05/15/2025
One of the hardest parts of being a mom to a nonverbal autistic child is not knowing when something is wrongāuntil itās urgent.
Today, Brennan was rushed into emergency surgery after a CT scan revealed a 10mm kidney stone. He couldnāt tell us where it hurt, just that something wasnāt right.
As a mom, itās heartbreaking.
You watch your child suffer and wonderāhow long has he been in pain?
This is the reality so many families like mine face.
Raising a nonverbal autistic child means constantly reading between the lines, advocating fiercely, and hoping you're catching the signs in time.
Please hold him in your prayers tonight.
And if you know a special needs parentāsend them love.
This road is full of unseen battles.
05/11/2025
To the moms raising autistic kiddosā
Today is for you, warrior mama.
Youāve learned to speak volumes without words.
Youāve mastered schedules, therapies, meltdowns, and milestones others may never understand.
You celebrate the quiet victories. You carry the hard days.
You love without limitsāand that love changes everything.
I see you.
I am you.
Some days, you wonder if you're getting it right.
But the truth isāyou were made for this journey.
Not because itās easy, but because your child needed someone exactly like you.
So this Motherās Day, I honor the fierce, patient, beautiful force that you are.
You're not alone, and you are doing an amazing job.
From one autism mama to anotherā
Iām proud of you. Iām standing with you. And Iām celebrating you, every single day.
04/27/2025
Brennanās Big Accomplishment
Yesterday was a huge milestone for Brenan ā and as his mom, my heart could not be more full.
Brenan started equine therapy on the 12th of this month. Honestly, I wasnāt sure what to expect. I knew he loved horses, but riding one? Thatās a big, big leap of trust.
Every Saturday since then, heās been working with the horses. And yesterday, something amazing happened. The teacher told us the kids would be riding the horses. My heart skipped a beat ā Brennan had never even been on a horse before. I wasnāt sure if he would do it. I hoped maybe seeing the other kids would help him feel brave enough to try.
One by one, the other students climbed on.
Then it was Brenanās turn.
And he did it.
He got on the horse ā a little hesitant at first ā but then, as they began walking, this huge grin lit up his whole face.
He trusted.
He felt safe.
And in that moment, watching him ride, I could hardly hold back my tears.
This boy has overcome so much. And to see him so full of pride, courage, and joy... itās something Iāll never forget.
I share this because if you are a parent struggling with behavior challenges, trauma, or just tough seasons ā please don't lose hope. Healing happens, trust is built, and moments like these remind us that every small step matters.
Brenan, you are my hero.
Here's to many more firsts ahead!
04/22/2025
Your Chance to Make a Real ImpactāOne Animal at a Time
Bridges of Hope Farm is growingāand with that growth comes the need for a little extra support from kind hearts like yours.
Right now, you can sponsor one of our animals or even become a farm sponsor and play a direct role in helping us move forward toward our big dream: creating a safe, sensory-friendly space for Autistic kids and adults to connect with animals, build confidence, and experience joy.
When you sponsor an animal, your support goes directly toward their careāthings like food, shelter, vet visits, enrichment, and lots of love.
Whether itās our pigs, goats, chickens, or our soon-to-arrive donkeys, every animal has a story and a purpose hereāand with your help, theyāll thrive.
What do you get in return?
Monthly updates on the animal you sponsor
A heartfelt thank you from our team
The joy of knowing youāre helping build something truly special
You can choose to sponsor monthly or do a one-time gift. If youāre a business and want to give back, we have custom sponsor packages with social media shout-outs, your logo on our farm signage, and more. Details are all on our website!
Ready to make a difference today?
Visit www.bridgesofhopefarm.com or message us directlyāweād love to match you with the perfect animal or sponsorship opportunity.
Letās build this dream togetherāone hoof, cluck, and tail wag at a time.
04/22/2025
Calling on our community!
Bridges of Hope Farm is getting ready to welcome a couple of very special new residentsāour mini donkeys! But before they arrive, we need a little help building a block wall to prepare their space.
Weāre looking for someone who might be willing to donate their time or partner with us on this project. Weāll cover the cost of materials, but if thereās a local business or generous soul whoād be open to donating materials too, weād be incredibly grateful.
As a thank you, weād love to give a shout-out on our social media to help spread the word about your business and the kindness youāve shown to our sensory-friendly farm.
