Our mission is to enrich lives by promoting the unconditional love and healing of the human-animal bond while advocating for animal therapy standards of excellence. |
|
2020 certainly has been pushing us to be creative in spreading the SOUL. In Q2, we were able to have volunteers start coming back for limited training and help with feed/clean. The herds staycation came to an end and we started getting more handling and training in trying to be ready for whatever may come our way. We are not sure when we will be able to resume visits, but we are making sure we are ready.
In looking at our calendar, things came to an abrupt stop in March - no training, visits or fundraisers. Needing to figure out a way to keep engaged with our community, the herd discovered they could still spread the love and joy they are use to doing but thru technology.
Thru Zoom, Facebook Live, distanced drive by and visits, meetings with local agencies/businesses, and training, we racked up 68 activities in Q2. The Daily Herald even came out and interviewed Jodie & Jerry regarding the virtual visits we were starting.
We have worked with past partners like Abilities Expo, who felt the show must go on, and filmed a spot for their virtual expo. In looking to keep our herd engaged, we developed an Animal of the Week on Facebook which not only showcased one of wonderful therapy animals but also educated you about the breed and their personality. Every Friday on social media you can find our Friday Funny which features one of the SHR Therapy animals and the silliest joke we can find. We also have a regular Facebook Live on the Ranch on Fridays at 5 pm cst.
The barn is getting more organized and things are finding their places. With the awesome grant volunteer Claire initiated with Home Depot, the barn is so welcoming to volunteers, visitors and as well as helping to keep things in order for the herd. We are looking forward to when we will be able to host more activities at the barn so we can show it off.
We are all in the same storm and doing what we can to bring joy and healing to everyone who crosses our path. As with most businesses, we are heavily impacted by having to cancel fundraisers and have seen a reduction in grants awarded. If you can, please consider a donation to help us keep doing what we do - Sharing Of Unconditional Love.
We are so glad we can continue to share the herd and their healing with you. Please take a peak below of what else we have been up to.
|
|
In Q2, we had 30 Zoom Visits with organizations such as NWSRA, NISRA, Transitions, Julie Weiss & STEM Class, Marklund, BHS Foundation, RISE at Judson College, BYFS - Say Yes to Kindness, Adams Jr. High Virtual Field Trip, Phenix Legacy, JCFS Foster Care Staff, Academy South, Dundee Crown High School, Mercy Home for Girls & Boys, Crystal Lake Library
|
|
In Q2, we had 13 Facebook Live sessions on Friday at 5pm cst. Everyone is getting a peek at the 10 miniature horses, 4 miniature donkeys, 3 therapy dogs and 2 big horses hanging out at the Ranch. Never know if Garth and Stitch will entertain us with their tricks or see a donkey walking around with a hula hoop. Whatever everyone is doing, we are keeping engaged with not only our local community but internationally as well. |
|
In Q2, we had 11 visits, including 8 to the Community Meal on Thursday's at St. Matthew's Church in Barrington. We were social distancing visiting as cars were driving thru to pick up prepared meals for the community.
We also were able to participate in drive by graduation celebrations as well as a socially distanced visit to a couple of Ray Graham group homes.
|
|
We can not thank our volunteers enough. They are always looking for ways to keep the herd of SHR engaged. There is always someone who can pick up/drop off blankets to be cleaned, clean stalls, put together raffle baskets, and countless other activities that keeps the herd taken care and the programs of SOUL Harbour Ranch going. |
|
|
Thanks to the Barrington Area Community Foundation for choosing our nonprofit as the 2020 “Best Use of Volunteers” $3000 grant award winner, which will pay for all of animal therapy teams to become registered Pet Partners Animal-Assisted Crisis Response teams.
What does it mean to be an AACR team? Special courses ensure psychological first aid training for registered animal therapy teams in case of crisis. It a crisis occurs, our experienced therapy teams will be deployed in our community by Pet Partners to provide sharing of unconditional love.
Looking forward to announcing more registered handlers getting registered in Q3.
|
|
Congratulations to Jodie w/ Marshall and Mary w/ Mystery on being the first to be registered Partners Animal-Assisted Crisis Responders. |
|
Thank you to some special friends! |
|
 |
Donations come in all sizes and this was a BIG surprise... as in 155 bales of gorgeous green grass hay! HUGE thanks to Phil and Lori Mattick Elo for this incredible surprise gift in honor of their 30th Anniversary.
Lisa Byrne, we loved meeting you and we all love your beautiful green hay, especially our herd!
And once again thanks to all our volunteers who came out to help unload and stack the hay.
|
|
|
|
Special thanks, you know who you are, for an anonymous donation of enough fans for every stall. Our wonderful volunteers, like Russ pictured, were able to install them so the herd can stay nice and cool during these summer months.
Another thanks for a fan goes out to Gary & Missy Schwendinger for donating the mega fan we use in the aisle on those especially warms days. Horses, donkeys and volunteers appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
Programs & Partnerships of SOUL Harbour Ranch |
|
Upcoming Events & Ways to Help |
|
Join Nicole for a beautiful 90 minute virtual restorative yoga workshop utilizing props on Friday, 8/28/20.
To Register: www.justbewithnicole.com, create login, go to Workshops and select Good 4 the SOUL. Will receive Zoom link after payment.
|
|
Who wants to hug our sweet CreamPuff, Barrington’s most beautiful miniature unicorn?
|
|
Every $25 donation gives you a chance to win this Texas Griller. Want a grill that does it all? Look no further than the Char-Griller Texas Trio Gas & Charcoal Grill. This grill is equipped with a gas grill and a charcoal grill in one unit and comes with a Side Fire Box for Texas-style smoking. This rugged and attractive grill also features a warming plate and a large storage shelf underneath. With a 55 burger capacity, a heavy-duty steel construction, and a powder coated finish, this is the ultimate Texas style smoker.
Winner will be drawn on our Friday Facebook Live at 5 on Friday 9/4/20. Go to Facebook to donate.
|
|
Check out some of our videos, features and virtual visits from Q2 |
|
22093 N. Countryside Lane
Barrington, IL 60010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
