2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Friends of Laporte Farms Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Education

Mission: Our mission is to provide a safe environment for all. Regardless of age or ability to interact with animals. While enjoying nature and bringing lifetime memories.

Community Stories

36 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

cstraley Client Served

Rating: 5

03/24/2025

This farm has been a treasure for our sanity the past 7 years. We come multiple times a week and my kids have attended camps here. They love the animals and being able to visit a real life farm whenever we want to. I hope this place never leaves!

Charlie1966 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

12/28/2024

This little farm in Sebastian Florida is a wonderful asset to our community. Laura takes in unwanted animals and she has a very large variety of different animals that are well taken care of. There’s all kinds of events for different age groups within the community. I took my son there when he was younger and my friends children and now that my son is grown, I still visit with the animals and they also have food. That’s very inexpensive to help give the animals snacks so it’s a fully interactive Farm. The people that work there are very friendly and the owner. Laura is always out there greeting people I highly recommend visiting La Porte Farms.

Dizzy1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/25/2024

Amazing people and wonderful critters! I am also part of it. I am a helper. My favorite is the camel!

WandaSFelix Client Served

Rating: 5

08/10/2024

Ms Laura and LaPorte Farms was one of the First Partnerships that our Nonprofit Team Success Enterprises Inc formed! There’s is no person on earth more dedicated to serving her community along with the 5 star care given to each and every animal on the farm than Ms Laura! She has proven along with her dedicated staff that disabilities can’t stop you from making dreams come true! There isn’t a time that I’ve spoken to Ms Laura that she is thinking of ways to improve the Farm! Her latest is to have a live camel for the manger scene this yr ‘24. Please visit and donate so that she can see another Dream turned into reality!!

hank2024farm Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/03/2024

I have volunteered for several 501c3 organizations since moving to Florida in 2005.
I had never been to La Porte Farms until January of this year. I took a walk around the place, and was just so overwhelmed that I decided to commit to their mission.
Laura has been over the top with all of the projects and continuous improvements.
Then we get to the care that is given to the vast array of birds, and animals. There is careful attention paid to their health and welfare. The animals are very approachable and love to be loved.
There are also many activities for children and the staff is amazing with their upbeat attitude and professionalism.
I look forward to every day that I go up and work at the Farm. Wish I would have found it sooner.

mkatie0422 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/03/2024

My 2 and 3 year old had a blast! They loved seeing all the different animals and loved feeding them! This is where they had their first pony ride and the horse Joker was so gentle and so nice! My kid’s favorite animal was the dancing bird who kept showing off for them! Definitely a place to go! We can’t wait to go back!

grandad General Member of the Public

Rating: 1

07/02/2024

We took our grandkids there at Christmas and they saw Santa come in on his horse and were real excited. Jordan rode the bull and did a great job. They talked to all of the parrots too.

ctcoskren Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/02/2024

I fell in love with LaPorte Farms in November, 2014 when I visited frequently. I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the farm, the diversity of animals and all of the programs Laura LaPorte (owner) provided for not only her community but guests from other cities, states and even countries. The farm was such a fabulous place to visit and spend time with the animals. I ended up volunteering there to help with morning feeding, school field trips, fishing derbies, holiday programs, special needs programs, weddings, birthday parties and a “Back to School” celebration that is second to none providing supples to children getting ready to return to school. Laura and her team always go above and beyond to provide a venue that is perfect for such a variety of functions. There is no admission fee, only relying on donations to help maintain the farm and the animals.
Laura is always adding to the farm with new animals, activities and programs. Considering all of the many attractions I’ve visited in Florida, I honestly believe that LaPorte Farms is by far one of the best. When folks ask for recommendations of places to visit in the Indian River and Brevard counties, I quickly have to share visiting LaPorte Farms. It’s the perfect destination for all ages.

bmanna03 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/02/2024

SUCH an amazing farm. Went on December 23rd to celebrate my mother’s life after losing her several years ago. Me and my family had an absolute blast!! My daughter took a special liking to feeding Mabel, the dairy cow specifically. (As shown) Such sweet animals and amazing staff! Such an amazing variety of animals and fun activities as well. All the gorgeous decorations made the place feel like a Christmasy winter wonderland! Definitely will be returning for all holidays ☺️

FloridaPhoto General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/02/2024

