Farm to foster

Fostering learning opportunities for families to grow and thrive

When stumbling across 20 acres of land in a small town just across state lines, the ideas for what could be done are endless. Maybe putting your dream herd of cattle in the front pasture with the greenest of grass or simply enjoying the view while drinking your morning coffee. But for the Pierce family, their first idea was to give back to others.

When Bill and Doris Pierce, Southeastern Electric Cooperative (SEC) members, became foster parents in the state of Texas, Doris Pierce discovered the profound needs, methods and care required for foster children. She also realized those who care for foster children need significant support. When moving into a farmhouse that sat on 20 acres in Hendrix, Oklahoma, they knew they had the “canvas” to start a nonprofit to help those in foster care.

After slowly adding horses, small livestock and other farm animals to their property, as well as a vegetable garden, FarmAndFoster was finally established.

“We wanted to help more than just one child, and more than just one family caring for a foster child,” Doris Pierce says. “So, the dream of a larger place where more foster children could play, learn and begin the long journey of overcoming their trauma was born.”

FarmAndFoster is a charitable organization that offers the children and families an experiential learning opportunity that allows them to connect, learn and play with farm animals and participate in food and gardening programs. Doris Pierce says discovering children’s individual gifts can assist in the healing process and prepare them for life.

“Through our own experiences as well as my research it is clear that foster children are at high risk of negative outcomes unless they find healthy, stable connections that help them re-learn to trust and begin the healing process as they learn to overcome their trauma,” Doris Pierce says.

  Farm animals such as horses, donkeys, sheep, goats and chickens offer unique ways to help aid in building trust. Activities such as brushing a horse, feeding carrots to a donkey and holding a chicken offer practical ways for children to discover new things about themselves and the world around them.

Doris Pierce says her goal is for every animal to have a story, and to establish a connection for each child to relate to. Planting and working a garden can show children that their efforts bring rewards, or creating art, another activity that is offered, can give outward expression to how they feel and see their world.

The Pierces’ daughter, Lily, is in awe of her parents. From their work ethic and their desire to reach people to how gracious they are for allowing her to learn beside them. 

“I know the horses the best and will be sharing a little slice of them with children and families,” Lily Pierce says. She will oversee anything dealing with the horses, such as events, therapies, basic care, horsemanship and riding opportunities.

FarmAndFoster’s goal is not only to draw foster families to the animals and gardens, but to bring the community together. 

“Just talking about our plans has seemed to touch a cord with friends and neighbors,” Lily Pierce says. “We have had so many that have told us they want to volunteer or contribute.”

Christina Christiansen, SEC member and neighbor, contributed Pearl, a Nigerian Dwarf goat, who has had babies since arriving at the farm. Christiansen and her family plan to volunteer when they can. Christiansen has observed many benefits of the program, which engages a variety of people of different ages. 

“I hope this becomes a nationwide practice,” Christiansen says. “Where you can address therapeutic needs within a community, while integrating farm life, teaching practical skills and using animals and land in a very therapeutic way.”

The future is bright for FarmAndFoster, fueled by hopes, plans, contributions and community support. While the current facilities accommodate therapeutic events involving animal care and gardening, the organization has plans to expand.

“We want to build a center on the premises where therapists and counselors can conduct their therapy inside this nurturing environment,” Doris Pierce says. The center will include small counseling rooms, meeting rooms, stalls for horses or newborn animals and an indoor arena for horseback riding or activities during bad weather conditions.

The goal of these expansion plans is to improve the lives of foster children and families, providing a safe place for them to visit, teach practical skills and discover unique strengths, interests and gifts.

Overall, the Pierce family hopes that foster children and families will continue coming back, as they gain confidence while learning to overcome obstacles and forming a connection to nature that will offer hope and healing. Most importantly, they hope that others who have a heart for foster children will draw inspiration from FarmAndFoster to find their own way to give back.