The Gentle Barn: Celebrity Supporters

The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit 501©3 corporation. It was founded in 1999 by Ellie R. Laks and is now run by Ellie and Jay Weiner, who joined forces in 2002. Ellie and Jay had similar childhoods where they both felt alone, unseen and misunderstood. For both of them it was from animals that they received their attention, friendship, and unconditional love. Having been saved by animals it was their dream to have a place that allows children to be supported and healed by animals like they had been. Ellie and Jay live on the property with their three children.

Ellie and Jay see their 130 rescued farm animals as teachers, healers, friends and hero’s. Every animal at their place has been rescued from horrible abuse, neglect, and loneliness, and yet they have all survived using forgiveness, trust, love, and courage. These are the qualities that Ellie and Jay strive for on a daily basis, and that they teach the children that visit The Gentle Barn.