About Us

God’s Little Acres is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, multi-cultural, non-religious Florida licensed charity that provides safe and controlled recreational opportunities for terminally ill and developmentally disabled children between the ages of 2 and 11 with their families. The five-acre ranch is located in Coconut Creek, Florida and serves as an escape for seriously ill children from their typical hospital surroundings. The children’s diagnosis include cancer, leukemia, AIDS, cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and many other afflictions.

God’s Little Acres has been in operation for seven years. God’s Little Acres receives no government funding. Instead, it relies on the hearts, hands and financial support of friends who share our vision of touching the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

The five acre property could not have been renovated without the thousands of hours of hard work and support of our volunteers. This monumental feat included cutting back the once overgrown five acres, repairing and refurbishing the animal stalls, painting the house and fences, installing outdoor electricity and building an archway for the entrance. Thankfully, in addition to physical help, God’s Little Acres also received sand, dirt and machinery (which were all donated) to get the ranch ready for its special children and their families to enjoy. Much of the food, paper goods and toys for the functions are donated by friend and partners. Fortunately, for the organization more than 150 volunteers complete the numerous jobs required to maintain the property and care for the animals both during and between events.

Dr. Margaret J. Gorensek of the Cleveland Clinic Hospital of Florida, and the staff of the children and family HIV/AIDS program have written that they are impressed with the facility “because the children have an opportunity to mingle with other children with critical diseases without concern for their illness, but rather, just enjoying a ‘special day’.” In addition, Dr. Gorensek’s staff is in agreement that there is nowhere else between Miami and Orlando that fills the needs of critically ill children and their families in such a special atmosphere.

Children currently come from Joe DiMaggio Hospital , Miami Children’s Hospital, Broward Diagnostic Center , and the Down Syndrome Organization of Coral Springs and Deerfield Beach , FL to enjoy the activities at God’s Little Acres. Since the initial function in March of ’98 over 3000 seriously ill and developmentally disabled children and their families…approximately 5,000 people...have enjoyed the time away from the hospital and the numerous activities God’s Little Acres provides for them. The children and their families come FREE of charge for the entire day to the ranch to enjoy miniature horse and buggy rides, hay rides, clown shows, lunches, police robot shows, petting zoo, games, ice cream, cotton candy, entertainment, and many special gifts to take home.

The costs to run this small ranch, and produce these events for the children are great. Bob and Joan Nast, founders and caretakers, continue to need financial support to see this special place continue to grow and accommodate more children. Our present goal is to have an air conditioned building so the medically fragile can attend events at God’s Little Acres. The heat and sun of Florida are too much for some of our families. This building must of course be built to ADA specifications. Currently we use tents which must be taken down and put up for each event, and often they too do not provide enough relief from the Florida weather.

There are also several items that are currently rented for each event. However, it would be more cost effective for these items to be purchased, which would alleviate the recurring rental charges. These items are; a popcorn cart, children’s amusements and other children’s recreational items. Your support will make these dreams a reality.

We thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Bob and Joan Nast, Founders

Click here to learn more about our volunteers.

Click here to see the animals.