May Newsletter

Dear HRHF Supporters,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at the farm, we didn't just acknowledge it — we embraced it. This month, our sessions have been enriched with a thoughtfully designed set of art activities woven right into the work we do alongside our herd. The results have been something special. Participants are expressing themselves in new ways, connections are deepening, and the farm has felt more alive than ever with creativity and purpose. We can't wait to share it all with you — in June, we'll be showcasing the activities and the moments they made possible. Stay tuned.

Farm Happenings: Take a peek at what we've been up to at the farm

🏕️ Summer Camp — July 27–31 Register now — we're almost full with just a couple of spots remaining. Spread the word! Summer camp is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year at HRHF, giving kids an immersive farm experience they carry with them long after the week ends.

🐴 Professional Development Linda from Circle of Peace completed the second half of our acupressure training this month, wrapping up five hours of instruction across two sessions. Our care team is now equipped to offer acupressure as part of how we support the herd — a meaningful addition to the whole-animal wellness approach we bring to this work.

🌱 Community & Leadership

• Barbara attended a fundraising training hosted by Peter Dunn and the GWCF Nonprofit Support Center — strengthening our capacity to grow the resources that keep our programs running.

• Barbara represented HRHF at the United Way North Central MA Celebration — connecting with the regional community of nonprofits doing important work across our area.

• Barbara attended the monthly Youth Mental Health Behavioral Health Council meeting — keeping HRHF at the table where decisions about youth mental health services in our region are being shaped.

🐴  Volunteer Spotlight - Mackenzie & Laura

Laura has been a part of the farm family for a few years now, volunteering in the barn for the daily chores. This winter, Kenzie joined as a barn volunteer and immediately fit right in. Laura and Kenzie quickly developed a friendship and are always excited to work together. They are both exceptionally hard working and leave the barn looking beautiful every time. Whether they are cleaning stalls, filling hay nets, or filling water buckets, their incredible work ethic shows. 

During our 2026 winter sessions Laura and Kenzie began volunteering as greeters and sidewalkers and directly working with participants. Although this was something new for both, they learned to communicate with and support the participants as they learn to work with horses. Laura and Kenzie provide thoughtful feedback and observations at the end of sessions, to help us decide what the next best steps are for each participant. 

Laura and Kenzie are willing to help with anything around the farm, and their ability to adjust and effectively complete tasks are extremely valuable to HRHF. Thank you to Laura and Kenzie for your hard work and dedication to our mission! 

🐴  Moments That Matter - Lexy  

Learning, Teaching, and Letting Go: One participant's journey reminds us what growth really looks like.

Some participants arrive at HRHF quietly and leave having changed the room. Lexy is one of those people. Over the course of this school year, she learned, she taught, and in one unforgettable session with Mint the mule, she showed us all what it really means to meet someone where they are. Read the full story

💛 How You Can Help: 

Get Involved

May is a full and beautiful month at the farm — and there is plenty of room for you in it. Here's how you can get involved:

Volunteer With Us 

We are deep into our spring season and the energy on the farm has not let up. If you have been thinking about getting involved, now is the time — whether you are horse-savvy or simply passionate about making a difference, there is a place for you here. Volunteer sign-up page 

Make a Donation 

Every dollar supports the work happening on this farm — from session programming and herd care to ensuring no participant is ever turned away due to cost. Looking for an easy way to help? Our Amazon wishlist is always current and full of exactly what we need.  Donation page

📢 Spread the Word 

The work this spring has been some of the best we have done — and we want more people to know about it. If someone in your life could benefit from or contribute to what happens here, pass this along and bring them into the fold.

Together, We're Growing Stronger Every Week

As May comes to a close, we are sitting with a lot of gratitude. Mental Health Awareness Month gave us an opportunity to lean into the heart of what we do — and our participants, volunteers, and community showed up in the most meaningful ways. The art, the horses, the people — it all came together this month in a way that reminded us exactly why this work matters.

Thank you for being part of it. We will see you in June. 🐴🌿

With gratitude from all of us at HRHF, 

Barbara Cudak and the High Ridge Harmony Farm Team

Contact Us

978-874-1261 | harmonyfarm01473@gmail.comwww.highridgeharmonyfarm.com |  Instagram | Facebook