Letter from the founders

Thanks for being part of all this!

We are so grateful to have ARK Farms in our lives, because it truly serves its purpose – Restoration!

Sal and I walked through PTSD therapy when one of our children suffered a traumatic attack as a five-year-old by older school kids when we were living overseas.  The therapist recommended finding a barn with horses since equine therapy is a well-established method of recovery for people who have experienced trauma.  We were amazed as we watched our little one find courage and strength through work with these incredible animals.  When we moved back to the U.S. we discovered that the traumatic memories resurfaced when we put her back in school.  Her psychiatrist said, "If you can get her to some horses, she has a good chance of staying in school".  The doctor was right, and now she is clear of any PTSD markers, is an honor student and a leader in her school, and works with people who have adverse life experiences. 

We further discovered the power of farm life after I was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition that required brain surgery.  The surgeon gave me 3 weeks to live and said that even if I survived, so much damaged had already been done that I would likely never walk or talk again - and yet here I am. Much grace has been poured into our lives.  In the midst of my incapacity, and leading up to my surgery, I sat in a lump on the ground trying to be present for my kid as she was preparing to ride her horse at the barn where we boarded.  Suddenly I felt a warm breath on my cheek, and a protective covering over me. It was Lily, her horse, guarding me and letting me know that I would be alright.  That connection took me so far into my recovery by building my courage and allowing me to feel connected and meaningful. 

Only two years later we found that Sal would be losing his job due to a company buy out, and in that process of using medical insurance while we still had it, the doctor found a tumor the size of his fist under Sal's breastbone.  In the hospital recovering from having his chest sawed open, we asked, "Ok, God, what is this all for?"  That’s when a weird set of miracles began to unfold. In just the most timely way, a piece of land came on the market listed as .25 acres near our family home. But something wouldn’t let me rest until I had clicked the link for that piece of property. I did, and it turns out that the advertisement was a typo; it was 54.25 acres.  The next day we saw the land and it was perfect for a farm.

Now ARK Farms is home to horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, cats, turkeys, and sheep - all of whom are rescues themselves.  Since 2015 we have hosted groups needing restorative time including families, other non-profits serving at-risk or life-challenged people, and young people from everywhere in the community who need a place where they can thrive without competition, stress, or fear.  Learning to care for rescue animals allows the human to experience connection and become a hero, but we also teach our farm "heroes" to work with the land in conservation and sustainability projects. We collect and restore all kinds of metal, wood and non-renewed resources to make new useful objects like garden boxes or chicken housing, teaching people how to use materials that they would otherwise throw away to make beautiful, beneficial new things.

Whether it is a family in challenging situations, a young person at the crossroads of life, or a person with a trauma or disconnection, everyone can find meaning and connection through working with life on a farm.  Nothing is without hope and we can all be restored.  Our animals’ stories are beautiful, and through learning how to help them, people grow hope and a new chance at life for themselves. Through rewarding farm work and the care of rescued animals, people find courage and confidence, and reconnect in a powerful way with their world. 

During this season of figuring out a new normal with Covid-19 in our world, ARK Farms is allowing only previously trained staff and volunteers to help at the farm. Summer training programs are on hold until we are certain that we can safely conduct training without contributing to community transmission of the virus. Fewer than 8 of us are on the farm at the same time, and we are taking extra precautions such as wearing masks and gloves to reduce exposure.

In the meantime, rescue is ongoing, and help is needed to keep the more than 100 animals healthy and the farm in good shape. In addition, honey bees are busy at work and our first honey harvest is fast approaching. Building and repair projects are underway and those beautiful green pastures need lots of mowing. We still need donations to keep all of this going, and your support is immensely appreciated. Please consider the value of ARK Farms in this community, and join us in building life together!

-Abby Mauwong
Executive Director, ARK Farms