East Alabama Living Winter 2020

Photo provided by Storybook Farm
to children. “One day when I was folding laundry,”
remembers Dena, “the Lord brought the
name Storybook Farm to mind.”
It was perfect, as she had studied English
literature in college and loved reading. The
ponies and companion animals are named
after characters in literature.
The farm has grown from three ponies to 16
horses and from nine acres to a 51-acre farm.
The facility now serves 11 counties in Alabama
and Georgia. Last year over 1,500 children and
youth from two years old until early adulthood
attended Storybook regularly and benefited
from its equine assisted activities.
Children flourish at the farm as they
improve their physical condition and boost
their self-esteem. Programs are provided
without charge. “The families are under a
burden of medical bills and shattering situations,”
she says. “We want to be a service and
walk alongside these families and provide
this experience for them as a gift.”
In the 18 years Storybook has been open, no
family has ever paid a penny no matter how
many times they visit and participate.
Around 1,000 Auburn University students
volunteer every year. “College kids provide
enthusiasm,” states Dena. “They also bring
encouragement that you can do anything
and be anybody, taking into account that
the children are facing hardships and mental
health issues. We are seeing more children
facing mental health issues and tough
circumstances.
“At Storybook you have someone who understands”
adds Dena. “It is empowering to be on
the horses and do things that everyone does.
EAST ALABAMA LIVING
75