Our Journey to Elijah’s Place

Part 2 Our Journey: If you missed Part 1, please go back and first read A Dream of Elijah’s Place.

Meeting Tomorrow’s Needs

Elijah’s Place was a dream concept for a full-service equine facility. It was inspired by the tragic loss of the Green Family’s infant son in 2010. Elijah’s Place at Lantern Lane Farm was a vision ahead of its time! Now a decade later, with the renovation of the Cook’s farmhouse completed in 2018 and the renovation of the garage, just completed in January 2020…the dream of having a dedicated facility for counseling and equine therapy is still alive. When the Cook’s permitted the non-profit to further invest in the house by renovating the garage as well, it was the last interior space available for expansion. The farmhouse now includes a multi-purpose community room and additional office space.

“When we introduced the idea of Elijah’s Place to our community a decade ago, it was a dream concept that we fully believed would be necessary in the future,” said Ralph Cook, CEO/Clinical Director at Lantern Lane Farm. However, realizing that vision, with the resources and momentum available at the time, would be a challenge. “We have no regrets in the way things unfolded; and allowing our organization to steadily grow and make use of the farmhouse was the path that God chose for us. All along we’ve trusted that, as we continue to do His work of providing a non-judgmental, safe place for all people to receive Christ-like care, we’ve know in our hearts that He will provide.” That’s why the Cook’s moved off the farm in 2018, to enable counseling services to take over their property. In its current configuration, the farmhouse and renovated garage, in fact, provide more interior offices than were included in the original design concept of Elijah’s Place.

LLF wants members of our greater community to understand that, for nearly 2 decades, no one has been turned away because they can’t afford therapy. Through ongoing support from churches, individual donors, grants and businesses in the community, LLF remains committed to helping those in need receive the counseling services necessary for their healing. Utilizing a sliding scale fee, support from many and the excellent capability of therapists and interns, those who come with great need have access to professionals and specialists who practice a variety of therapeutic techniques to help them restore and heal.

Transformed People

At Lantern Lane Farm, we see people expand beyond their hurt to become an inspiration to those around them. Children who were thrown away, victims of sex trafficking, or abuse, are now leading healthy and productive lives. Ralph knows well what is possible when we invest in the lives of hurting people. “I can tell you that you would have no way of recognizing their history if you were to see them at Target or Starbucks today. Because these are transformed people!” Lantern Lane helps people from all walks of life…parents, children, first-responders, pastors, grand-parents, musicians, athletes, professionals, teachers and veterans. He continues, “Healing is possible when we give a voice to the voiceless. Once, as a victim of their situation, they were burdened and diminished.”

“When we provide people a benevolent witness and allow them to work through their story and face their vulnerability, they can and will build resilience, confidence and the capability to step into a joyful future.” Lantern Lane Farm, because of its country-side setting and the use of horses, has been a chosen location by many to provide for their restoration.

“For the many clients who have Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or Equine-Assisted Learning integrated within their therapy…or even for those who just take a walk to the fence-line to pet the horses or talk to them…that feeling of ease, peace, presence and safety is the single most important reason why we’ve been so committed to providing our clients therapy at the farm,” said Ralph.

Many are willing to try therapy at the farm because it doesn’t feel clinical. Especially true for children, a trip to the farm is seen as a pleasant activity where they go to talk with a person they trust and enjoy. It’s a chance to visit the animals and reconnect.

Derek Hazelet, President of Lantern Lane Farm’s Board of Directors, explains why realizing the final leg of the journey to Elijah’s Place was and is so important to our community. “Though much of the plans for Elijah’s place have been realized through renovation of the Cook’s farmhouse; there was a goal for our non-profit to move into ownership of the farm.” Our vision for clients includes year-round access to the healing power of horses through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and E.A. Learning. A covered arena enables equine programming to expand. “It’s our goal to make the horses available in all seasons,” said Derek. “We’ve come very far on this journey. With the help of community partners, individual donors and businesses, we purchased the farm in 2020. Affordable and safe counseling services have been available for our community for over 15 years and we will pursue this mission far into the future.”

Many contributions made the purchase of the farmhouse and property possible in 2020. Donations from individuals, from members of our Board of Directors, a generous grant from the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation and a grant from a private family foundation made the purchase a reality. Noe owned, the non-profit facility has built a covered arena and renovated part of the barn to expand its equine program. “We’ve broadened our counselor’s ability to integrate the horses in client sessions,” said Derek. “Equine programming is now based on client’s needs…not based on the weather!” The barn renovation split an interior room into two spaces.

In 2020, Covid-19 forced all of us to transform the way we work. At Lantern Lane, we added pavilions to our outdoor programs, so counseling can take place in green spaces. “The addition of the pavilions, along with a new Greenhouse, further expand our ability to meet clients ‘where they are’ and offer experiential therapy to meet their needs" says Jeff Gregg, Executive Director.

“Though it represents an evolved perspective on the use of the farm…it provides everything we dreamed of when we envisioned Elijah’s Place. Bringing it full circle, we are honored that our community can experience the peacefulness of this facility,” said Mr. Hazelet.

“In addition to our Farm on Corinth Road,” said Jeff Gregg, “Lantern Lane now provides counseling service in peaceful settings throughout our region, including Germantown, Hendersonville, Hermitage, Madison, our Mt Juliet Annex and our Brentwood Farm. The many Locations where clients can receive counseling are growing to meet the needs of our community.”

If you’d like to learn more or to help by donating or volunteering please email info@lanternlanefarm.org and a representative of the organization will contact you. We invite to you share this story with friends and family and to consider Lantern Lane a safe place for those in need of counseling!