Elderly Outreach
Our visitation programs for the elderly seek to reduce anxiety, stress, and feelings of loneliness in older individuals. We bring gentle animals from the sanctuary to share their stories and provide enrichment for those living in care homes and suffering from physical and mental ailments.
At-risk Youth Program
​Animals have special abilities to connect with children in ways that people cannot. Because many of our barnyard residents have come from cases of neglect and abuse, children who have experienced similar situations are able to find common ground with someone they can trust. Children learn about emotions by listening to the stories of the animals and are taught how to relate to others and how to deal with emotions such as fear, shame, and anger. 

By helping with chores around the sanctuary and interacting with the animals, young people develop confidence and a sense of self worth. They directly observe animals who have overcome difficult pasts and move forward with new hope for the future. 
Special Needs Visits
Blackberry Creek was always meant to be a sanctuary for humans as well as animals. The quiet (except for animal greetings) and peaceful setting of the forest property allows visitors the space and freedom they need to enjoy the outdoors and interact with the animals. Kindness is the message of the day as we introduce children and adults with special needs to our special animals. George, the three-legged golden retriever, Nutmeg the blind turkey, and Sally Sue, a hen who had the top portion of her beak removed in a factory will relate to people who have experienced challenges in life. We offer hope and encouragement and a sense of responsibility during our visit. We allow our guests to interact with the animals, brush them, feed them, and talk with them in hopes that they will leave knowing that they matter deeply and that they are capable of caring for others and showing and receiving love. 
Public Education
The two primary goals of the sanctuary are to rescue and rehabilitate animals and to educate people. As such, we believe that the general public's awareness of animal issues is the number one way we can make a difference in the lives of farm animals both now and in the future. Our visitor days, outreach events, private tours, and school visits all teach awareness, compassion, and responsibility and encourage people to take a stand for animals with every choice they make.
Student Leadership Program - Coming Summer 2017!

Stay tuned...it's going to be awesome!