Project
The Animal Connection Program for Adults with Special Needs
ORGANIZATION
Florida Rescue Ranch
Location
Vero Beach, Florida
Florida Rescue Ranch is a 501(c)(3) organization that rescues horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, and other animals in need and provides them with a forever home.
The Rogers and Waterhouse Foundation awarded the ranch $10,000 to create, implement, and evaluate a prototype program called The Animal Connection Program for Adults with Special Needs.
Adults with special needs visit the ranch on “farm days.” They participate in farm chores and also are partnered with rescued animals to engage in meaningful interactions that enhance the lives of both the participants and the animals.
This unique program is especially significant because it is designed to be replicated. The stages of the program are fully documented, and we are happy to share the details with other qualified organizations interested in implementing a similar program, furthering the wellbeing of both humans and animals throughout the United States and worldwide.
To volunteer, participate, or learn more about the ranch, please contact Florida Rescue Ranch directly.
Visit Florida Rescue Ranch
Areas of impact
Increased confidence and awareness
Adults with special challenges interact with farm animals to enhance their confidence and awareness through carefully monitored interactions with the animals.
Reduced social isolation
Farm days create opportunities for a fun outing for the adults and provide connection, engagement, and community involvement in a supportive, nature environment.
Animal enrichment through interaction
Rescued horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, and other animals benefit from consistent, respectful human engagement.
Scalable community model
The program fosters community collaborations and demonstrates how rescue organizations can expand their mission to include inclusive programs for adults with special needs.
A model for rescue organizations
The Animal Connection Program demonstrates how a rescue organization can expand its impact beyond animal care alone.
The Florida Rescue Ranch built this program into its existing rescue environment. Adults with special needs participate directly in ranch life, working alongside animals who have been rescued.
Because many rescue organizations already have animals, space, and a mission centered on care, this model offers a realistic path for them to adopt similar programming in their communities.
Organizations that help adults with special needs become aware of how partnering with animal rescue organizations to provide farm days can enhance the lives of the adults they serve.
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