2024 Annual Appeal

Dear Friend,

As I sit down to write this letter, I am filled with profound gratitude and a renewed sense of hope for the future. Just a few short years ago, in the midst of a global crisis, our appeal to you was both simple and urgent: we needed your help to keep the lights on in our barnyard and the flame of hope alive in the hearts of those we serve. In those uncertain days, you rallied alongside us. Your support kept us strong.

Thanks to you, ANT has not just survived—it has flourished. Since that time, we have grown from reaching hundreds to serving over 5,000 individuals each year. We have built programs that serve 12 different schools, make over 50 annual visits to assisted care facilities, and launched a new initiative to address acute mental and behavioral health needs through Equine-Assisted Therapy.

But our journey is far from over. This year, we’ve partnered with Whatcom Hospice and Hospice House to bring comfort to bereaved families. We are joining hands with Lydia Place to provide a safe, supportive space for women facing incredible challenges. And we are exploring partnerships with the juvenile justice system, inspired by a vision to provide transformative opportunities for youth. Each of these partnerships is a testament to our commitment to healing, connection, and resilience.

As ANT has grown, so has our purpose. In a time when divisions seem to grow ever wider, we believe in building bridges—connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. This past year, we have joined forces with incredible organizations in Whatcom County, including Vamos Outdoor Project, Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center, Max Higbee Center, Community Links, SeaMar Visions Youth Treatment Center, WTA, the Dispute Resolution Center, and many more. Together, we are proving that compassion and community can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Today, I am reaching out to ask you to join us on this journey forward. By making a gift to ANT, you’re not only supporting programs; you’re investing in healing, hope, and a vision of a better tomorrow. Your generosity empowers us to reach thousands more, to lift up those facing life’s deepest challenges, and to remind each person who walks through our barnyard gates that they are not alone. A gift to ANT is a gift to many!

With your support, we will continue to grow and be a source of light and connection in our community. Together, let’s shape a future that is rooted in kindness, resilience, and possibility.

Thank you for being part of the ANT family. Your support means the world to us—and to every person who finds hope in our care.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Jaime Arnett
Executive Director
Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT)