About
A Founders Message Back To Top
At The Gentle Barn, we save the lives of animals who are too old, sick, scared, or injured to be adopted, and who would otherwise be euthanized. We rehabilitate them with veterinary care, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, music therapy, energy healing, animal communication, nutritional supplements like Sun Chlorella and Puremedy, and lots of love.
We give the animals sanctuary with us, and when they are ready, we partner with them to help people suffering from the same stories of trauma, and connect people to the love and magic of animals. The Gentle Barn is host to foster agencies, drug and alcohol rehab centers, war veteran centers, domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, children’s hospitals, burn centers, and individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and grief.
We host private tours, field trips, gentle birthday parties, a literacy program, Cow Hug Therapy®, Equine Therapy, and Turkey Cuddle Therapy sessions where people can find strength, healing, and hope with the help of our animal ambassadors. At The Gentle Barn, we stand up for the innocent, remind them that they matter, and raise future generations to have reverence for all life, protect our planet, and bring us all closer to peace on earth.
We believe that this is the most exciting time to be alive because, as individuals, we have the power to make change. When we are armed with the right information and forge deep connections with all living beings, we can create a gentler world for us all.
We are grateful for your support. The best way to help is by making a donation, sponsoring an animal, or sponsoring a group to come to The Gentle Barn.
Thank you so much for your support!
With gratitude,
Ellie & Jay
A Brief History Back To Top
Ellie Laks founded The Gentle Barn in 1999; it was a dream of hers since she was seven years old. Animals were always very healing and nurturing to her as she faced the challenges of growing up, finding herself, fitting in, feeling understood, etc. She majored in special education and psychology, and with her special love of animals and children, The Gentle Barn was a perfect way of putting all her talents and passions into one.
Jay Weiner joined The Gentle Barn in 2002 as a volunteer, but fell in love with the place and the two joined forces to heal even more children and animals together. Like Ellie, Jay also turned to animals for the support, love and nurturing he needed as a child.
The Gentle Barn started on a half-acre property in the middle of the San Fernando Valley, CA. In 2003 Ellie and Jay moved The Gentle Barn to a six-acre paradise in Santa Clarita, CA. The property is complete with large horse and cow pastures, a red and white barnyard for the smaller animals, an organic vegetable garden, lots of shade trees, and a panoramic view of gorgeous mountains. There are nearly 200 animals that are safe and happy at The Gentle Barn, and there is plenty of room to welcome their visitors and the children they host.
The Gentle Barn has a second location in Nashville, Tennessee. Since its inception, The Gentle Barn has saved thousands of animals and been host to over 1 million people.
Our Board of Directors Back To Top
Financial Statements Back To Top
The name THE GENTLE BARN and the THE GENTLE BARN logo with the silhouette of a cow and a child on a grass field in a circle are registered trademarks of The Gentle Barn Foundation.
