About thirty miles north of Los Angeles there is a barn where wonderful things are happening.
The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita offers a home and rehabilitation to farm animals that have been severely abused and neglected. They work to rehabilitate the animals and to give them a loving environment where they can flourish.
The Gentle Barn also works with at risk youth and children who have been abused. The Barn brings in inner city kids and at risk youths to teach them positive values and build self esteem by connecting them with the abused animals. As stated on their website, "Our unique treatment philosophy rehabilitates animals and connects their stories of survival and healing to the personal experiences of at-risk and special needs children who have suffered physical, mental or emotional trauma...Through the interaction with our animals, the children learn forgiveness, courage, strength, leadership skills, trust, empathy and kindness."
Anyone can volunteer to go to the barn and help take care of the animals. You can also visit or hold parties there in exchange for a donation to the farm.
This is a beautiful example of some lovely folks building community and bringing love to all walks of life.
To learn more about
The Gentle Barn visit their website at TheGentleBarn.org
