The Gress Mountain Ranch embodies the healthy interdependence of humans and animals, and models this environment for the larger community. Abused and neglected animals are given life-long care to recover and thrive. Based on their emotional, cognitive, and social needs, humans are guided in their interaction with the animals, and when they leave the Ranch, take with them experiences that increase self-worth, healthy interdependence, and emotional well-being.
Mission Statement
Founders Kathryn and Ben Gress. Kathryn works as an Animal Assisted Therapist since 1996. The Gress Mountain Ranch & Sanctuary Inc. was established in 2002. CLICK HERE to read more about the history of The Gress Mountain Ranch.
The Gress Mountain Ranch, located on 15 beautiful acres in Orefield, PA, is a 501c3 non-profit public charity, operating an animal sanctuary, for large and small domestic and exotic animals and providing meaningful ways for humans to benefit from interacting with animals through:
Animal-Assisted Therapy for emotional healing and healthy psycho-social development
Animal-Assisted Activities for life-skills training and supportive care for adults and children with emotional and mental challenges
Volunteer experience in direct animal care and sound environmental practices and grounds maintenance
Safe and compassionate environment for youth and adults on probation to meet their community service obligations
Educational events promoting animal welfare
The formal and informal healing that takes place at The Gress Mountain Ranch is truly miraculous. It is God's "heaven on earth."
ABOUT The Gress Mountain Ranch, Inc.
The Gress Mountain Ranch Vision
A world in which animal and human interdependence is recognized and valued, increasing the health and well-being of both.
Our ranch is a sanctuary: a safe haven of recovery for animals, and a therapeutic community for adults and children. Our unique approach is rehabilitating the animals in our care and connecting their stories of survival and healing to the personal experiences of people who have suffered physical, mental, emotional, or social trauma. We are a “forever” home to our animals, who become permanent residents and are given special training to strengthen their role in therapy.
Experiences are structured to meet the needs of each person or group. Such interactions may be formalized as in Creative Expressive Therapy or Group Psycho-Educational Programs, or less formalized through volunteer opportunities. The creative expressive therapies include Animal-Assisted Therapy, Equestrian Therapy and Animal-Assisted Activities, all of which can ameliorate symptoms and promote the development of trust, empathy, compassion, self-esteem and interdependence.
The Ranch works with educational, social service and law-enforcement agencies that serve at-risk, inner city, and special needs children, as well as adults and adolescents, some of whom are on probation.
The Gress Mountain Program
Animals helping people...
people helping animals.
