Elijah’s Place, inspired by the Green Family’s tragic loss in 2010, envisioned a full-service equine facility. A decade later, renovations of the Cook’s farmhouse were completed in 2018, followed by the garage in January 2020. This established a dedicated space for counseling and equine therapy, now featuring a multi-purpose community room and extra 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.

Realizing that vision with the available resources was challenging. “We have no regrets about how things unfolded; allowing our organization to grow and use the farmhouse was the path 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 known in our hearts that He will provide.” The Cook’s moved off their farm in 2018 to allow counseling services to take over. The farmhouse and renovated garage now offer more interior offices than originally designed for Elijah’s Place.

For nearly 20 years, LLF has ensured that no one is turned away for therapy due to financial reasons. Thanks to support from churches, donors, grants, and businesses, LLF is dedicated to providing counseling services to those in need. With a sliding scale fee and skilled therapists, individuals can access a variety of therapeutic techniques for healing and restoration.

Transformed People

At Lantern Lane Farm, we help people heal and inspire others. Children who faced abandonment and abuse are now thriving. Ralph understands the impact of investing in those who are hurting. “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 supports individuals from diverse backgrounds—parents, children, first responders, pastors, grandparents, musicians, athletes, professionals, teachers, and veterans. “Healing is possible when we give a voice to the voiceless,” he says, emphasizing that once, these individuals felt burdened and diminished by their circumstances.

“When we offer a compassionate presence and help people confront their vulnerabilities, they can build resilience and confidence for a joyful future. Lantern Lane Farm, with its countryside setting and horses, has become a favored place for many seeking restoration. For clients engaged in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or simply spending time with horses, the sense of ease, peace, and safety is why we’re dedicated to offering therapy at the farm,” said Ralph.

Many are open to farm therapy because it feels less clinical. For children, it’s a fun outing where they can talk to someone they trust while enjoying time with animals.

Derek Hazelet, President of Lantern Lane Farm’s Board of Directors, emphasizes the importance of completing the final steps for Elijah’s Place. While much has been accomplished with the renovation of the Cook’s farmhouse, the goal remains for the non-profit to own the farm. The vision for clients includes year-round access to 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.”

In 2020, the purchase of the farmhouse and property was made possible through contributions from individuals, board members, and grants from the Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation and a private family foundation. The non-profit facility has since built a covered arena and renovated part of the barn to enhance 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 needs, not the weather!” The barn renovation divided an interior room into two spaces.

In 2020, Covid-19 transformed our work at Lantern Lane. We added outdoor pavilions for counseling in green spaces. “This, along with a new Greenhouse, allows us to meet clients ‘where they are’ and provide experiential therapy,” says Jeff Gregg, Executive Director.

“It embodies our vision for Elijah’s Place, and we are honored that our community can enjoy the peacefulness of this facility,” said Mr. Hazelet.

“Lantern Lane now offers counseling services in various peaceful locations, including Germantown, Hendersonville, Hermitage, Madison, our Mt Juliet Annex, and Brentwood Farm, to better serve our community,” said Jeff Gregg.

To learn more, donate, or volunteer, please email info@lanternlanefarm.org, and someone will reach out to you. We encourage you to share this story and consider Lantern Lane a safe space for those seeking counseling!