I am Martine Rohlfing, founder of The N.I.C.E. Foundation (The New Initiative Community Enhancement Foundation), a visionary non-profit dedicated to fostering resilient communities through strategic revitalization and empowering initiatives.

Our inaugural and flagship project is “The Oaks Legacy Ranch,” a 43-acre property acquisition/ investment in Oregon’s picturesque Willamette Valley.

This proposal outlines how The Oaks Legacy Ranch will be transformed into a dynamic hub offering multi-faceted community benefits: high-quality educational equine programs, specialized therapeutic services for vulnerable populations (including autistic children and individuals with disabilities), and diverse community events.

A cornerstone of this venture, and a core mission of N.I.C.E., will be the creation of empowering employment opportunities for women facing hardship, particularly those enduring the prolonged and often devastating Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) determination process.

The economic and social impact of The Oaks Legacy Ranch will extend directly to neighboring communities such as Yamhill, Carlton, Newberg, Forest Grove, and McMinnville, boosting local economies and enhancing regional appeal.

While The Oaks represents a significant investment, the profound, long-term returns in community well-being and economic vitality are invaluable.

The Vision: The Oaks Legacy Ranch – A Hub for Healing, Education, and Regional Revitalization.

The Oaks Legacy Ranch will be more than just a property; it will be a sanctuary and a catalyst for positive change, operating under the broader mission of The N.I.C.E. Foundation.

Drawing upon my extensive experience in animal care, ranch management, customer service, and business, the center will leverage the unique therapeutic power of horses and the tranquil setting of the Willamette Valley to serve a broad demographic and provide significant regional impact.

☆Core Program Areas & Community Impact☆

Therapeutic & Adaptive Riding Programs:

Target Audience: Autistic children, individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, veterans and those recovering from trauma; from all surrounding communities (Yamhill, Carlton, Newberg, Forest Grove, McMinnville & around the PNW. Oregon, Washington, Idaho).

Activities: Structured equine-assisted therapy sessions, adaptive riding lessons, and groundwork activities designed to improve physical strength, emotional regulation, communication skills, and self-confidence.

Projected Impact: Annually serve an estimated 100 individuals, providing critical therapeutic support that enhances quality of life and fosters personal growth.

*This service is a vital, often inaccessible, resource for families across the region.

Equine Education & Horsemanship Clinics (Weekend Focus):

Target Audience: Aspiring equestrians, horse owners, and community members interested in learning about various horse disciplines (e.g., dressage, jumping, western riding, natural horsemanship ect.) from across the Willamette Valley and beyond.

Activities: Hosting weekend clinics and workshops led by experienced masters. These events will attract visitors, directly boosting local economies in surrounding towns such as Yamhill, Carlton, Newberg, Forest Grove, and McMinnville, through increased patronage of local businesses (restaurants, lodging, retail ect).

Projected Impact: Attract 500 participants per year for these clinics, promoting responsible horse ownership, skill development, and appreciation for equestrian arts, while providing a significant economic uplift to the surrounding towns.

Community Wellness & Event Hosting:

Target Audience: Local residents, businesses, and visitors to the Willamette Valley.-Activities: Offering diverse events such as Yoga/Tai Chi retreats amidst nature, local winetasting events (leveraging the region’s renown wineries), corporate team-building retreats, and special needs community gatherings.

Projected Impact: Host 20 events annually, fostering strong community connection, promoting local businesses, and providing a unique venue for gatherings that further enhance the regional appeal of the Willamette Valley.

Women’s Empowerment Through Transitional Employment:

Target Audience: Women experiencing significant hardship, particularly those navigating the prolonged SSDI determination process, unemployment, & homelessness.

Activities: Providing flexible, purpose-driven roles in ranch operations, event support, and administrative tasks. These roles will be designed to accommodate varying physical and mental limitations.

Projected Impact: Offer meaningful part-time employment to 10-20+ women annually, providing crucial income, skill-building, and a supportive community during an otherwise isolating and traumatizing period. This directly addresses systemic issues, offering dignity and purpose, with a direct pathway for referrals from N.I.C.E.’s broader social support initiatives.

