Uniontown residents looking for a local story of compassion can turn to Mending Hope Acres, a rural equine rescue farm just outside Washington County’s Mingo Creek County Park. The sanctuary, founded by hospice counselor Jen Celedonia, currently provides a safe haven for 12 horses suffering from conditions such as broken‑down suspensory ligaments, Lyme disease and ringbone.
According to the Herald Standard, Celedonia’s mission is two‑fold: to rehabilitate horses in crisis and to foster healing, learning and connection through community outreach programs. The farm offers youth mentorship, veteran support, barn visits and hands‑on horsemanship workshops designed to uplift both animals and people.
Volunteers play a critical role in daily operations. Celedonia’s longtime friend Kristin MacCartney explained that she and fellow volunteer Holly Denke follow a schedule to feed and turn out the horses each week. MacCartney, who grew up with horses, said, “I fell in love with the barn, the horses and Jen. My husband never met a nicer person.”
The rescue began when Celedonia’s brother, Bob Immel, helped transport a blind Standardbred named Charisma from Oklahoma after she was found abused. Immel recalled, “I was up in Somerset buying a couple of Highland cows when Jen called crying. I said, ‘Go ahead and get it.’” He later built a 10‑stall barn on the family farm, which quickly filled with rescued horses.
Community support continues to grow. Bentworth Bearcats softball coach Jack Cramer, who also cheers for the rescue, noted, “People want to come and spend time with the horses. What Jen and her volunteers are doing is remarkable.” With volunteer and donor assistance, Mending Hope Acres aims to expand its rescue capacity, improve inclusive infrastructure and deepen outreach to underserved rural populations.
While no specific expansion date has been announced, Celedonia expressed optimism about the future, saying, “Throughout these couple of years, the right people come at the right time… It fills my soul.” The sanctuary remains open to visitors and volunteers who wish to support the cause.
Sources: observer-reporter.com, observer-reporter.com, heraldstandard.com
