Sunnyside Farms, Inc.

Sunnyside Farms is a robust non-profit based in the Shields Valley of rural SW Montana. Our mission is to combine innovative forms of experiential therapy that support the behavioral health, wellness, and quality of life for folks of all ages throughout our community. We specialize in early childhood learning, youth empowerment, suicide awareness/prevention, senior moments, cancer respite, and assisting people with an ASD by giving everyone a safe place to find peace and joy. We open our farm gates to allow for individual growth, empowerment and personal satisfaction in ways far from traditional counseling. Humans and animals parallel the path to happiness and health through mental wellness in a place where you can be who you are and feel good about doing it.  Our staff, volunteers, farm animals are here to help evolve basic concepts such as: mindfulness, empathy, empowerment, strength, skill, independence, and resilience so that people can relate to and discover their own life-changing experiences. At the farm, every moment of every day is about Happiness and Health through Wellness and Behavioral Health.

Amongst the myriad of programs, we offer:

1. Educational camps for children and their families;

2. A venue for local youth to learn responsibility, work-ethic, empowerment and accountability;

3. Retreats and special events for people battling cancer;

4. Programs for individuals with Down syndrome;

5.  A safe and accepting haven for people with special needs and mental challenges;

5. Group visits and camps for senior citizens; and

6.  Vocational opportunities for adults of all ages who seek to learn more about equine-assisted therapy, the equine industry (training, breeding, driving, riding, management), various veterinary techniques, animal husbandry, injury management, rehabilitation and recovery.

By giving through Give-a-Hoot, you can help us to:

1. Promote behavioral health and wellness through empowerment opportunities associated with the Norwegian Fjord Horses and farm animals at Sunnyside;

2. Provide impactful and educational farm-related experiences for those who are socially, emotionally, mentally and physically challenged in life;

3. Provide an organic venue for behavioral health and wellness for people living in rural Montana communities;

4.  Facilitate mental health for people at-risk through innovative strategies for wellness; and,

5. Provide economic and emotional relief for parents in rural communities whose children crave healthy outdoor activities, empowerment opportunities
and education through farm-based learning.

Testimonials

"Since relocating to the Shields Valley from Bozeman, Sunnyside Farms has been a staple for fun, adventure, learning and friendship for both myself and my young daughter. Sunnyside Camps have given my daughter the foundation for a lifelong commitment in leadership and horsemanship, and I couldn't think of a better offering for our small community and beyond. We feel so lucky to have this program in our backyard! " 

-Kate Lindsay, Clyde Park, Montana

"…As a nurse that sees life and death every day, I am truly inspired by your dedication to helping others. Not many people like you out there!"

-Kelly McGinley, Eu Claire, WI

"I had the pleasure of traveling from Southern California to Sunnyside Farm this past summer with the intention of my granddaughter participating in a camp there.  Her experience was so incredibly impactful. Among many opportunities she experienced, one was greeting and helping a number of elderly people from a retirement home. For a seven year old child to work with Wendy and her interns assisting these senior citizens to reconnect with the animals, nature and human connections was UNFORGETTABLE! Many of the seniors had not had such experiences for a very long time! My granddaughter helped  with handling the goats, bunnies, chickens, and dogs so  that the elderly could hold and touch these creatures! It was magical how these people came to life!  It was truly a life-changing experience for ALL OF US.  So many lives were inspired.”

-Judi Lemons, Rolling Hills Estates, California