Mission Statement
We are a voice for animals and children, those who can't speak for themselves! Official home of the Healing Herd..
We offer mentoring programs for kids in our communities providing a safe place to explore the beauty of a giving and receiving the unconditional love and respect through the animals. They will learn how to care for the animals, communicate compassionately while experiencing the gift of taking on and enjoying responsibility
Sessions with the "Healing Herd" for people addressing grief, bullying, illness, emotional distress, anxiety, fear and other challenges in life. Although we do not set a fee for these sessions, we gratefully accept donations or love offerings. Give what you are able to give, be it financial support, volunteering time, food for the animals, vet fees, farrier fees etc.
We are implementing programs this summer that will include character building, fitness, art, music, animal care, landscaping and farming.
Description
Hearts For Animals Wellness Center is a place for healing both humans and animals. We have several animals we have rehabilitated over the years and some who were raised from birth.
The H.F.A.I. Story:
Our Founder JoAnn Chisholm-Dueno began her journey with Foster Care at the age of 15 when volunteering for Lakeside Treatment Center, in Rhode Island. Lakeside served as a "home" for several children who were removed from their family situation due to parental abuse, neglect etc. and were at high risk. If they didn't fit into the traditional foster care scenario they were brought there. Ages 5-12 years.
JoAnn found that bringing the kids outdoors, introducing them to the wonders of nature was much more beneficial than sitting inside playing games or watching TV. Introducing animals into the equation created a safe environment for the children to love and care for another being without the fear of rejection, ridicule or physical harm. It is a beautiful thing to witness the healing that occurs when we just step aside and allow our animals to do their "work".
In 2005, JoAnn was certified as a Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for the State of Hawaii. Now called CASA.
"Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes. That's where CASA steps in. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was created in 1977 to make sure the abuse and neglect these children originally suffered at home doesn't continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system. As trained advocates, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. The result is that a child is placed into a safe, loving home where he/she can thrive. It is the CASA vision to provide a volunteer for each and every abused and neglected child who needs one."
The mission of CASA is to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courts. We promote and support quality volunteer representation for children to provide each child a safe, permanent, nurturing home. http://www.nationalcasa.org
Frustrated by the limitations in helping more children, and animals, JoAnn founded, Hearts for Animals Wellness Center.
