Mad Hatter Farm In Harlem Creating a Wonderland For Local Kids
As an animal lover, I was delighted to discover Mad Hatter Farm recently. If you haven’t heard of it, this 25-acre farm in Harlem provides a safe haven for neglected and surrendered animals. But they also are a safe place for children who have special needs or who have medical difficulties. The children can visit and experience farm life in a way that is comfortable and healing for them. Suffice it to say: Mad Hatter Farm really matters!
A Safe Haven
While they’ve recently stepped away from rescue, the farm does provide permanent sanctuary for a multitude of horses and donkeys. They also have a few pigs and a goat. So there are lots of opportunities for the children to get up close and personal with many different animals. The Mad Hatter folks have been known to load up some of the animals and bring them to children who can’t make it out to the farm!
Cassie’s Care Farm
Owner Jill Marier states on the website that seeing the positive changes in their biological, adopted, and foster kids who had various medical issues but responded tremendously to interacting with the animals on the farm made them want to create a space that was a safe haven for the animals. In addition, they wanted it to be an interactive experience for kids who typically spend a great deal of time either in the hospital or homebound due to their medical issues. In 2023 they opened “Cassie’s Care Farm.” It was named in honor of the terminally ill foster daughter that they took in as a baby. Cassie may have passed away at only 2 years of age but she inspired a beautiful act of remembrance from her foster parents.
You Can Help Too
As anyone who cares for animals knows, keeping them healthy and fed is a colossal feat daily. With the economy in the state it’s been for the last few years, donations are down. But the need for quality feed and hay and veterinary care for all those animals never stops. The farm is in constant need of donations to feed, house, and rehabilitate the sick, injured, elderly, or just unwanted animals in their care. They provide comprehensive medical workups for all the animals. This includes vaccinations, bloodwork, deworming, dental care, hoof care, chiropractic work, and everything in between and it can get costly!
If you’d like to help support this wonderful farm sanctuary you can check out their website to donate to their mission. Or stop by the shed store at the front of the property at 1602 Hinton Wilson Road in Harlem. In the store, you’ll find soaps, body butters, and essential oils as well as natural laundry products and other homemade goodies. All purchases support the farm and make it possible for the Care Farm to continue providing such a loving environment for children and animals alike.
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