If you or someone you know might be able to help, please message us. Every bit of support helps us get one step closer to creating a safe and joyful place for our animalsāand the amazing kids and adults who visit them.
Thank you for helping us build something beautiful, one block at a time.
Rainbow valley Buckeye area.
03/06/2025
We have 2 ducks that need a name, and with your generous donation, you can name one.
Here how it will work: I'll drop the link in the comments , click the link and follow the directions. Once you are done send me your receipt and Name for your duck so I can shout you out!
Thank you all for the support!
02/26/2025
š“ Name a Donkey Fundraiser! š“
Help Bridges of Hope Farm Bring Donkeys to Our Farm & Win a Chance to Name One!
Why Donkeys?
Donkeys are incredible therapy animals that provide emotional support, companionship, and learning opportunities for autistic adults and children. By helping us bring donkeys to Bridges of Hope Farm, youāre creating a nurturing environment where individuals can build trust, responsibility, and connection with these gentle animals.
Patreon: http://patreon.com/BOHF2025
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/5LK7LECFJ96SA
01/25/2025
š Together, We Can Build Bridges of Hope š
Iām so excited to share a dream thatās close to my heart: creating Bridges of Hope Farm, a safe, healing space for individuals with Autism and their families. š
As a mom, Iāve experienced firsthand the challenges and isolation that can come with raising a child on the Autism spectrum. Now that my son is older, Iāve realized thereās an even greater gap in resources and support for adults with Autismāespecially those who have experienced trauma.
Thatās why Iām asking for YOUR help. Bridges of Hope Farm will be a place where children, teens, and adults with Autism can find connection, healing, and hope through working with animals and being part of a community that understands and supports their unique needs. š¾
Hereās how you can help:
āļø Donate to our GoFundMe (every dollar counts!).
āļø Share this post with your friends and family to spread the word.
āļø Comment or message me if youād like to get involved in other ways.
Together, we can make a life-changing impact for so many families and individuals. Letās build something beautifulāsomething filled with hope, trust, and strength. š
š Click here to learn more and donate: https://gofund.me/0354744d
Thank you for believing in this dream with me. š
Donate to Bridges of Hope Farm: Empowering Autism Through Community, organized by Leann Tristan
Help Us Build Bridges of Hope for Autism Families ⦠Leann Tristan needs your support for Bridges of Hope Farm: Empowering Autism Through Community
01/23/2025
š Together, We Can Build Bridges of Hope š
Iām so excited to share a dream thatās close to my heart: creating Bridges of Hope Farm, a safe, healing space for individuals with Autism and their families. š
As a mom, Iāve experienced firsthand the challenges and isolation that can come with raising a child on the Autism spectrum. Now that my son is older, Iāve realized thereās an even greater gap in resources and support for adults with Autismāespecially those who have experienced trauma.
Thatās why Iām asking for YOUR help. Bridges of Hope Farm will be a place where children, teens, and adults with Autism can find connection, healing, and hope through working with animals and being part of a community that understands and supports their unique needs. š¾
Hereās how you can help:
āļø Donate to our GoFundMe (every dollar counts!).
āļø Share this post with your friends and family to spread the word.
āļø Comment or message me if youād like to get involved in other ways.
Together, we can make a life-changing impact for so many families and individuals. Letās build something beautifulāsomething filled with hope, trust, and strength. š
š Click here to learn more and donate: https://gofund.me/0354744d
Thank you for believing in this dream with me. š
IG post
š A Dream Worth Building: Bridges of Hope Farm š
Iām so excited to share a vision thatās been on my heart for years. As a mom of an incredible son with Autism, Iāve experienced the highs and lows of this journey firsthand. While Iāve been so blessed, Iāve also felt the deep isolation that comes when people donāt understand Autismāor the unique challenges families like ours face.
Now that my son is older, Iāve realized there are even fewer resources for adults with Autismāespecially those whoāve experienced trauma. Many programs are far away or simply donāt exist. Thatās why Iāve decided to create Bridges of Hope Farm.
This will be more than a farmāit will be a safe space where individuals with Autism of all ages can connect with animals, build trust, and feel supported by a community that truly understands. From children learning to trust to adults gaining valuable life skills, this farm will bring hope