HOWELL – A nonprofit farm nestled in Farmingdale is using the healing power animals to help those who are struggling with their mental health.
Angel and Jules Not So Ordinary Farm is a nonprofit focused on helping make the world around us better through fundraisers, food drives, and community events.
“My husband and I started our nonprofit in 2012 as a way to give back to our community,” Jules, the co-founder, said. “We focus on police and community needs. We help our local police departments. During the holiday seasons we would always take care of the community like do food and gifts for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
Jules explained how she always had a strong connection to horses, even before her and Angel open their farm.
“My grandfather trained horses and my mom was pregnant with me and riding, so it’s literally been a life long journey,” Jules said. “Horses are so therapeutic. They have the ability to heal, when you don’t even know it’s happening.”
“When we got our newest farm, we wanted to make it possible for people who are struggling with mental health, especially the young people, to have a safe haven and place to go where they can have a different experience. If they’re having trouble communicating or if they don’t feel that there’s anyone on their side. There’s something about being around the horses and being around the animals to helps you too draw that out,” Jules said.
“One of my favorite things that I say about the horses is, in the beginning you don’t have to speak. Horses are extremely intuitive. They are able to guage what you’re feeling and thinking without you saying a word. We find that someone who does have trouble communicating, who is struggling, who is feeling alone or hopeless, the horses really open them up and give them a place to feel safe and supported,” Jules added.
The nonprofit has programs for children. Kids come once a week and have school on the farm and learn about sustainability, and how to take care of the animals, and more. They also offer a summer camp.
Jules shared how one family has been impacted by the programs and how the farm has helped their kids.
“I was blown away. It made my day,” Jules said.
On August 31, Angel and Jules held a fundraiser along with the Brick Police Department to support the local youth in crisis. The money raised went towards three initiatives, Brick PBA, service dogs for veterans, and to the farm.
“This year we’re doing a donation to Brick PBA. They’re always very supportive of us,” Jules said. “We’re also working on their next service dog. We provide service dogs to local veterans in need.”
“This fundraiser will also help our program. We’re putting in an indoor area so we can help kids year-round,” Jules added.
This year, Angel and Jules plan on introducing a Christmas program where they open the farm to local youth groups in Ocean and Monmouth Counties and they build Christmas displays on the farm. The public will vote their favorite and the top groups would receive scholarships.
“It’s a way to bring the community together and bring awareness to the program,” Jules said.
To learn more about Angel and Jules Not So Ordinary Farm, visit ourfarm.world.