My Qualifications & Personal Motivation

My three decades as a successful business owner have instilled in me a robust entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional customer service skills, and a deep understanding of operational management. I consistently paid my bills on time, my taxes and managed finances responsibly. Unfortunately an on-the-job injury in May 2021 resulted in the April 2023 closure of my business. I am prevented from “normal” employment, however, my passion for education, helping others, and bringing joy remains undiminished.

My personal journey through the SSDI system has been profoundly challenging—marked by unemployment, homelessness, bankruptcy, and a debilitating waiting period that stretched over two years. This firsthand experience fuels my absolute conviction that a program offering purpose and income during the inhumane determination process is desperately needed.

This deep understanding informs the core principles of N.I.C.E. and ensures that The Oaks Legacy Ranch will truly serve those in need.

This project is a direct manifestation of my desire to transform personal adversity into a powerful community asset, scaling that impact through the N.I.C.E. umbrella.

Project Phases & Funding Needs

Bringing The Oaks Legacy Ranch to life, as a core project of N.I.C.E., is a multi-phase endeavor requiring significant financial backing and strategic partnerships.

We are actively seeking grants, philanthropic sponsorships, and collaborative support for this vital community asset.

Property Acquisition: Securing The Oaks, a 43-acre ranch property in the Willamette Valley is the foundational step.

Tax Exempt Status: (501c3) Non-Profit Registration for The N.I.C.E. Foundation creates donor appreciation and is essential for grant eligibility to support The Oaks Legacy Ranch and other N.I.C.E. community projects.

For The Oaks

Initial Infrastructure Assessment & Major/Minor Repairs: Basic assessments of existing facilities and immediate necessary repairs.

Program Development & Initial Operations

Facility Enhancements: Upgrades to barns, arenas, pastures, and development of specific therapeutic spaces.

Equipment Acquisition: Purchasing necessary farm necessities, equine equipment, adaptive riding gear, general ranch machinery, and other needs.

Staffing: Initial recruitment for key operational roles, including program managers and those participating in the women’s empowerment program through N.I.C.E.

Curriculum Development: Formalizing therapeutic programs and educational clinic content.

Ongoing Sustainability & Expansion☆Diversified Revenue Streams: Implementing income-generating activities such as clinic fees, event space rentals (art, authors & wine nights, wedding venue, corporate events, petting zoo /meditation classes/Tai Chi classes/yoga classes, ect.) ensuring long-term financial viability.

Grant Cultivation: Ongoing grant writing and cultivating relationships with foundations aligned with N.I.C.E.’s mission.

Partnerships: Expanding collaborations with local schools, medical institutions, social service agencies, and community groups across the Willamette Valley.

Reinvestment: A significant portion of any income generated will be reinvested into N.I.C.E. funds to support further community improvements, including other N.I.C.E. projects like historical property revitalization.

Financial Projections & Long-Term Sustainability The Oaks Legacy Ranch will contribute to N.I.C.E.’s overall financial stability through a blend of earned revenue from programs and events, ongoing grant funding, and community donations.

Our operational model will prioritize cost-effectiveness and community benefit over profit maximization, aligning with our non-profit status.

The unique draw of weekend clinics will boost immediate local economies, while the therapeutic and employment programs offer long-term social returns.

The Oaks Legacy Ranch, as a pivotal project of The N.I.C.E. Foundation, represents a unique opportunity to invest in a project that offers profound healing, education, economic stimulation, and empowerment.

My extensive experience, coupled with a deep personal understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, positions me uniquely to lead this initiative.

We are actively seeking visionary partners who believe in the power of community, the healing potential of horses, and the importance of supporting individuals through adversity.

Your financial backing and expertise will be instrumental in transforming this dream into a tangible reality that benefits countless lives and strengthens the fabric of the Willamette Valley.

Through comprehensive investment, we will establish The N.I.C.E. Foundation as a formidable force for positive change in the region.

I am eager to discuss this comprehensive proposal further and explore how your contribution and organization can play a pivotal role in the success of The Oaks Legacy Ranch and the broader mission of The N.I.C.E. Foundation.

Thank you for your time and serious consideration,

Martine Rohlfing, Founder & Executive Director of The N.I.C.E. Foundation