SALI's Farm provides a safe haven for at-risk children and rescued farm animals to bond, learn and heal with one another. Young children who have experienced or witnessed violence attend SALI's Farm and engage in animal assisted and horticultural activities. Our farm program is rooted in the realization that one of the most common components of violence is a lack of empathy. Caring for animals and plants teaches the children empathy, non-violence and that all living being deserve to be loved and cared for. Our goal is to break the cycle of violence.
2011 / 2013
SALI has received a very generous offer from a local farm to use their facility and partner with their animals. The children care for donkeys, horses, chickens, roosters, dogs, cats and nature. The children also have a garden plot for horticultural activities. We are humbled by this couple's philanthropy. The first two groups of children attended the farm in 2011. Six groups of children will be attending the farm in 2012.
Our goal is to build our own farm in 2013
We require 10 acres of farm land, a barn and a small cottage. Please email keryn@sali.ca for more information
It takes a farm to help heal abused children and abused animals
The farm will provide children who have experienced violence firsthand with an opportunity to become part of a nurturing series of meaningful relationships. The children are paired with a SALI's Farm volunteer. The children plant seeds that grow into vegetables and flowers; they care for animals who become trusting companions; and they learn to accept friendship and guidance of caring adults. Animals stimulate the children's curiosity, watchfulness, wonder and admiration. A child that is shown how to lovingly and gently care for an animal and nurture a plant in the garden will learn that all living things have inherent value. At the farm, children benefit from the extraordinary child/animal bond.
Photo Credit: Klutch Photography
Photo Credit: Klutch Photography
Photo Credit: Klutch Photography
