Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation
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May 3, 2013
I volunteered with Serenity every week for four years. I also fostered a couple of their rescues and ended up adopting one. The long term volunteers were the most dedicated group of big-hearted people I ever met, and Patricia, the Executive Director, is one of the most passionate and committed people I know. The welfare of the horses in her care is paramount and the horses have always been taken care of no matter what. Educating the community is also very important, as that is where problems can be averted or nipped in the bud. The rescue has suffered from the economic downturn and has had to limit the number of horses in its care as a result, but I would like nothing more than to see them thrive through a timely injection of funds and/or resources. The only reason I am not still volunteering there is because I moved out of state.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
January 1, 2013
Being involved with Serenity Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation for the past 2 years has changed my life. Witnessing the dedication of the volunteers, the gratitude and kindness of the horses that are in their care, and the healing power of selfless compassion is something that our world could definitely use more of. Serenity and its tireless director, Patricia Clark, never give up. Having witnessed some tense situations with neglectful owners and the seamless and dignified way that Patricia handled both the animal aspect and the human, was something that the worlds diplomatic corps would be wise to note.
The horses welfare always comes first. Each and every Equine resident at Serenity is treated as a valued and loved family member. The culture at Serenity, of compassion and patience toward each and every horse, is what dictates the volunteer roster. The human Serenity Family members are as happy to be there as the horses. Amidst the laughter and fresh baked cookies that seem in constant rotation in the barn, there is some very dirty and hard work being done. Having spent over half my life around horses, I have never seen a barn kept as clean and stalls as immaculately spotless as at Serenity. On freezing cold days, the spirit of camroderie and community is strong.
Money is always tight, but we are blessed with a crew of helpful, enterprising volunteers, and have had some fantastic fundraising events that brought even more community members to our family. In the new year, the emphasis at Serenity, in conjunction with our rescue work, will be furthering Equine education. Informed horse owners and riders make better welfare decisions for their animals.
The other wonderful benefit of working with Serenity has been witnessing the radical transformation that some of our volunteers have undergone... sometimes at the same time as the horse that they are caring for. The therapeutic nature of animals is well documented, and horses are particularly suited to providing a warm and loving, non judgemental and always open haven to spill tears and heal.
Every day I leave the barn happy, dirty and exhausted... and looking forward to the next time when I can be there. Our oldest volunteer is 91. Driving her home after she spent the afternoon grooming 4 horses, and seeing the joy she felt, the shining coats of our happy horses and Patricia's gracious gratitude for the help was such an inspiring experience. I will never forget it.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 31, 2012
I am in my 40's, and had only been with out a horse in my life for about two years when I heard of Serenity from a friend who was helping out as a volunteer. Owning a horse just didn't fit into my situation at the time, as my husband experienced a catastrophic health event that devastated our finances.
Horses had been my escape and therapy since I was a child, not having that bond in my life created a void I desperately needed to fill, especially after tirelessly coping with my husbands illness and rehabilitation.
Serenity is not only a place where abandoned, abused or neglected horses can peacefully live and rehabilitate, but it is also a healing sanctuary for us horse loving humans to reconnect with the beauty that these amazing animals bring into our hectic lives.
After working as a volunteer at Serenity for a few months, I decided to get involved further and accept a seat on the Board of Directors. Working on the mission of Serenity has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It warms my heart to know that I have been directly involved in protecting and re-homing about twenty displaced horses that otherwise would have probably been sent to slaughter or unnecessarily put down.
The high standards of consistent cleanliness and compassionate care are evident on a daily basis, and obvious as all the horses appear and act healthy and at peace. Rescue work is often a thankless job, but thanks to our incredible volunteers , we push through each day as it comes and try hard to show appreciation for all who contribute to this cause. Like most non-profits, not all has been perfect; making a few mistakes and learning from them is how most organizations learn to thrive. We strive to constantly improve our operations while continuing to focus on our mission and goals.
The unfortunate state of the US economy has forced many horse owners to abandon their equine friends, some tried to hold out as long as possible, usually leaving the horses in poor health and condition. Serenity was founded for these exact types of situations, as well as others. We are 100% dependent on charitable contributions to continue harboring and healing horses in need of a safe place to live until we can find them a loving forever home.
I ask that anyone who has a passion for horses, and their well being, to please find it in your heart to help Serenity continue our mission. Every contribution helps no matter how big or small, and is greatly appreciated.
Michelle Cherewatenko, M-LMP
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 23, 2012
Serenity equine rescue is an amazing place. Its filled with hard workers that always put the horses first. The people there are very helpful, and the horses are well taken care of. Owning a rescue is a tasking job and I feel Patrice Clark does an amazing job with it, as well as all the volunteers that help keep it going. Overall serenity is a great place with fun, family, and mostly horses.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
December 21, 2012
Really dedicated to the welfare of the horses. All are well fed and the place is kept clean. The horses have the company of other herd members. They have space to move around and are not left in a stall all day long unless medically necessary. There are even two delightful pigs. The other volunteers range in age from the young and not so young, a fun group to work with.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
December 28, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Given my recent personal experience with Serenity and its purpose I'm disappointed in those people placing negative comments here. I'm more disappointed in those individuals hiding behind pseudonyms; kind of like showing up at a protest in masked costume. I really don't put a lot of trust in negative reviews from people who don't use their real name and conceal their identity. In a way, it epitomizes what is wrong worldwide and is just another false flag of sorts; in this case cloaked provocation on a worthy cause with intent to harm. I wrote a blog,"Dr. Jekll and Mr. Hyde", recently on this type of attack, which you can read on the following website: http://amusingcommunityperspective.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-are-pseudonyms/
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
April 24, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I am a current volunteer at Serenity and enjoy my time supporting their needs and programs. I have watched several horses be placed for adoption in just the last two months! I have participated in educational events, viewing firsthand the outreach and education that SERR offers to the community. It has been impressive to see the out pouring of volunteer support for farm improvements, equine development and the financial donations from our local community and sponsors. This organization is supported by dedicated volunteers willing to go above and beyond to help rescue and rehabilitate horses in need. I feel lucky I have found this group and will continue to support them for years to come.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
During the volunteer work I do direct with Serenity and their programs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would ask for additional volunteers to continue to help raise awarness regarding the services, programs and horses of SERR.
