Jessa is a young lady who at the age of 4 was diagnosed with rare chromosome abnormality and Autism. Coming from a family who is actively involved with livestock Jessa couldn't wait to start showing 4-H just like her older sister Kaliah. The Soares' come from a generational dairy farm. The love for animals is in Jessa's blood. Jessa's first livestock project was a goat named Tom. Jessa loved being in the show ring and couldn't get enough. 

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Through 4-H people started to get to know Jessa and quickly found out that despite her disabilities she is very capable of accomplishing anything she puts her mind to. Most families who have children with special needs do not have the same opportunities as Jessa. Kevin Soares Jessa's father has always had it in his mind that other special needs children should be given the opportunity to learn about livestock and the opportunity to show animals too. Jessa's Barnyard Buddies started to come to life. Kevin wanted to create something to make it possible for ALL special needs children to experience the livestock world. 

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One night in September 2023 as Kevin and his wife Shealyn were at a social event and Kevin was discussing with his friends his dreams of hosting a special needs livestock show. He was thrilled to learn that his friends were in support of his dreams and wanted to make his dreams into reality. Soon after; Kevin along with friends and family were able to host the first ever Jessa's Barnyard Buddies Livestock Experience on February 24th 2024.

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Understanding that most families of special needs children do not have the time or maybe even the funds to raise livestock, and everything else that goes into showing livestock at fairs. Jessa's Barnyard Experience is a one day event that is completely free to the exhibitors. Everything is provided for the exhibitor. They are given an animal that is tamed along with a "Buddy" who would partner with the exhibitor and assist them during the day of the event. At the end of the Livestock Experience the exhibitors will auction their animal, they are then mailed a check. Each exhibitor will truly get the fullest possible experience of a livestock event. 

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Our future goals are to create scholarship opportunities for High School Seniors who have participated in Jessa's Barnyard Buddies in some capacity to help continue their education. We are striving to bring awareness and inclusivity to children with special needs. We will continue to spread our word through community events and opportunities.