Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/90756
family and even their future careers. As the sanctuary grows, and additional successes with traumatized and at-risk children are noted, she hopes to work more formally with youth, ideally within medi- cal settings. Heartland has also expanded their ar- ray of educational opportunities to reach the general population. Groups of children frequently arrive on class fi eld trips to learn about the animals and hear lessons from sanctuary staff that emphasize compas- sion, such as: "While we may look differ- ent on the outside, we are all the same on the inside." And because it's not always possible for a donated barn space—and in the fl urry of changes, Barre began to refocus the sanc- tuary's mission as well. Her new effort? To use the sanctuary to heal at-risk and trau- matized youth. "My real goal," she confi des with a smile, "is to one day become a research center that studies the therapeutic human and animal bond." Today, there are just as many—if not more—humans who seek refuge on the farm as animals. While 2011 was a year of growth, 2012 has been a year of expansion in outreach and community involvement. Partnering with local social service agen- cies, Heartland often hosts small groups or individual children who come for a life- changing dose of a day on the farm. Th e "work," or type of animal interac- groups to travel to the barn, the sanctuary also offers a "Farm on Wheels," through which a select group of Heartland resi- dents visit locations within the commu- nity. For some children, it may be the fi rst time they've ever interacted with a farm animal up close—an experience many fi nd rewarding. "Most of the time the kids connect with a specifi c animal," Barre says. "Th ey often follow up with phone calls, wanting to know how the animal is doing. Sometimes they ask their parents to send donations to help with the animal's care." Th e children aren't the only participants that benefi t from and enjoy the various programs that the sanctuary offers. "Th e animals love the attention," Barre says with a grin. But even as their efforts become more tions provided, depends on the child. An abused child, for example, might focus on building trust while handling a gentle animal. Over time, the child's self-esteem can be enhanced by the experience of pro- viding care to a creature who reciprocates with affection. A group of juvenile delinquent youth, in contrast, might be tasked to collectively solve a problem related to animal care. "Lola hates to have a harness put on," Barre explains, gesturing to a pot-bellied pig happily nested under a pile of straw and blankets, lifting the stack rhythmically with each contented breath. "We asked one group to fi gure out a reliable method to strap it on her." By taking care of animals, Barre says the children learn about inter-relational con- cepts in a very tangible way. "We talk about what the animals need, and how to relate to those needs," she says. Th e goal is for the children to transfer the lessons they learn to their world outside the barn—into relationships with friends and 60 BRAVA Magazine November 2012 well-known, Barre notes that raising enough funds to keep the barn maintained is an ongoing focus. Th us far, Heartland has been able to continue its work through the donations of outside contributors and Barre's own sizeable investments of time and money. And though she has never col- lected a salary for the work, Barre is just as determined as ever to keep Heartland moving forward. "If people came out here," she contin- ues, "and met the animals, if they saw and felt the space…our mission would become clear." As she describes the future that she envi- sions, Barre is enthusiastic. Her gaze moves from resident to resident throughout the conversation, resting periodically on a furred or feathered animal with clear af- fection. She tells their stories intimately, as if they were her own, and takes clear pride in the success of the farm's efforts. "I know that what we have works," she says. There are many ways to become involved with Heartland Farm Sanctuary. Visit heartlandfarmsanctuary.org for more information.