Slater Family Farm Outreach awarded $10K grant for Belonging Barn

Slater Family Farm Outreach recently announced it received a $10,000 grant from the Community Ohio Fund to be used for its Belonging Barn.

Marybeth Slater said their farm outreach program has been a dream of hers for as long as she can remember.

“Growing up, animals, especially horses, helped me through some pretty intense anxiety and depression, and I wanted to share that same sense of comfort and healing with others who may be struggling,” Slater said.

Slater said she has family members with autism, ADHD, spinal muscular atrophy and strokes.

“With my background as a home health care provider, rehab director and physical therapy assistant, helping and caring for others has always been a passion of mine," she said. "I especially enjoy thinking outside the box and incorporating physical activity and work into fun.”

The mission of Slater Family Farm Outreach is to enrich mind, body and spirit through positive and creative animal-assisted services and to give access to those in the community who may not otherwise have the opportunity. They strive to promote an inclusive, faith-based therapeutic environment for participants and their families.

Slater said the total cost of the Belonging Barn is estimated to be $23,000.

“This grant gives us a strong start toward making this dream a reality,” she said.

The barn will be an accessible space where animal-assisted services can be provided.

“Until now we have mainly been mobile, taking our farm animals to schools, medical facilities and community groups so everyone could be included,” she said.

Their farm has gravel and grass that makes it difficult for anyone with mobility issues to enjoy the animals.

“The barn will be located along the driveway and will feature an accessible walkway," Slater said. "Inside, families and small groups will be able to engage in hands-on activities such as feeding and caring for animals, playing with our bunnies in Bunny Beauty Shop, giving Winston the pig a bath and exploring our animal imagination stations in the sensory area.”

The barn also will have a sharing library.

Slater said donations are always welcome to complete the barn. They can use monetary and in-kind donations such as lumber, gravel, concrete work and wood fence posts. They also will need sensory items for the barn and are hoping to add solar lights for the pathway.

For questions or to make a donation, call or email Slater at 740-323-6178 or marybeth.slater@slaterfamilyfarm.org. Donations also can be mailed to Slater Family Farm Outreach, 17421 Township Road 278, Coshocton, OH 43812.