About Us
Justin's Place, in Wilmore, Kentucky, was founded in honor of a young man, Justin King, who lost his life in a car accident. His generous family chose to create joy for other children from the pain of losing their own. Inspired by Justin's love for children, our staff and volunteers aim to carry out our mission of creating space for extraordinary children to experience peace and joy through horses.
We offer a safe and supportive environment for children ages 3 to 13 with a disability or disorder diagnosis to experience horses. Research shows that these children are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression and related mental health disorders. Our certified instructors and trained volunteers provide unconditional acceptance, support, and encouragement for our participants to reach their full potential and overcome their struggles. Through therapeutic horseback riding and the benefits of animal interaction, we help participants overcome learning blockades, push through developmental barriers and experience significant improvement in their mental health. At Justin's Place, we believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive. We're here to make that a reality.
We know our mission has been successful when we prioritize serving children who need our services the most. By elevating the child who is MOST struggling in our community, we are elevating the whole. Reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms in our participants has demonstrated the effectiveness of our services on their mental health and overall well-being. We often hear from our parents that Justin's Place is their child's "happy place".
Justin’s Story
Justin was a bright spot in so many people’s lives- the type of person who would take up for others when they couldn’t defend themselves, who would care for others when they were sick, who listened with no judgement. Everywhere he went, he would know someone and if he didn’t, he would make a friend. Justin always had a soft spot for people with varying abilities. He loved helping them at school and by volunteering through the Southland Christian Church Jesus Prom. Anywhere he went, he seemed to find an extraordinary kid and bring great joy, if only for a few moments. At Justin’s Place we aim to bring that same brightness into children’s lives while at the farm.
“ We’ve always felt Justin was such a gift from God. He was born November 13, 1995 in San Angelo, Texas and was always such a happy kid! He attended Crockett Elementary school before moving to Lexington, Kentucky at 7 years of age. He attended Lexington Christian Academy and later West Jessamine High School. Throughout his school years, he played basketball, football, and baseball. His favorites were football and baseball, where he could showcase his lightning fast speed. He earned a position on the Louisville Cardinal football team as a freshmen. His plans to play football at Georgetown College were derailed when we unexpectedly lost Justin in an automobile accident in July of 2017. His friends describe him as reliable, loving, comforter, thoughtful, selfless, joyful, compassionate, and larger than life. Justin loved his dad, Robby, mom, Kim, and his two beautiful sisters, Madison and Bailee. He always enjoyed family time and holidays. From playing football at Thanksgiving to fighting to find easter eggs- he was always laughing and smiling. Justin loved God, his country, and his church. He seemed to love every aspect of life, which allowed him to live it to the fullest. As his parents, we always thought he would grow up to work with children with autism, because he seemed to have such a natural ability to bring them joy and comfort. One moment we will never forget was when we were out of town and saw a young girl in a wheelchair. Justin leaned down to greet her. A giant smile spread across her face and they began to chat. By the time he said goodbye, we all had tears in our eyes from the obvious joy it had brought the little girl… thus the birth of Justin’s Place- to be a place where extraordinary kids can experience a moment of peace and joy. “
-Kim & Robby, Justin’s Parents