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What Does Green Chimneys Do?
Green Chimneys strives to reach students emotionally as well as academically while building relationships between families, children and the animals on the farm. They involve students in daily farm activities, caring for the animals, plants and other wildlife. The teachers and other workers strive to reach both educational needs as well as emotional and mental needs through both a school and a social services program.
Those who work at Green Chimneys are dedicated to giving children the chance to thrive when previously they were unable to. These children may have learning difficulties, emotional or behavioural issues, or simply had extraordinary difficulties in their lives. Through animal assisted therapy, children are able to feel better about themselves, and build a hope for a future.
The director of the Farm and Wildlife Center, Michael Kaufmann, explains that “so many people today don’t have a chance to spend meaningful time in the presence of farm animals, wildlife and even plants. Green Chimneys makes just this kind of experience a reality for children”. In total, the programs at Green Chimneys reach 3,500 children and families each year.
The farm houses more than 200 animals that need to be fed and cared for on a daily basis. They are always accepting volunteers to help with every aspect of farm care including mucking out stalls, feeding the animals and other chores. They also have a list of volunteer options that allow opportunities to those who are interested in helping out in other ways. There are also internships and job opportunities for those who are interested. Jennifer Garner - Dec 2008
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