Connecting Humans, Animals and Plants with the goal of Healing, Building Compassion
The Sanctuary, a 501c3 non profit, will rescue animals from abuse and neglect, rehabilitate them, and help them trust and heal people in return. Professionals certified in Animal Assisted Therapies will provide therapeutic interventions specializing with adults and children with disabilities and those with a history of trauma or abuse. The Sanctuary will also engage individuals in horticulture therapy, gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve therapeutic treatment goals.
We moved to a farm…
The Sanctuary was founded in 2018 by me, Alona Yorkshire, because of my conviction that animals can heal those who need it most. I have been informally rescuing animals my whole life, while having a “real job” and becoming a foster parent. I am a Behavior Analyst and primarily work with adults with disabilities. In this position I saw the incredible healing that animals bring to their lives.
Again, informally, I started exploring the world of animal assisted therapies. Then, I became a foster mom to an intensive treatment kiddo who could only hold it together when he was around animals. Through these experiences, I saw that we had to formalize a place, a sanctuary where we could spread this healing to others. So we moved from our Hollywood home to a farm in Santa Clarita. And here we are. Please follow our journey as we learn and establish ourselves in the rescue and therapeutic communities.
Mission: Our mission is to provide a therapeutic sanctuary connecting humans, animals and plants with the goal of healing, building compassion and respect between all sentient beings.
Vision: In the Sanctuary, we envision a world free of cruelty and abuse where humans live in harmony with nature, utilizing its healing powers, and caring for all living things.
Rescue and Heal
The Sanctuary takes in unwanted, abused, or neglected animals and helps them heal through medical and therapeutic interventions. We help our animals trust people and in return they heal us. All of our animals will live our their lives at the farm knowing only love and care.
Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic intervention that incorporates animals, such as horses, dogs, cats, pigs, and birds, into the treatment plan. It is used to enhance and complement the benefits of traditional therapy.
Animal-assisted therapy can be a useful intervention for individuals or groups. A meta-analysis of 49 studies reporting on animal-assisted therapy found positive outcomes and overall improved emotional well-being in those with autism, medical conditions, or behavioral issues. Another review of randomized, controlled studies found that animal-assisted therapy can be helpful for those battling illnesses like depression, schizophrenia, or addiction.
Horticultural therapy (also known as social and therapeutic horticulture or STH) is defined by the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) as the engagement of a person in gardening and plant-based activities, facilitated by a trained therapist, to achieve specific therapeutic treatment goals. The visual aesthetics of plants are known to elicit feelings of inner peace, which generates positive emotions toward a meaningful appreciation of life. Direct contact with plants guides the individual’s focus away from stress enhancing their overall quality of life.
To support us check this link https://www.sanctuaryaat.org/support
Come help out and be healed
We desperately need help with animal care, animal socialization, simple construction projects, and cleaning. If you are interested in volunteering at the Sanctuary, please email me at alona@sanctuaryaat.org or text me at 323-607-9539
Monthly Volunteer Days
Check the dates on our facebook site.
We have an amazing group of like minded individuals who have been invaluable to our start up. We would love to meet you and share our vision for a cruelty free world.
Birthdays, Baby showers, Corporate parties, Anniversaries, Retreats
The Sanctuary offers a perfect, fun, rustic and romantic outdoor setting for your event with all the comforts and amenities you may need. Great for kids’ birthdays, movie nights, and other special occasions!
$300
Available
All inclusive package includes rental and all of the above for up to 30 people including children $600 ($1000 value)
Outside Rentals
Many people get jumpers from outside vendors. We have worked with and recommend Magic Jump Rentals (they also have cute farm themes). Book directly with other vendor and please notify us – we can help decide on sizing and placement.