Finding Hope in the Journey

Wendy Higginbotham

Former family participant, current supporter

"Our goal is to share the comfort animals bring to others in a time where there seems to be none."

Wendy’s relationship with Journey of Hope began seven years ago when friends told her about our grief support groups, following the death of her husband.

Now without their husband and father, horses to train, and a ranch to take care of, Wendy and her two young boys were thankful to connect with others who were going through a similar journey.

Left with raising the boys on her own, other life changes became inevitable, and Wendy stopped raising horses to focus on parenting. However, she always noticed how the animals on the ranch provided peace and comfort for herself and her boys.

“The animals really helped us through our grief journey. But we realized they also improved the social skills and independence of my youngest son, Porter, who has Coffin-Siris Syndrome,”

noted Wendy.

Three years ago, Wendy blended her family with a widower, Scott, and his teenage daughter. Their combined passion for animals and the therapeutic benefits they hold led to the opening of an equestrian nonprofit, Porter's Corner.

Scott is a disabled veteran, as was his late wife. They found comfort and healing in horses as well, and as a tribute to her legacy, Porter's Corner also provides support for veterans.

“Our goal was to help those who walk a similar journey. I hope that our spouses would be proud that we are doing our best to help others carry on because we know they would not want us to quit on life,” Wendy said.

On April 29th, Wendy shared her animals with Journey families at an outdoor event. Watching the children who are grieving a death find comfort in hugging, petting, and talking to the animals took Wendy back seven years ago.

“Seeing a young girl just lay across the back of our mini highland cow, Stella, reminded me of a time in 2016 when I just leaned on my horse to comfort me. This proved to me that what the animals are doing truly helps!”

Wendy gives back by reciprocating Journey's kindness and support by touching the lives of others who are navigating their grief journey.

“This grief journey is a long one that will affect us for the rest of our lives. But with kindness and encouragement, we can remember the special memories of our loved ones and be thankful for the time we had with them.”

Thank you for your support and generosity, Wendy!

We appreciate you and your family!

Comfort From the Start

"Our Journey Family has been so helpful starting from the intake appointment. They gave my kids stuffed animals that they still hold onto. Even stuffed animals make a difference."

-Wendy Higginbotham

Meet the Bears:

Ginger & Cocoa

Each child in our Peer Support Groups receives a stuffed animal to comfort them through their grieving process.

In celebration of our 25th Anniversary, we now have our very own Journey of Hope Tribute Bears for 2023!

Buy one of each or collect them both!

Purchase Now

Sponsor a Child, Strengthen a Family

What does it mean to sponsor a child?

Our peer grief support groups are always provided to children and families at no cost to them. When you sponsor a child, you are covering the costs associated with our program and guaranteeing one child will receive our services that will help them through their grief journey.