About Scatter Joy Acres
Scatter Joy Acres, a sanctuary where the healing power of animals supports individuals, families, and communities. With locations that use to be in Nebraska, and now in 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 Florida — where animals and people come together to heal, connect, and share joy.
A Place Rooted in Joy, Community, and Care
Scatter Joy Acres is a community-centered space created to nurture connection, creativity, and collective joy.
We exist because we believe joy is not something to chase alone or save for later — it is something we practice together, in real time, in real places.
Why Scatter Joy Acres Exists
Modern life is fast, noisy, and often disconnected. Many of us are craving spaces where we can slow down, be creative, and feel a sense of belonging without pressure to perform or produce.
Scatter Joy Acres was created as a response to that need.
This is a place to gather.
A place to make.
A place to rest.
A place to reconnect — with yourself and with others.
What We Do
At Scatter Joy Acres, we host gatherings, provide animal assisted therapy, and community experiences that center creativity, connection, and care.
Our offerings may include:
Animal Assisted Therapy and hands-on experiences
Community gatherings and shared meals
Reflection, rest, and intentional time together
Collaborative events rooted in curiosity and joy and community
Each experience is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and human — not polished or exclusive.
Who This Space Is For
Scatter Joy Acres is for:
People seeking meaningful connection
Creatives, dreamers, and the creatively curious
Those longing for slower rhythms and shared experiences
Anyone who believes joy is better when it’s shared
You do not need to arrive with a specific skill, identity, or goal.
You only need to arrive as you are.
Our Values
Joy as Practice
Joy is not a destination — it is something we tend, together.
Community Over Perfection
We value participation, presence, and care more than polish.
Creativity for Everyone
Creativity belongs to all of us, not just artists.
Belonging
We strive to create spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and valued.
The Heart of Scatter Joy Acres
Scatter Joy Acres is not just a space — it’s an invitation.
An invitation to slow down.
To connect more deeply.
To scatter joy in small, meaningful ways.
We believe these moments matter.
We believe they ripple outward.
And we believe there is room for you here.
Join Us
Whether you’re attending an event, volunteering, collaborating, or simply visiting for the first time — we’re glad you’re here.
Come gather with us.
Come create with us.
Come be part of the joy.