In this time of challenge and uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things.

“It has never been more important to hold small group sessions out here on the farm than in the time of COVID. In my many years of facilitating after-school sessions I have never seen our participants so hungry for connection, not only with the animals but with their fellow participants and staff. In this time of isolation, in many ways, we are fostering connection out here on the farm. We need each other now more than ever.” -Katie Rohwer, Program Coordinator & Instructor

There is no denying that 2020 has been hard on us all. The Washington State Department of Health has said that “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to strongly influence behavioral health symptoms across the state due to its far-reaching medical, economic, social, and political consequences.” But at ANT, we didn’t need official findings to warn us of the increase in mental and behavioral health symptoms; we have been fielding the phone calls from families experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation since March.

Our team is continuing to hold after-school sessions for youth in need and have expanded services to offer family therapy sessions as well. We continue to serve veterans, teens experiencing addiction, and we have partnered with the Whatcom Coalition for Environment Education to offer animal assisted social and emotional learning experiences with young people furthest removed from educational justice.

Every day we are masking up and going in. Every day we holding the line between the emotional impacts of COVID-19 and the people we serve. Today we are asking you to hold the line. For many families ANT is the ONLY option for mental and behavioral health services. And nearly 90% of the families we serve are low-income and attend on scholarship. We can’t do this without you!