February 28, 2011
Completely agree with all those who said steer clear of Serenity. To clarify why the Board Members were not "doing their jobs", Patricia does not listen to or consult the board when making decisions. Most board members last around 6 months before jumping ship. Once they realize that they are partially responsible for the the wrong doing in the organization, they get out as fast as they can. People are treated poorly, there is no communication, horses are not cared for properly, and a lot of the "dirty secrets" are swept under the rug. Patricia uses money and resources for her own personal gain. She also spends rescue money on animals that are not rescues and never needed to be rescued. She and her breeding buddy have horses listed on the rescue page that are their own broodmares/foals that were bred by Patricia.
Furthermore, Patricia has had horses euthanized without consulting with the board. Some of them were healthy and were just gone one day. There are lots of secrets that will probably go to the grave with her. In addition, she gives adoptable horses way to family and friends, while charing ridiculous adoption fees for horses with health and behavioral problems or conformation defects.
The financials posted on Guidestar are another mystery. There are large sums of donated money that do not appear anywhere. Also, unless you are paying your mortgage and feeding you own 12 horses with the money, there is no way SERR could use up the funds on the small number of rescues they have on site. It seems Patricia pulled the amounts out of her hat.
The best part is when someone starts to ask innocent questions about legitimate SERR business. Patricia starts throwing insults and verbally abusing people. She also loves so send her "attorney" after the people who are there to help her.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the gut. I went there to help horses. In the end I needed to be rescued myself. The only reason Patricia wanted me around was because I brought in huge amounts of donations to the organization. SERR has completely ruined the name of rescue for me and many others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Stay away. If I could take back all the time, money, sweat, and tears I dumped into SERR I would!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
No
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A little
Will you tell others about this organization?
No
What is this organization's top short-term priority?
Collect money to pay for personal expenses.
What is its top priority in the long run?
To say they have rescued many horses and to look at all the good they do for the community.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
January 5, 2011
As a former volunteer and board member, I must advise anyone looking for a place to make a difference by donated money or time to steer clear of Serenity Equine Rescue. Just to start with, check their form 990 on this site. It says 2009, but is dated 2008 at the top right corner of the form. The top of the form claims to be Feb 2008 through Dec 2009, but it was signed in August of 2009 and the information is from 2008. Notice that now, at the beginning of 2011, there is still no sign of financial data for 2010.
Check out the details on this site - there are no financials disclosed aside from the 990 form.
There is no record of who the active board members are, which is no surprise as the board of directors for this rescue is a revolving door.
The place looks lovely on the surface and if you are just helping with chores, things seem okay. Once I got on the board, I started seeing how deep the issues went. They have great explanations for all the questionable bits. "We've already addressed that" or "it just happened" or "we need money".
Volunteers are expected to help care for privately owned horses in addition to the rescues and there are no provisions for separate storage of supplies for private and rescue horses. During my tenure on the board (seven months), I only ever saw one financial statement, and it was incomplete.
There were multiple oops pregnancies because a supposedly experienced horse woman did not have proper containment for the stallions on her property and allowed some mares to wander freely. Two horses sustained damage from barbed wire that was supposedly not on the property. An experienced horse woman to have put two lame mares with foals in the turnout closest to dogs that had previously come onto the property and threatened the horses. While the mares were in that turnout, the dogs attacked, driving the mares into the barbed wire.
Their website rarely changes and is never fully up-to-date. You have no idea how many horses are really at the facility, nor their condition. There is no listing of board members, no information about who is training these horses, etc. There are no financial reports to check.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Watching the executive director bring in horses faster than they could be rehabilitated and placed. She would bring in horses without board approval. She once said she could do whatever she wanted as long as she was putting her own money into the rescue. Almost none of the horses recieve training, some came back repeatedly because they were unrideable. I know of multiple preventable horse deaths on this property. Also of multiple foals born as a result of not have proper stallion containment.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Force the founder/executive director off the board. Reduce the total number of horses on the property from it's usual 30 to not more than 12. Reduce the number of rescues on the property at any one time to six. Require fully separate bookkeeping with monthly financial reports of both the private and rescue horses' expenses.
September 8, 2010
Serenity has been investigated, they participate in deceptive practices, and best to steer clear. I purchased a pony from Serenity. The pony had a previous fractured hip. It was not discovered until after we started him under saddle. The vet said he is a pasture pony. I returned him to Serenity with the EXPRESSED UNDERSTANDING that he would do more than that. I didn't ask for a refund. Now the pony is listed as "trained dressage pony" and is being sold under saddle with xrays. This was not the agreement I had with Serenity, and this pony should never be ridden. They do not keep promises and have deceptive practices.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Onsite.
More feedback...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
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