Scatter Joy Acres is a little slice of heaven nestled into a wooded area on the edge of the city. It’s a place for kids, families, and animal lovers of all ages. We have visited many times over the years and love bringing new friends to experience the joy that we have found there. We always bring some veggies or fruit to share with the animals. It’s a great place to bring a group for a community service outing too. They love any help they can get and will quickly set you up with a task or two for your group.
Scatter Joy Acres is, indeed, a place of rescue and a journey to peace. I came here about a year and a half ago (although it seems much longer), and the minute I drove around the corner and saw the ranch I felt simply like I was home. I love everything about the ranch. The other volunteers are amazing and great to work with, the animals are my dearest friends, and the feeling of peace whenever I am there is so very comforting. And being able to see the joy on people's faces as they interact with the animals is SO worth the work!
Joy takes care of her animals like they were her children, and she has built this ranch with the only intention of serving others and giving God the glory.
I would recommend Scatter Joy Acres to everyone, young and old. There are so many things to do, and you are benefitting all the animals and people that are affected by you coming to visit or donating.
Review from Guidestar
This is a one of a kind place as far as I'm concerned. Ive been to several animal rescues but none of them focus as much on the healing aspect that animals can provide humans. Scatter Joy welcomes everyone...no matter what their background. The animals there are so special. This is definitely one of my favorite places to go!
Scatter Joy Acres is quite possibly the most honest, down to goodness place, on earth. The love from the animals and for the people is genuine. Joy Bartling, Ranch Owner, is one of the hardest working women I have had the pleasure of meeting. Cristi Starling, Volunteer Coordinator, will make sure you are taken care of while you are helping out SJA. All walks of life are welcome and everyone makes you feel comfortable! Visit soon! Scatter Joy Acres won't disappoint!
My daughter, who is an animal lover, discovered Scatter Joy Acres this summer. She started volunteering as often as possible and has fallen in love with the animals and the ranch. She's asked if we could move closer to the ranch so she can be there more often!
I found this place over a year ago to volunteer at and it has changed my life. Whether I am taking the animals on visits to assisted living, and other facilities, or going on traveling ranch trips, or just visiting with people who come to the ranch, I see every day how the animals also change others' lives. Joy has made it her life mission to help others through her animals and the outcome is nothing short of awesome. The animals are deeply loved and they in turn share that love with people and children in need which leads to a peace and serenity that is amazing to witness. All it takes is one visit and you will be back.
This is a fantastic place! I've never been to a sanctuary where the animals are happy to see humans! You can tell the animals are well loved and cared for, clean and content! Wonderful place to spend the day with friends and family, with your small admission supporting a humane cause! Joy is a amazing lady!
The ranch is my happy place. On one hand, volunteering there has such a Joy and I have met so many wonderful people. The atmosphere is amazing all your worries go away. Joy's love for the animals is contagious. The mission of SJA is wonderful. Seeing the joy on children's faces is amazing I've seen disabled children thrive at the Ranch they do such good work. IF you have never been there you should go you will not be disappointed.
Scatter Joy Acres is a magical place that does so much to help people of all ages and backgrounds. Their animal therapy programs are amazing. Joy's passion for animals and people is contagious. I would proudly recommend a visit to SJA and encourage anyone to volunteer with a this wonderful Organization. You will get back much more then you give.
Guy Rudloff
Not only have I had the opportunity to meet animals and help them, but I've made wonderful friends with the staff and other volunteers. The mission of the ranch and work they do is amazing and it's a wonderful thing to be a part of.
Joy is the most humble person I know. she has done so much for churches, schools, and the community. She has even taken a teenage foster child into her home. This child has been through the same struggles as Joy ( this teen wishes to stay anonymous). She also does an after school program for Northwest and teaches them about the animals. Joy is the most inspiring person to me and she makes me want to do more for the community and maybe later in life I can help the world.Thank you scatter joy acres!!!!!
The ranch is our happy place. On one hand, volunteering there has such a ripple effect. Knowing that the buckets you are preparing will not only feed an animal who has been rescued, but in turn, that animal will be bringing comfort or laughter to a lonely senior or disabled adult. Another ripple is watching over youth that are at risk, learning the honesty of hard work and loving acceptance from the animal they are helping care for.
But also, being there ministers to our entire family's stressed, aching hearts. For our disabled son, when he has a critter in his arms, for that moment, he is needed rather than the one needing help. For our teen struggling to balance growing up and staying young, there's a listening ear who won't spill his secrets. For a mom with too much on her place, its a place to push life's worries and responsibilities to the back just for a time. Because, for that moment, just a moment of respite, all is well.
What an amazing place. SJA does so very much with so very little. They need support. The animals are well taken care of and loved. They are so nice to be around and so kind to the people they serve. It is incredible to see the way they interact with those in need.
Like a little piece of countryside hidden in the city! What a terrific place to get away, and spend a little time recharging, or showing your kids what nature is all about. Go out and see the animals for yourself. You won't regret it.
The animals are well taken care of and the people running the place are great. I found two of my favorite animals there when I paid them a visit early on Thursday morning. Bear the 8 month old Long Hair Giant Terrier, and Zebediah the camel. Bear is up for adoption and if I could have taken him home that morning, I would have, but my dog would have hurt him.
