Animals & Kids, Inc. was founded by two passionate women who saw the transformative power of the human-horse bond and decided to build something that could change lives in Southwest Florida.
Animals & Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and equine sanctuary dedicated to building extraordinary connections between horses and individuals, especially children, who need to rediscover strength, confidence, and peace.
By creating meaningful connections between horse and human, we cultivate healing, dignity, and a better future for all parties involved. Our programs serve everyone from youth in crisis to families seeking enrichment, and every program starts with a remarkable horse whose gentle presence creates profound change.
“Walking alongside them… grooming them… sometimes just standing in their shadow eliminates the need for overthinking and results in a bonding that most individuals have never experienced before.”
Two women. One mission. A shared belief that horses can heal what words alone cannot.
Kim Aquedo co-founded Animals & Kids, Inc. in 2017 with a simple belief: every child deserves a place where they feel capable. She helped shape the farm’s equine-assisted programming and oversees the day-to-day care of the herd that makes it possible. Kim works alongside children, families, volunteers, and 14 horses to create a space where kids build confidence one small breakthrough at a time, and where no family is ever turned away over cost.
Jill Stickles co-founded Animals & Kids, Inc. in 2017 to bring equine-assisted and nature-based programs to children across Southwest Florida. She helps guide the organization’s programs and partnerships, from equine-assisted learning sessions to enrichment offerings in art, music, gardening, and science. Jill’s focus is keeping every program donation-funded, so a family never has to choose between their child’s wellbeing and their budget.
Our board provides strategic guidance and fiduciary oversight to ensure Animals & Kids fulfills its mission with integrity and impact.
Interested in joining our board? Contact us to learn more.
Schedule a visit to the farm, meet the herd, and learn how our programs work.
