In the rural outskirts of Bentleyville, just off Mingo Creek County Park, a modest farm is becoming a beacon of compassion for both animals and people. Mending Hope Acres, founded by hospice counselor Jen Celedonia, now cares for twelve rescued horses—ranging from Standardbreds to Quarter horses—many of which suffer from serious ailments such as broken suspensory ligaments, Lyme disease and ringbone.
Mission rooted in service and faith
Celedonia explains that the rescue serves a dual purpose: to provide a safe haven and rehabilitation for horses in crisis, and to foster healing, learning and connection through community outreach. Programs include youth mentorship, veteran support, barn visits and hands‑on horsemanship workshops, all designed to uplift both the animals and the volunteers who care for them.
Volunteer power drives growth
With the help of family members, friends and local supporters, the farm is looking to expand its capacity and build more inclusive infrastructure. Celedonia’s brother, Bob Immel, purchased his great‑grandfather’s farm and erected a ten‑stall barn that quickly filled as word spread. “Jennifer is deeply committed—one hundred percent,” Immel says.
Long‑time friends such as Kristin MacCartney and volunteer Holly Denke have become integral to daily operations, feeding and turning out the horses throughout the week. Denke, who returned to the barn after her children left for college, says the rescue gave her a renewed sense of purpose: “I fell in love with the barn, the horses and Jen. My husband never met a nicer person.”
Community outreach and lasting impact
The farm’s outreach extends beyond the stable. Local softball coach Jack Cramer, head of the reigning WPIAL champion Bentworth Bearcats, stops by to support the volunteers and encourage others to visit. “It’s a good thing. People want to spend time with the horses,” he notes.
Celedonia believes the rescue’s work reflects a broader spiritual truth. “The circle in our logo represents never‑ending love and protection for both humans and horses alike,” she says. “When we rescue these horses and pour our hearts into them, they heal—and we do, too.”
Looking ahead
While the farm currently operates on volunteer labor and modest donations, plans are underway to increase its outreach to underserved rural populations and to secure permanent homes for each rescued horse. Celedonia’s hope is that more families will recognize the value of caring for these noble animals, seeing the partnership as a symbiotic relationship that strengthens families, faith and community.
As the rescue continues to grow, its message remains clear: with God‑centered compassion and steadfast volunteerism, even the most broken can find hope and a new beginning.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
