Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition (TCTC) as of Dec. 23, 2022.
Trillium Creek first achieved GFAS Verification in 2018 meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Trillium Creek has now achieved Accredited status. Accreditation signifies that TCTC meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security, safety and other operational aspects. The accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition as an exceptional organization.
“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Trillium Creek,” says Traci Hanson GFAS Program Director – Equine. “While providing excellent care,TCTC also implements the full range of non-profit management best practices ensuring the sustainability of this organization for years to come. In a perfect world, there would be no need for equine rescues but until that time, we are fortunate to have dedicated and committed organizations such as Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition.”
“Learning about GFAS through their webinar helped me recognize and define exactly what Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation WASN’T,” states Bonnie Rhynard-Buhl, Executive Director/Founder of Trillium Creek. “We are not a rescue, boarding or lesson facility. We’re a forever SANCTUARY for the horses finding us. The volunteers drawn to TCTC are seeking sanctuary and peace themselves, wanting only to care for and ensure optimum welfare for each horse living here. We have always cared for TCTC’s horses as part of our family. We developed plans and protocols establishing their security, structure and long-term management prioritizing medical, physical, mental and emotional health FIRST. Being volunteer-powered requires substantial signage, instruction, coaching and manuals so everyone maintains the health and safety of the horses, themselves and each other. Many of our volunteers, especially our youth leaders and interns, have very little prior horsemanship experience and become a vital force in time, as they have the purest intentions.
“Without GFAS’s incredibly detailed requirements, I would not have realized what we WERE…GFAS’s mission provided an absolute matrix for TCTC to define ITS structured program with tremendous credibility,” she adds.
The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. For more information on GFAS, visit: http://www.sanctuaryfederation.org
Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition is known globally as a GFAS-accredited 501(c)3 non-profit equine sanctuary and forever home for 10-15 senior therapy horses, with volunteers from not only America, but international cultural exchanges. EVERY TCTC HORSE has a story. We showcase each of them and the people who care for them in our newsletters. These horses would have been killed if they hadn’t found TCTC. Here they have a life full of love and meaningful work with humans, most of them human, from surrounding communities, who benefit from working with the horses, each other, and TCTC’s community gardens, arts and nature. They were saved, healed and retrained.
TCTC’s resident equines now offer safe relationship with humans learning to be resourceful, self reliant, community-building, and dedicated to sustainable practices that enhance quality of life, the land, and the planet. In Wilsonville, OR, it has lived a mission since 2002 that started with its founder who began rescuing horses in 1966. The horses have received a whole new life … and a job they love. Dedicated volunteers, donors, sponsors, trainers, students, interns and visitors of all ages and abilities claim miracles do happen here, and each gives of themselves to bring them about. To learn more about TCTC visit: http://www.tctchorsecare.org or its Facebook and Instagram pages, Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition.
Trillium Creek Training and Rehabilitation Coalition is a 503(c)3 nonprofit with 10 acres of woods, trails, water, gardens, orchards, and 12 horses who have been healed and retrained to safely offer relationships with humans who are learning to be resourceful, self-reliant, community-oriented, and dedicated to sustainable practices that enhance the quality of their lives, the land, and the planet.