offers parents of at-risk children a chance to buy gifts for their kids at a reduced price.

Everence members will purchase and donate children’s gifts, and the Northeast Ohio member chapter also is donating $1,000 to Lighthouse Ministries for the project. Gift ideas are available at Everence offices in Kidron (4136 Kidron Road) and Hartville (1221 W. Maple St.).

Gifts are being collected throughout November at both local Everence offices. Everence will deliver the gifts to Lighthouse Ministries.

The donations and volunteer work are part of an Everence chapter grant program that provides assistance to local organizations and causes. The grants are made possible when members purchase many Everence products.

Everence helps individuals, organizations and congregations integrate finances with faith through a national team of advisors and representatives. Everence offers banking, insurance and financial services with community benefits and stewardship education. Everence is a ministry of Mennonite Church USA and other churches. To learn more, visit www.everence.com or call 800-348-7468.