Isaiah 11 Ministry in Warsaw is operated by Linda Ozier, executive director and founder. Ozier is pictured in front of a building that was donated. Last year, a fire destroyed the house that ministry occupied. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart

WARSAW — “This is a safe place.” “If it wasn’t for Isaiah 11, I’d be dead.” “The horses loved me when no one seemed to care.” “I’m so thankful for the help I got at Isaiah 11. I was so lost.”

These are just a few of the comments Linda Ozier has heard from clients about Isaiah 11 Ministry. A devastating fire in May of last year, followed six months later by the death of Ozier’s husband, Ron, could have ended this unique ministry. But God had other plans, Ozier said.

A faith-based, non-profit ministry, Isaiah 11 first opened in May 2010. Ozier, who is co-founder and executive director, started as a counselor. She worked for different counseling agencies, specializing in helping children heal. She already had a cat rescue at her home. One day, she had to bring newborn kittens to work with her because the mother had passed away. One of her clients, a rather withdrawn little boy who had suffered abuse from his estranged father, was having a hard time staying calm while talking about the abuse.

“The little boy had learned that when faced with hard things all he could do was strike out by kicking, yelling and hitting. But that fateful day, he held a kitten that was so vulnerable and needy that he was able to reach out and finally talk about the abuse. What an eye opening experience,” Ozier stated.

Sometimes, said Ozier, it is hard to talk to a counselor in a more professional office setting. Isaiah 11 Ministry offers a different and unique setting surrounded by nature.

“Although the ministry is professional in our approach it is a little different. We offer counseling, life-coaching, tutoring, and therapy for individuals, couples and families. We have several rescue animals that are sometimes incorporated into counseling appointments.”

Today, Isaiah 11 has become so much more than just a counseling center using animals. While counseling is still a huge focus, Isaiah 11 also offers life coaching, mentoring, lessons in horse grooming and training, a safe place to gather and have fun, Bible study, pet sitting for individuals in shelters or treatment facilities, and a refuge for abused or neglected animals. Isaiah 11 offers counseling for individuals, couples and families with a focus on helping children.

Isaiah 11 is home to animals such as horses, donkeys, pot belly pigs, goats, chickens, bunnies, ducks, dogs and cats, among other critters.

“Our therapy animals are particularly calming and nurturing to our clients,” said Ozier.

Isaiah 11 offers a wide variety of services beyond animal rescue and a refuge. It also has weekly groups. Barn Group is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and is open to male and female teens and preteens. Girls’ Club is from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and is open to any girl age 7 and up.

Ozier said she knows of teens and adults who have accepted Christ while at the ministry and those who were saved from committing suicide. Ozier said she knows the ministry has made a difference when “I see joy come back to people again.”

Though a building was donated by an anonymous donor, there is still a need for more help. Volunteers are needed, as well as monetary donations. Hay and straw for the horses are also always needed.

For more information, visit isaiah11.org or its Facebook page. To donate, be a monthly sponsor or volunteer, call Ozier at (574) 549-8071. The ministry is located at 6256 W. CR 100N, Warsaw.

Dave Anderson and Sabrina Wright, volunteers at Isaiah 11 Ministry in Warsaw, help with several projects at the ministry. The non-profit organization relies mostly on volunteers and donations in order to operate. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart)

Linda Ozier is pictured with a horse and a donkey used at the Warsaw ministry. Ozier has training in equine assisted psychotherapy from Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. This training allows the use of horses as part of the therapy process. (Photo by Phoebe Muthart)