Do you have freetime you don’t want to waste scrolling through your phone? Give yourself a brain-break while visiting A Place To Be.

A Place To Be is a local nonprofit farm sanctuary for abused and displaced livestock. They rehabilitate and foster animals, aid the community and provide a place for visitors to feel valued and listened to. It is owned and operated by Beth Wilhelm-Atkins and Greg Atkins. They have been in Murray together for 11 years and gained nonprofit status for their organization about two years ago. 

The two life-long animal lovers inherited their farm from Atkins’ grandfather. Part of their inspiration for making their property a farm sanctuary was the passing of Wilhelm-Atkins’ mother, who left her own animals in her daughter’s care. Since then, the Atkins have worked hard for the benefit of the animals and people of Murray. 

A Place To Be is humble in size, but it’s home to many barnyard animals. There are pigs, horses, goats, chickens, turkeys and more. Some are permanent residents, and others are waiting for forever homes. 

Wilhelm-Atkins said it would be ideal if all the animals in her care were adopted, but she knows there will always be animals in need. Limited space restricts what they can take in, so every adoption helps another animal get the help it needs. 

One of the best ways to get formerly neglected livestock ready for adoption is positive human exposure. Volunteers come to the farm to work with the animals, helping keep them fed, cleaned and socialized. The organization’s emphasis on education has led to partnered events with the Calloway County Humane Society and local schools. 

“Our big thing out here is we’re all about education. Especially with little kids, if you can just plant that little seed of kindness and compassion, it spreads,” Wilhelm-Atkins said.  

A Place To Be’s community involvement helps both animals and people. The owners know that mental health isn’t as high a priority in Murray as it should be. 

Wilhelm-Atkins has dealt with anxiety and depression throughout her life, and she has firsthand experience with the comfort livestock care brings. When volunteers come to the farm, they have a place to be happy, sad or however they may feel that day. 

The animals work with a variety of people who feel misunderstood or struggle with physical, mental or developmental challenges. 

Wilhelm-Atkins recalls a particularly impactful meeting she had with a man affected by a tornado. After a traumatic experience such as his, she was glad to see that something as simple as petting her pig Loaf could grant a moment of comfort. 

The mental health of Murray State students is especially kept in mind by this organization. College gets stressful, but A Place To Be is a great spot to decompress. There are several students who volunteer regularly, particularly from the pre-veterinary medicine program. 

Wilhelm-Atkins said she welcomes and encourages University students to reach out to her about coming out to the farm to meet the animals.

A Place To Be is an organization that spreads compassion not only for the animals that it fosters, but for the community who help make it possible. They work hard for the benefit of Murray, caring for and educating the people that need their services most.

“We wanted a safe place for everybody, two-legged and four,” Wilhelm-Atkins said. “A place where anybody and everybody could just be. That’s why we’re A Place to Be.”