Good afternoon from Haven Acres, everyone!

We realize that all of our volunteers and participant families are eager to know what we are doing this year for Haven Acres with the unexpected issue of a worldwide pandemic going on. We will be attempting to personally call and visit with each one of you individually, but for now a mass email will have to suffice in order to get the information out to everyone as quickly as possible.

We have spent time in prayer, have met with our Haven Acres Board of Directors, have taken into consideration Jenifer’s nursing knowledge and experience, have consulted with quite a few other similar ministry ranches, and have reviewed the governor’s guidelines for outdoor recreational facilities prior to making our decision.

We understand that Haven Acres is an exciting and important part of your summer plans, and we truly are privileged to be able to provide this service. With that being said, however, it is our top priority to protect the safety and well-being of every person that steps foot on our property. Not only are we dealing with a very contagious virus situation, we are also just beginning a building expansion and arena expansion project at Haven Acres which creates a safety risk for visitors. In regard to COVID-19, disinfecting the ranch is next to impossible and social distancing is not compatible with safety around horses, therefore, Haven Acres will NOT be opening one-on-one sessions June 8^th. The Board of Directors unanimously agrees that we should not host traditional sessions for at least the first 6 weeks. The week of July 20^th is the halfway point of the summer, so we will reevaluate the situation near the beginning of July and will update everyone as decisions are made.

Though we know this is very discouraging news, we are earnestly trying to figure out some ways we can reach out to each of our participants and volunteers in the coming weeks. We are considering some virtual horsey visits, “drive-by” visits, or weekly Facebook Live updates of the ranch. We will be sure to contact participants and volunteers and when activities are being offered. We hope you understand that it is our hope to resume programming as soon as possible.

Please keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram, and our website for updates. Also, we are asking whomever is able to donate one can of Lysol spray or disinfectant wipes to the ranch to help supply us with the necessary tools when we are able to reopen. If each one donates one, we should have enough, but we currently are unable to purchase these items in the quantity needed. If you’d like to donate, feel free to drive up and leave it on our front porch. (2820 245^th St E Hampton, MN 55031)

Finally, be on the look-out for the Spring newsletter. It is due to arrive in your mailboxes in the next 2 weeks. There’s an exciting story in there about a God sized blessing to Haven Acres! You’ll want to hear about it!

Thank you all for your patience! We hope to be in touch soon!