A Message About the Future of Scatter Joy Acres
After many years of serving the Nebraska community, Scatter Joy Acres has made the difficult decision to close our Nebraska location.
Since our founding in 2006, Nebraska has been the heart of our mission. What began as a vision to create meaningful connections between people and animals grew into a place where thousands of individuals, families, schools, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities found healing, joy, and belonging. The memories created here, the lives touched, and the relationships built will remain a treasured part of our story.
This decision was not made lightly. As our organization continues to evolve, we have carefully evaluated how to best steward our resources and ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. While closing the Nebraska location marks the end of an important chapter, it is not the end of Scatter Joy Acres.
Our commitment to connecting people and animals through meaningful experiences remains stronger than ever. We will continue our work through Hope and Joy Sanctuary in Florida, where we will carry forward the same values of compassion, healing, education, and community that have guided us from the beginning.
We are deeply grateful to every volunteer, donor, visitor, staff member, community partner, and supporter who has been part of our Nebraska journey. Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in our mission made this work possible.
To our Nebraska community: thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives. The impact you have had on Scatter Joy Acres is immeasurable, and we will carry those memories and relationships with us into the future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Joy Bartling
Founder & Executive Director
Scatter Joy Acres
Welcome!
Welcome to Scatter Joy Acres,
Welcome to Scatter Joy Acres, a sanctuary where the healing power of animals supports individuals, families, and communities. With locations in Murray, Nebraska, and Florida at Hope and Joy Sanctuary, we offer spaces where people can connect deeply with animals, nature, and one another—each location reflecting the same heart and mission, expressed through unique experiences.
Founded by Joy Bartling in 2006, Scatter Joy Acres began in Omaha, Nebraska with a vision to create meaningful connections between people, animals, and the community. Over time, this vision grew into a tranquil ranch in Murray, Nebraska, and has since expanded to include Hope and Joy Sanctuary in Florida, offering a more personal, intimate way to experience our mission while allowing us to reach even more people.
Across our locations, we are home to a diverse community of animals who play an essential role in fostering connection, healing, and joy. We offer animal-assisted experiences, educational programming, and community gatherings designed to support individuals with diverse needs, including people with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth, seniors, veterans, and caregivers.
Beyond our programs, Scatter Joy Acres hosts events and opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection in peaceful, welcoming environments.
We invite you to explore Scatter Joy Acres — in Nebraska and Florida — places where animals and people come together to heal, connect, and share joy.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Scatter Joy Acres
Healing, Connection, and Community — Made Possible Through Your Support
Scatter Joy Acres is a nonprofit sanctuary where animals and people come together to support healing, connection, and well-being in our community.
Founded in 2006 in Omaha, Nebraska, Scatter Joy Acres has grown to include a ranch in Murray, Nebraska, and a new location in Florida. Across our spaces, animals, programs, and people come together each day to create meaningful impact.
Your support helps make this work possible.
Our Work in the Community
Every day at Scatter Joy Acres, animals help create moments of calm, connection, and growth for individuals and families.
Through animal-assisted experiences, educational programs, and community gatherings, we support:
Individuals with developmental disabilities
At-risk youth
Seniors
Veterans and their caregivers
Community members seeking connection and healing
Our programs are designed to be welcoming, accessible, and grounded in compassion — for both people and animals.
The Impact You Help Create
Your contributions support impact that happens every day, including:
Providing animal-assisted experiences that foster emotional well-being
Maintaining safe, healthy environments for over 88 animals
Supporting educational and community programming
Expanding access to services across Nebraska and Florida
Because of this work, individuals feel supported, families feel connected, and communities grow stronger.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
When you contribute to Scatter Joy Acres, you help:
Care for animals who are central to our programs
Keep programs accessible to those who need them most
Support staff, volunteers, and facilitators
Sustain and grow our community-based services
Every gift — large or small — directly supports the daily work happening on the ground.