Our Impact
What happened at Rest-Stop-Ranch in 2025, in numbers and in our guests’ own words.
Who We Serve
Most of our guests come from Essex County and Northeast Massachusetts. They are long-term caregivers and the people they care for, living with Alzheimer’s, FTD, Young-Onset dementia, Down syndrome, autism, paralysis and other long-term conditions. Every program is free of charge.
2025 Service Statistics
Total Guest Visits
Visits to the gardens and the Caretaker’s Cottage in 2025.
Unique Guests Served
Different caregivers and care-receivers who came at least once.
Volunteer Hours
Given by volunteers in the gardens and at our programs.
Free of Charge
Every program, every visit.
Who Came in 2025
Our 2025 guest records show who is coming:
- Ages: from under 40 to over 90.
- Backgrounds: White, Latino, Asian, Black and Indian guests.
- Gender: women, men and LGBTQIA+ guests.
- Conditions: dementia, FTD, Alzheimer’s and autism, among others.
Where Guests Come From
Most guests live in Topsfield and on the North Shore.
Training and Partners
Occupational therapy students train here, and volunteers from the Essex County Master Gardeners work in the gardens with us.
In Our Guests’ Words
Mary and Karl provide a completely restful, peaceful and re-energizing experience…
— Darcy Morales-Zullo, Caregiver
To see her actually respond to nature again, well, that was indeed priceless!
— Lynne Marchetti, Caregiver
I am so overjoyed to learn how your ‘Rest-Stop-Ranch’ growth has created a beautiful part of nature.
— Annette Keane, Guest
Featured on WCVB’s “5 for Good”.
Partner of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
Accredited Level I Arboretum through ArbNet.
Award of Merit, International Lilac Society, 2025.
Help Keep It Free
Our programs run on individual donations, grants and what Karl and I put in ourselves. Your gift helps keep every program free of charge.