Parkwood Farms Therapy Center Continuing Bank Negotiations, Moving Forward

The saga of Parkwood Farms, a therapeutic riding center for children with disabilities, has been through an emotional rollercoaster for the past few months.

In November of 2012, owner Marilyn Peterson was served with an eviction notice. Fearing what she thought was inevitable, she packed up her house, boarded the horses and canceled classes until further notice. It was rough; without the farm, she and her family had no income. One of her sons is fully disabled, while another never leaves the house due to Asperger's. It was their disabilities that inspired Peterson to begin the therapeutic farm to begin with, eleven years ago.

When the Snellville community found out what was happening, however, things began to change. A candlelight vigil was held as people spoke about how the farm had changed their lives. Some prayed, others discussed action plans, while others made phone calls and organized fundraisers.

By December, a temporary halt on the eviction had been granted by Gwinnett Superior Court, at least until the end of February. That period of time has been extended even further as Peterson finishes negotiations with her bank, but she still has to raise a big chunk of cash -- around $75,000. 

"The change in your pockets really could make a difference in the lives of our students," said Peterson. 

The farm has an eager host of volunteers and children riding weekly. Most recently a team of student volunteers from the University of Central Florida came up to make repairs to the farm. Peterson has created a number of income streams that will help fund the center, including a goat pen and the reopening of Peterson's chiropractic office. 

To donate to Parkwood Farms Therapy Center and read testimonials, visit It Matters to This One's fundraising website. You can also follow the farm on Facebook and Twitter. 

For further reading:

• Children Once Again Ride at Eviction-Threatened Parkwood Farms
• Candlelight Vigil at Parkwood Farms
• Greatest Person of the Day: Marilyn Peterson
• Parkwood Farms Faces Imminent Eviction