AKRON, Ohio — Michele Bolinger is the visionary. She saw first-hand the difficulties veterans face when returning home. Somewhere along the way, she also fell in love with horses. When she dreamed of Forever Amber Acres, she knew she wanted to make sure it was a sanctuary for horses and a safe haven for human beings. 

What You Need To Know

  • Forever Amber Acres is an animal sanctuary

  • In addition to rescuing animals they provide different programs to assist in healing trauma in people

  • The organization was founded in 2004

“It was my vision and my dream to be able to start a sanctuary that would help horses in need," said Bolinger. "As well as veterans and others in need that could benefit from the healing power that horses have.”

John Trzop claimed Forever Amber Acres has his second home a while ago.

“April will be two years," said Army veteran Trzop.

As a veteran, he's seen a lot in his life, although nothing compared to the loss he felt when his wife passed away three years ago.

"I basically gave up on everything,” said Trzop.

His kids encouraged him to find something to fill his time. That's when he found Forever Amber Acres, where he jokes that he now takes care of seven bigger kids. 

“Taking care of those seven kids is the greatest thing in the world,” said Trzop.

Forever Amber Acres is a peaceful place where animal and human being come together to heal.

“They're all rescues,” said Trzop about the horses. "Before Michele got them, the next step was the slaughter house."

For Trzop, the organization was a game changer. He's there just about every day helping with whatever needs done. Trzop and volunteers like him take care of the local seven residents. In return they gain a bond that in the deepest sense is healing. The organization combines horses that were discarded with people trying to fill a void. 

“You give the horse respect," said Trzop. “He'll give you respect back.”

Not only is it therapeutic for people to volunteer, but the organization offers different types of therapy sessions for anyone. They have meditation that takes place in the barn with the horses. A licensed therapist holds sessions on site doing different types of exercised to meet people wherever they are in their healing journey.

Bolinger said the horses have a special innate sense of bonding, taking on whatever feeling the person around them is reflecting. 

“Horses are hyper-vigilant and so are people who've suffered from trauma," said Bolinger. "Horses teach us how to just start over and how to move on and move past our challenges.”

Trzop has earned the love and respect of all seven of his "kids" by giving what he hopes to receive. 

“Let them come to you and build the relationship,” said Trzop. “It takes time.”

For him, it's a love that's familiar to parenting.

“Like with kids, it's patience in capital letters.” said Trzop. "One day they're good, one day they're bad and one day they're up to something.”

Bolinger founded the organization in 2004, and it gained 501(c)(3) status in 2014. Her connection with the animals and people she helps is unmatched. Her big heart is filled everyday with the love and pride volunteers feel when caring for animals that were, for lack of a better term, thrown away. Bolinger, and Forever Amber Acres, make it their mission to advocate for the prevention of cruelty to equines and other animals and anti-horse slaughter

In addition to giving the horses a beautiful, safe place to live out the remainder of their lives, she hopes to touch as many people as possible through their multiple programs. 

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from Forever Amber Acres programming click here.