My Nonprofit Reviews

I have been following this organization for a number of years after learning about it prior to the pandemic. The work they do to educate youth in such a unique setting is really important and impactful, especially in this day and age where both kids and adults are glued to screens. The power of a tall ship and the magic of the ocean, combined with real-world learning experiences and opportunities to really use your brain... almost sneaking it in because it's exciting and fun.... this experience can't be beat.

Plus, the fact that the organization focuses on providing this experience to youth who don't necessarily have opportunities like this is a beautiful thing... even the kids who DO have opportunities on the water benefit from the immersive on-board activities, since it gets them off of screens and forces them to figure things out without technology. I love that they provide opportunities for the general public to take part as well, because we all need more chances to be present, be one with nature, and give our bodies and brains a work out. I wholeheartedly encourage you to check them out. (Even if you're like me and you get sea sick... Dramamine is your friend and works wonders. Trust me!)

I have been volunteering for the Gentle Barn in California weekly for 2 years and visited for 2 years as a guest prior to that. On top of that, I drive about an hour each way in Los Angeles traffic to get there and back. So obviously I have committed a lot of time and energy to this organization. I also work full time as a marketing director in the nonprofit industry. I wouldn't devote this much of my life to an organization I didn't believe in with all my heart. I love the animals and the people there, which is why I do that.

On top of that, I respect most of the ways they choose to run the place. No one, whether an organization or person, is perfect, and I understand that not everyone agrees with how one chooses to do things... there are things I might do differently in some cases. That's just life. But as someone who is intimately aware of the inner workings of this organization, they have nothing but the best intentions, and I truly respect and appreciate how they choose to approach saving animals, treating animals and people, and educating the public: gently. Everything is done gently and without judgement. A majority of the animals come from horrific situations, and they help these animals heal on their own time with respect, care and love. As volunteers, we discuss weekly the best and most gentle way to approach various situations we may encounter. We celebrate wonderful moments, and we truly care for the animals and people who come there - from staff to volunteers to guests.

As a marketing professional, I choose to actively follow their marketing outlets, which gives me a better and deeper understand for the inner workings and daily activity of the organization at all three locations. On top of the public guests who visit, they work with special needs children, as well as children from the inner city, giving them a different perspective of the world through the animals. They also give back to the inner city kids and their families during the holidays, and I was able to participate in this event this past year. This is all something truly needed in the world right now - teaching/showing kindness, compassion and gentleness - especially to kids who haven't been dealt the best hand in life.

In regards to the volunteer who commented about volunteering in Tennessee, the organization is on rented land at that location and is at capacity for the animals they can save. In fact, all the locations are at pretty full capacity, so while they can't regularly save animals, they do have a referral service for those who contact them. California sees guests in the hundreds each week for a location with more animals, so the fact that they do limit the guests who can attend is Tennessee shows that they are appreciative of guests versus number of animals.

As for Dudley, he truly changed the world for the better and made an impact on people around the world. If he was in pain, they did something about it. They spent a tremendous amount of time, money and energy caring for him, since he had special need with his prosthesis, and he was one of the most amazing, lively yet gentle animals the world has ever seen. He meant a lot to so many, including thousands who never even met him, including me, and we were heart broken when he unexpectedly passed away. I know that those who knew him intimately were completely devastated. The idea that they were raising money as a memorial to him to find a permanent location for his Tennessee family was the most beautiful and perfect tribute I could ever think of...

Thank you, Ellie, Jay, Kiera, Michelle, Andrea and so many others for devoting so much of your life to caring for these animals and children, educating the public, and teaching the world to be more gentle.