My Nonprofit Reviews

It has been just about a year since I wrote my last review on this website for Serenity. We have seen a lot since then: The worst air quality in the history of the PNW; A snowstorm that forced those of us who could make it out to the center, to haul water and hay through foot deep snow, chip through ice in troughs and buckets, and do all the other everyday things we do for the horses; Endure record breaking temperatures already this summer; What's next?! Through all of this I have been proud to be part of the caring team of volunteers who help Patricia care for these lovely animals.
I've been there about a year and a half now and loved every minute. It is hard work, and I sometimes go home nearly exhausted but always satisfied and happy I was there. Patricia continues to be a wonderful mentor and a most incredible force in the operation of Serenity. The rapport she has with the horses and pigs is impressive and heartwarming. They see her coming and you can almost hear them say "Mom's coming!" I have learned the art of separating poop from shavings, the nuances of each horses' dietary needs, how to give love and receive love from them, and have the pleasure of watching Katie, our latest rescue, gain confidence and trust that she is safe. Katie is a beautiful big Thoroughbred mare who was abandon and left to fend for herself. She now shares a paddock with Ty and loves ‘chatting’ with the teenagers, Prophecy and Findley, in the adjacent paddock. All are happy.
I think it is fair to say that Covid-19 has impacted each and everyone of us one way or another. Serenity has felt it too. We were not unable to hold our major fund-raising event last year, which hurt and challenged us. But there is now light at the end of the tunnel, the event is coming up on Sept 11th and I encourage all who love horses to come out and join in the fun and spend some money! The horse will appreciate it. Volunteering at Serenity has been one of the most satisfying and selfless experiences I’ve had in a long time. I hope others will come join our team!

I first saw Serenity a few years ago when I was invited to a fund rising gala there. I fell in love with it then and said to myself "when I retire I want to be involved with Serenity". Here I am newly retired and working in the barn two mornings a week picking poop out of shavings, scrubbing water buckets, laying in new shavings, and loving every minute of it! These lovely animals are so wonderful to be around, one can't help but feel better for spending a little time with them. They ask so little of us and give so much. Patricia Clark and her team of volunteers have developed a magical place for both horses and pigs. Patricia has a very special way with these animals and I am enriched just watching the communication between her and each horse. Most of the animals have had tragic lives until coming to Serenity. There they find love, understanding, and safety. What more could any being need. I spent much of my early youth around horses and have owed a few. Yet, since coming to Serenity I have learned so much about horses, why they behave the way they do, and how I can interact with them that enhances both my life and theirs. I look forward to many years of involvement with this wonderful place.