Barnyard Animal Rescue Nest (B.A.R.N.) is dedicated to rescuing neglected, abused, and abandoned animals (horses, donkeys, pigs, turkeys, cats, llamas, alpacas, cows, and more)—providing them with care, rehabilitation, and love while ensuring they heal and thrive. Their mission includes finding forever homes, offering lifetime sanctuary when needed, and raising awareness about animal welfare through education. By fostering community connections, they promote compassion and enrich the lives of both animals and people.

 For more information, including ways you can donate or volunteer, visit barnyardanimalrescuenest.org

Toni Jakab

Volunteer Spotlight: Toni Jakab

What made you want to become a volunteer for B.A.R.N.? I wanted to help animals get a second chance at life. Seeing their transformation from broken to thriving fills me with purpose and joy.

What do your volunteer duties entail? I handle essential, often gritty work like pen clean-up, moving hay, washing water buckets, daily care, and cleaning barns. I also get to spoil the animals with love and affection.

Is there training required? Yes. Training ensures we provide the highest standard of care and helps us bond with and understand the animals’ unique needs.

What’s the time commitment? Volunteering varies, from a few hours a week to several days. Every moment spent at B.A.R.N. is a step toward healing and creating a hopeful future for the animals.

What’s been the best day of volunteering so far? When animals we nursed back to health get adopted into loving homes.

What’s one of the biggest challenges? Seeing the initial suffering and mistrust in the animals we rescue; with that said, their incredible transformation makes every struggle worthwhile.