Agape Acres

Guided by our faith-based mission to exemplify the boundless and unconditional love of Christ (Agape love), we extend our hearts and hands to individuals with special needs , veterans and survivors of trafficking in offering transformative experiences with horses through our equine-assisted activities and programs. Additionally, we provide a retirement sanctuary for all our equines partners once their "day job" comes to an end.

Brain Nelson is President of Agape Acres. He retired from CBP Air and Marine as a Border Patrol pilot after 27 years of service to his country. He holds an Equine Science Academy Certification and is a Natural Hoof Care Practitioner.
Brian's duties consist of whole horse care; nutrition, hoof health and environment for the herd. He is responsible for facility management and promoting a natural, healthy environment for the horses in the program.
Janie Nelson is Director and CEO of Agape Acres and is a Certified Instructor with PATH Int'l. Janie's duties are keeping all books and records as well as instructing in the arena and developing programs/lessons to provide EAAT and EAL to clientele as well as volunteer instruction/training.
Annie Saad is Secretary/Treasurer and Ben and Courtney Fritz (daughter and son-in-law) are Board Members. Ben is Bull Pen Pitching Coach with the San Diego Padres MLB organization and Courtney is a retired Principal at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD) and Educational Consultant with ASDB (Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind).

Testimonials

Agape Acres was founded as a family run non-profit 501(c)3 organization. It began as an idea after Brain and Janie adopted their sons, Charlie and Kevin from foster care. The boys each have very different stories as to how they came to foster care however what they had in common was the need for a family to provide "agape" love, guidance and structure. We founded Agape Acres because we have seen the benefits of EAA (Equine Assisted Activities) and EAL (Equine Assisted Learning) with our sons and wanted to provide that experience to others who might benefit. We don't have room for all the foster children in Pima and Pinal counties; nor can we service all the children with special needs but our hope is to make a difference in our "neck of the woods". Your support whether finically, or by volunteering or praying for us is truly appreciated. Luke 12:48 From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. #AgapeAcres #LoveNeverFails #EquineAssistedActivities #HorsesAreMagic #WeLoveHorsesandkids #WeLoveWhatWeDo