Barn Renovation for Individuals with Disabilities
Donation protected
Haven150 is a place for individuals with disabilities to enjoy recreational activities that include:
- Interacting with our farm animals
- Nature hikes
- Outdoor games
- Unstructured play and relaxation in nature
In December of 2016, we rescued a nearly 100 year old barn from a farm place that was in the path of imminent business development. Our intent is to preserve its rich history, renovate it as a fully accessible indoor space to complement our outdoor activities, and rejuvenate it for its next 100 years.
We have engaged an architect, engineers, and our local planning department to develop a plan that will satisfy all building, site, and safety codes and meet or exceed all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. We have also enlisted a general contractor who has provided project cost estimates and we are actively working on our project plan.
Our Need
The cost of renovation, site work, and utility hook ups far exceeds what we are able to fund ourselves. Fortunately, in the spirit of neighbors coming together as they did in the early 1900's for traditional "barn raisings," we have a number of skilled individuals and organizations that have offered to help in terms of labor and/or donated materials.
There are several critical, high cost components that this campaign will help us cover:
(1) Materials and labor to add an insulated, exterior "skin" to the barn and roof (to enable maximum amount of original interior wood work and beams to remain exposed)
(2) Skilled labor to add required interior structural support and reconfigure stairways, etc. to meet building codes.
(3) Lift (elevator) and structural changes required to support it to meet ADA requirements for wheelchair accessibility to upper levels.
(4) Exterior staircase for emergency exit.
We hope to kick off the barn renovation in May of 2019.
Help Us Achieve Our Mission!
Our mission is to provide a venue that delivers unforgettable adventures, joyful experiences, and moments of inspiration and education for individuals with disabilities.
Our ability to raise funds will ultimately determine how quickly we can move forward with our mission.
How Far We've Come
The barn renovation and other accessibility improvements are the last major step on a journey that began in August 2012 when we moved to an acreage on the outskirts of Omaha that we knew we could transform into the venue we now call Haven150.
To give you an idea of what we started with, here is picture of the only outbuilding, a rickety old chicken coop that was home to a rooster (which we named Foghorn) and a duck (which we named Donald), the two of which we inherited from the previous owners.
Since 2012 we have refurbished the chicken coop (and, believe it or not, Foghorn still rules the roost), built a bunny complex and added two alpaca barns and pastures.
Thank You and Final Request
We are humbled by your generosity, and, even if you are not currently in a position to make a monetary contribution, we would appreciate if you could share our story on social media.
Kevin, Jackie, and Josh
If you would like to know more about our journey and our vision, visit Haven150.com or follow us on social media.

- Interacting with our farm animals
- Nature hikes
- Outdoor games
- Unstructured play and relaxation in nature
In December of 2016, we rescued a nearly 100 year old barn from a farm place that was in the path of imminent business development. Our intent is to preserve its rich history, renovate it as a fully accessible indoor space to complement our outdoor activities, and rejuvenate it for its next 100 years.
We have engaged an architect, engineers, and our local planning department to develop a plan that will satisfy all building, site, and safety codes and meet or exceed all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. We have also enlisted a general contractor who has provided project cost estimates and we are actively working on our project plan.
Our Need
The cost of renovation, site work, and utility hook ups far exceeds what we are able to fund ourselves. Fortunately, in the spirit of neighbors coming together as they did in the early 1900's for traditional "barn raisings," we have a number of skilled individuals and organizations that have offered to help in terms of labor and/or donated materials.
There are several critical, high cost components that this campaign will help us cover:
(1) Materials and labor to add an insulated, exterior "skin" to the barn and roof (to enable maximum amount of original interior wood work and beams to remain exposed)
(2) Skilled labor to add required interior structural support and reconfigure stairways, etc. to meet building codes.
(3) Lift (elevator) and structural changes required to support it to meet ADA requirements for wheelchair accessibility to upper levels.
(4) Exterior staircase for emergency exit.
We hope to kick off the barn renovation in May of 2019.
Help Us Achieve Our Mission!
Our mission is to provide a venue that delivers unforgettable adventures, joyful experiences, and moments of inspiration and education for individuals with disabilities.
Our ability to raise funds will ultimately determine how quickly we can move forward with our mission.
How Far We've Come
The barn renovation and other accessibility improvements are the last major step on a journey that began in August 2012 when we moved to an acreage on the outskirts of Omaha that we knew we could transform into the venue we now call Haven150.
To give you an idea of what we started with, here is picture of the only outbuilding, a rickety old chicken coop that was home to a rooster (which we named Foghorn) and a duck (which we named Donald), the two of which we inherited from the previous owners.
Since 2012 we have refurbished the chicken coop (and, believe it or not, Foghorn still rules the roost), built a bunny complex and added two alpaca barns and pastures.
Thank You and Final Request
We are humbled by your generosity, and, even if you are not currently in a position to make a monetary contribution, we would appreciate if you could share our story on social media.
Kevin, Jackie, and Josh
If you would like to know more about our journey and our vision, visit Haven150.com or follow us on social media.
Organizer
Kevin Zach
Organizer
Chalco, NE
