For decades, Laura Nelson has dreamed of helping others, specifically focusing on serving those who have given their lives to serve our country. Now, after moving to a farm north of Wayne with her husband Randy, Nelson's dream has become a reality.
On May 27, Dreamer’s Place, at 85726 575th Ave. in Wayne, will have its grand opening. Named after Nelson’s father-in-law, a serviceman named Dreamer, the ranch offers animal therapy, focusing on horses, to veterans, their families or anyone else who needs a break from the stresses of life.
The grand opening will feature pulled pork sandwiches, family games, tours of the ranch, horse introductions and more information about the services the organization plans to provide.
Nelson and her family fully moved to Wayne in December of 2022 from Bertrand, beginning their new adventure with the start of the new year.
“We have met a lot of great people,” Nelson said. “Everybody has been very friendly and more than accommodating. The unconditional welcome we have received sets Wayne apart from anywhere else I have ever been.”
Inspired by her mother’s love of service, Nelson has always focused on formulating relationships and a welcoming atmosphere for veterans and their families, at-risk youth, women in shelters, those experiencing homelessness and people with mental health disorders.
Society generally turns these groups “out to pasture," Nelson said. She wishes to offer a space for them to find solace in their differences and just breathe outside of the expectations of others.
“These people connect through animals,” Nelson said. “Animals just love unconditionally. There are no strings attached. People cannot unlive or unsee what they have been through, but they can start to heal themselves through peace. That is what Dreamer’s Place is going to do: bring peace.”
Dreamer’s Place has eight horses, five big and three mini, a donkey named “Eeyore” and an array of cats and dogs. The Nelsons rescued one of the mini horses, aptly named “Sweetpea,” and the donkey around a month ago. Both were terribly malnourished, Nelson said, but now have come a long way to trusting people through consistent love and care.
Though the ranch has a focus on veterans, anyone, from local teachers and first responders to high school and college students, are welcome to find their peace and come back to nature, Nelson explained. Right now, visitors can spend time with the animals, but will not be able to ride them. Nelson hopes to offer this in the future but will need certified instructors to ensure safety.
Along with inviting members of the community to visit the ranch, Dreamer’s Place will also bring the horses out to the community.
The mini-horses will travel to local nursing homes, hospitals and wherever else people might need a “pick-me-up.” The horses and donkey are currently going through a training that preps them for interactions with people of all ages and discourages them from using the bathroom inside of establishments.
Dreamer’s Place will also host a multitude of community events, including a once-a-week women’s group starting on May 1. "Soar into the Week" will take place every Monday from 9 – 10 a.m. and again from 7 – 8 p.m. for those who cannot attend the morning sessions.
This event will provide a space for women to kick off the week with support from others. Kids may come as well and play on the on-site playground.
Other events include "Wine Wednesdays" at 7:30 p.m. and other community events which the ranch will give information for as they approach. To follow ranch happenings, visit the Facebook page or the website at http://dreamersplaceequestrianranch.com.
They also have worked to finalize a few office spaces where physical therapists, psychologists and more can bring their clients to meet outside of their normal office spaces. Businesses will also have the opportunity to rent these areas for meetings or company outings.
Dreamer’s Place is currently entirely ran by Nelson and her family. Eventually, generous community members will be able to sponsor a horse, which will cover the cost of boarding fees, nutrition, veterinary bills and trips to local businesses. Since the services for visitors are completely free, these donations would allow Dreamer’s Place to continue its support for those in need, Nelson said.
Dreamer’s Place, after the grand opening, will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday. To make an appointment, just call or text the Nelsons during those hours of operation.
“We hope to see everyone out to our Grand Opening to show veterans that we support them,” Nelson said. “We do not do enough for those who have served and this will be an opportunity to show appreciation without expectations. You could be the only person who has given someone genuine compassion that week and that goes a long way toward helping those who are struggling.”
