Rest-Stop-Ranch Inc

About Rest-Stop-Ranch

Rest-Stop-Ranch (RSR) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 with a mission to provide accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces for caregivers, care-receivers, and individuals with disabilities. The idea for RSR was born out of a personal caregiving journey by co-founder Mary MacDonald, who transformed her property into an accessible sanctuary after caring for her mother with dementia. Alongside co-founder Karl Ackerman, Mary envisioned a place where caregivers and those with mobility or cognitive challenges could find peace and connection in nature, offering respite from the emotional and physical demands of caregiving.

Our Mission

RSR’s mission is to create spaces and experiences that foster respite, healing, and connection. We believe caregivers deserve a supportive environment to recharge, and individuals with disabilities should have the freedom to experience the therapeutic benefits of nature. We strive to enhance the quality of life for caregivers and individuals with disabilities by offering accessible outdoor spaces and programs that promote social inclusion, reduce isolation, and nurture mental well-being.

Our Programs

Our free programs and events are thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful experiences for caregivers, care-receivers, and the broader community:

• Memory Café in the Garden®: A monthly outdoor gathering (or indoors during inclement weather) for individuals with memory challenges and their caregivers, offering a safe, supportive space to connect and unwind. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, it’s one of the few outdoor memory cafés in the U.S.

• Sunday Strolls: Guided walks that allow caregivers and loved ones to enjoy the garden together, offering social interaction and a calming experience designed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges.

• Seasonal Flower Festivals: Our spring and summer festivals celebrate the beauty of our gardens, providing a therapeutic experience for all participants, including those with disabilities and their families.

• Volunteer Programs: RSR partners with group homes and community organizations, including Northeast ARC, to offer volunteer opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities, fostering a sense of inclusion and helping participants build valuable skills.

Why We Were Founded

Caregiving can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining, often leading to burnout, isolation, and mental health challenges. Despite these challenges, few spaces are dedicated to providing caregivers with a place for respite. RSR was founded to fill this need by creating an inclusive sanctuary where caregivers and individuals with disabilities can recharge in a safe and supportive natural setting.

Our Vision for the Future

Our vision is to become a national model for accessible outdoor spaces that prioritize the well-being of caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Our upcoming Lily Pond Overlook project will add a new, peaceful setting for visitors to connect with nature. We are also committed to expanding programs like the Memory Café and our seasonal festivals, ensuring more opportunities for caregivers and their loved ones to benefit from nature-based respite.

Our Community Impact

Each year, RSR serves over 120 individuals through our programs, offering essential respite and support for families across Greater Boston. Through partnerships with local organizations like the Topsfield Council on Aging and Northeast ARC, we ensure our services are accessible to all, including underserved populations. Caregivers and participants report feeling more connected, less isolated, and better able to continue in their caregiving roles.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Inclusion is central to everything we do. Our gardens feature ADA-compliant trails and accessible seating areas to accommodate visitors with varying abilities, creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed. Our team reflects this commitment to diversity, and we are always working to broaden our outreach to ensure a welcoming environment for all.

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