I work as a photojournalist for a local newspaper and visit LaPorte Farms often for content and stories on their farm and events that they hold. I am never disappointed and so are our readers of the paper. The Family, employees and volunteers that run the farm are on top of their game when it comes to their animals and guests who visit. They are forever expanding the farm and creating environments for all walks of life, including humans. In just two weeks, they will be building a Veterans Reflection Pond on the property. They have watering spots for guests who bring their dogs and other pets throughout the facility. They also do a lot of kid friendly event like the upcoming splash days for summer and every large holiday like Christmas and Halloween. I cannot recommend it enough to everyone. Also, the Farm is open 7 days a week and is free to visit, but they really exist off donation boxes around the farm. Please donate generously to keep them open!

jahannan2003 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

LaPorte Farms is a fantastic destination for families looking to have a fun day out. The farm offers a variety of wonderful family events and is also a great venue for parties. Mrs. Laura, is a pleasure to work with and ensures that every visit is enjoyable. It's clear that she is dedicated to make very experience unforgettable for visitors, she has recently added new attractions to the farm. LaPorte Farms is not just a place for entertainment but also a valuable member of the community, constantly contributing to making it better. I am looking forward to visiting the newly upgraded bird area and would highly recommend LaPorte Farms to anyone looking for a great family-friendly outing.

kidskids Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

My kids and I often visit Laporte Farms but this year I put my son in spring break camp and he had an amazing time. He was beyond excited. He enjoyed so much that we are definitely doing it next year. He has Autism not severe but has his own struggles, ADHD plus other health issues. I was confident this camp was going to be good for him and I was so right. He did things independently even picked eggs and did other activities and he had a blast. Laporte Farms always has a special place in our hearts.

Tonia0815 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

Great place... family friendly... the owner is kind and friendly, staff are very responsible and kind. Animals are so much fun.

Camphummingbird General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

We love Friends of Laporte Farms! Laura the owner is a huge benefit to the community! We enjoy spending holidays, attending events, summer camps and more at Laporte Farms. The animals are always fun to see as well as staff and volunteers. This is one of the top non-profits of the area by far!

abolitionist Client Served

Rating: 1

07/01/2024

LaPorte Farms is a spiritually healing place.

The energy lift it gives is tremendous.

Can't wait to go back.....

gwenrt Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

This place is truly a gift to our community! Not only is it a little piece of paradise with an array of well cared for and loved animals (horses, camel, zebra, birds and on and on) it is a testament of what woman’s vision can do and the impact it has on children and adults alike that visit.
Ms Laura is no stranger to hardship, being confined to a wheelchair, yet that hasn’t dampened the imagination and enthusiasm that went into making this farm. The events she holds often range from Special Needs Hoedowns, school giveaways, fishing tournaments and the amazing Christmas display each year. All she wants in return are the smiles on the faces that visit and a donation to help keep things going for future visits.
She is truly a force of nature and has given our small community,and beyond, a place of beauty, acceptance, learning and so much more.

Previous Stories
3

General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

Hidden gem! Such a great experience for families and always something new to benefit the community.

hwhitehead5 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

We loved visiting Laporte Farms! I took my kids during their lady bug release event, and it was just such a fun experience. They have a variety of well loved and cared for creatures, all so beautiful to just look at or even interact with. The staff were all very kind, welcoming, and informative. We will be going back. They have so many exciting events they plan as well! Everything kid friendly. I can't say enough. It's such a great place.

serrynawolfe Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

This little farm is a hidden jewel in the town of Sebastian, FL. They have so many different animals, both farm animals and exotic animals. And you can get up close and personal with just about all the animals there. You can pet Skippy the Kangaroo, or pet Fergie the Camel, or pet George the ring tailed lemur. Its one of the only places in Florida you can pet and feed a Zebra named Baby Girl. They have pony rides and a train ride and several affordable animal encounters where you get to go in the enclosures and interact with with the animals with the supervision of the keepers. And there are rabbits and ducks which roam free on the property living their best lives. They also have spring break and summer camps and events going on all throughout the year. This is one of the best places to take children and animal lovers! I highly recommend!!

heather321 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

Every time I went to the farm it was a peace place to see feed animals and do some fishing and horses you can ride

MsLatteda General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

Laporte Farms is a great asset to Indian River County. Laporte Farms does the community a tremendous job for all they have to offer. Thank you Laura LaPorte for all you do.

