Metro East Farms is a compassionate organization that began in 2012 with the mission of providing meaningful experiences to elderly and handicapped individuals. Initially, we organized day fishing trips for the elderly and handicapped children. As our initiative grew, we expanded our services to include visits to nursing homes, where we bring baby or extremely tame animals to bring joy and farm experiences to the residents.
We are proud to offer these services 100% free of charge to our clients, relying on public donations for support. However, the COVID pandemic has significantly impacted our ability to receive donations and secure volunteers. Additionally, we face challenges in acquiring essential resources such as reclaimed wood, fencing, and sheep-friendly feed due to concerns about copper toxicity in sheep.
To ensure the safety of our participants, we carefully select animals that are suitable for children and seniors. Any surplus animals are sold to maintain feed during the winter, ensuring that all animals have an ample supply of hay, grass, and a supplement called “farmers blend” obtained from Buchietts farm supply in Greenville, IL.
At Metro East Farms, we strive to be inclusive and accommodating. We welcome Muslims and Jewish individuals, offering onsite area for your halal slaughter in a private area on our premises, with water and hanging block and tackel to hoist up. It is important to note that pork is not present on our farm, as we respect the dietary restrictions and preferences of our diverse community.
If you would like to support our cause or make a donation, please contact us at 618-488-6718. We appreciate your kindness and generosity.