Animal Refuge Kingdom

HISTORY

The Animal Refuge Kingdom was started by Steve Sorensen purchasing 19 acres in 1996 and another 7 acres in 2000. It was founded out of his love for animals and children. He began by taking in rescued animals in 1997. Since 2002 the facilities at The ARK have allowed for visitation by special needs children and adults. Since that time The ARK has hosted groups of special needs children from local school districts, children’s hospitals, church youth groups and groups of elderly residents from assisted living centers.

In 2005 The ARK was granted its non-profit 501C3 organization status. This has helped a great deal in trying to raise private donations to help support The ARK. There are no paid employees here so every dollar, 100% of all donations, goes directly to the feed & care of our animals and helping children come to visit The ARK.

STEVE SORENSEN, Director

I’ve always had a big soft spot for animals, but an even bigger place for animals no one wanted or worse yet, one’s that have been abused. Animals have always been a part of my life and I have found them to be more trusting and honest than any human I’ve ever met. They have no hidden agendas. It is a sheer joy to feed, care and live with the animals here.

I saw first hand the effect animals can have on sick children with the death of my little sister in 1967. This I am sure is what drove me to open The ARK to other children with special needs. I simply pray this place will always be here long after I leave.

KATHE REIS, President

I have always had a love for horses and animals. I have owned a Quarter Horse since in my 20’s and also worked for at Paint Horse farm foaling and training babies for two seasons. While pursing a career out of the horse industry, I found that I missed owning and being around horses. I now have four horses, cows and goats along with dogs & cats. I met Steve in 2001 while volunteering at a therapeutic riding facility. The more and more we got to know each other, we found we had a similar love for the animals and wanting to help animals and people. I joined Steve as President of The ARK in 2004. On any given day you can find me in the office, in the barn, or helping with groups on golf cart tours. I thoroughly enjoy what I am doing and the difference I am making in the lives of these special needs animals and individuals.

DEBBIE PRESLEY, Vice President

Debbie Presley joined us as Vice President of The ARK in 2005. Debbie, along with her husband Wade, owns Copper Hill Ranch, a breeding facility for alpacas. Debbie has been a great asset to The ARK with her priceless information regarding the alpacas along with her desire to help special needs children.