Home Depot Donates $10,000 Shed to ServiceNet for Therapeutic Goat Program

GREENFIELD — ServiceNet has added four therapeutic goats to one of its mental-health recovery homes, thanks to a donation from the Home Depot Foundation, which provided a brand-new shed and other items, valued at nearly $10,000. The shed was installed by the Tuff-Shed Co. last week, providing the goats with a safe and comfortable space.

Animal care has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and the therapeutic goat program offers residents opportunities for connection, responsibility, and calming experiences.

“The chickens we brought in previously had a noticeable effect on residents’ mental well-being, and goats felt like a natural next step,” said Julie Elias, ServiceNet’s vice president of Mental Health Recovery Services. “We are incredibly grateful to the Home Depot Foundation for making this expansion possible. The goats give our residents a wonderful outlet for interaction, mindfulness, and care.”

ServiceNet’s mental-health recovery homes provide a therapeutic environment for individuals with mental-health challenges, focusing on personal growth, healing, and support. This latest addition of goats furthers the program’s mission to offer innovative and nurturing approaches to recovery.