HelenaGrapsy General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

What a wonderful beautiful place to visit. My students loved it and I can’t wait to bring my grandchildren there this month. The interaction with the staff volunteers and the animals is priceless ❤️

Exitwounds General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

Friends of Laporte in Sebastian is a hidden gem for anyone seeking a welcoming and community-focused environment. Nestled in Sebastian, this place exudes warmth and charm from the moment you walk through the gate. The staff are exceptionally friendly and passionate about their mission, which is evident in the quality of service and care they provide. Whether you're here to for the animals, browsing through their unique thrift store finds, or participating in one of their many community events, you'll immediately feel like part of the family. Friends of Laporte isn't just a place to visit with the kids, it's a place where connections are made, stories are shared, and animals are enriched. It's no wonder locals and visitors alike rave about this wonderful establishment—it truly embodies the spirit of community and compassion.

bigdave1976 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

Been to Laporte farms for years and such a great non profit which is so family oriented❗️

lesliebdavid General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

Wonderful little gem for all ages!!! Kids love to feed/pet the animals. Love what they do for the community!!! Will be back!

Jfoster90 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

Where to begin!! I found this place by word of mouth from others! We went out checked it out about 4 years ago when my son wasn’t 1 yet! We fell in love with the farm and the staff. We met Laura and she told us her story, very touching and such a sweet loving lady! We now have a daughter and she is 2 and loves the farm and has been going since she was newborn. This farm is so much better than the zoo. My kids prefer the farm over the zoo and we live closer to the zoo but love the farm so much more! We tell all of our friends and even strangers with little children and some people that just love animals about this farm. We visit at least once a month and they have events we like to attend too! This is a must see in person to see why my family love this farm. Where else can you go that is family friendly and affordable and you can feed the animals and ride a pony or train ride for the littles? Definitely a must see. You go once and you will go back again and again.

Karenc25 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

We love visiting Laporte Farm on a regular day or for a special event. One of our favorite events is when they had a reindeer for their Christmas event. It was unique.

maria.machado General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2024

We love visiting LaPorte farm. My son is 16 months old and we have been visiting since he was born. We go weekly to learn about animals and it is his favorite place to visit. I’m very grateful to have such an amazing place so close to my house. Everyone is so friendly and all the animals are so adorable.

1

kayleT Client Served

Rating: 5

11/24/2023

The volunteers and owners are so sweet. They always have little child size bits of information to share that make our adventure oh so much more educational. We have done field trips, fishing days, community events and adjust plan visit the farm days. And all of the memories are so special. We love seeing the zebra, visiting the little library to trade out books and sometimes there are Baby bunnies. Bring ca$h for pony rides and animal food.

jillxh General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/09/2023

I was having my 92 year old friend come to visit for a few days and I needed a travel chair and a shower seat. I was able to borrow both from La Porte Farms and they were so helpful! A few months later, my grandson came to visit and we were able to spend the day visiting the wonderful animals and touring the delightful farm! LaPorte farms is a hidden gem for all ages!!

skyesthelimit Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/01/2023

My first adventure to Laporte Farms was on Mother's day. I was scrolling through Facebook events and came across the kangaroo encounters event there and just had to go and the place was soooooo much more than I ever could have expected! As soon as I got home I visited their website then sent an email asking how I could volunteer and be part of this amazing and fantastic place. I finally found some where that was worthy of my time and talents. LaPorte Farms has so many beautiful animals that you get to interact with. A great adventure for people of all ages.

MSVB General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/11/2022

LaPorte Farms is a gem for our community, from promoting children's activities to their love for animals, and providing entertainment throughout the year!

2

Mike A.6 Advisor

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

Best kept secret in Sebastian Florida. LaPorte farms is always an amazing experience. The staff is truly Awesome! Laura is a true visionary and cares about her community.

3

Kstanton77 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

I love LaPorte Farms. I have been taking my kids out there for 18 years and they never get tired of going there. We love all the events that goes on there, and expecially how magical it is at Christmas time. If you have never been there your missing something great.

3

pastortrevor General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/19/2021

We have really enjoyed all that Laporte Farms offers to our community, both in education and fun! They are a blessing to the children and animals they care for! Our youth group loves to be apart of their chicken derby race each year, to help fundraise local support - Morning Star Church

4

HelpingHandsTC Board Member

Rating: 5

09/17/2021

What an amazing organization. LaPorte farms provides an amazing atmosphere for all occasions. Laura hosts events for every season. Truly amazing!

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