About Us

Om Home Healing Sanctuary began with unimaginable loss—and an unexpected path toward healing.

After the loss of her eldest son, Adam, in 2009, founder Billie Jo Stokes searched for a way through her grief. During that time, she was asked to rescue a miniature donkey who was bonded to a wild Mustang. What began as one act of rescue became something much greater.

The animals offered a quiet kind of comfort—without judgment, expectation or words. Billie Jo often slept beside them in a humble Tuff Shed, and it was there that the vision for Om Home first began to take shape.

As word spread, more animals in need found their way to her. Senior animals, displaced animals and those who had simply run out of options were given a safe place to land. Billie Jo held onto a dream of creating a permanent sanctuary where they could live with dignity, compassion and love for the rest of their lives.

That dream began to grow.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the animals became a source of comfort not only for Billie Jo, but for the community. People were invited to safely experience the animals from a distance, and many later shared how those simple moments of connection helped lift their spirits during an incredibly difficult time.

In 2022, Om Home entered a new chapter when the sanctuary moved to 70 acres in Northern Nevada. The larger property created the space to provide lifelong care for more animals while expanding the vision of a place where people, animals and community could connect.

Today, Om Home Healing Sanctuary provides a forever home to a wonderfully diverse family of rescued, displaced, senior and special-needs animals. Each one has a story. Each one matters. And each one is promised a safe place to call home.

What began as one woman finding healing beside a donkey and a Mustang has grown into a nonprofit organization supported by volunteers, donors, community partners and a seven-member governing Board of Directors.

Billie Jo continues to serve as President and Chair, helping guide the mission and vision that began all those years ago, while the Board provides stewardship, oversight and leadership for Om Home's future.

At the heart of it all remains the same belief that started this journey: the connection between people and animals can create extraordinary opportunities for compassion, healing and hope.

Om Home is a tribute to Adam Mathew Stokes, whose life was dedicated to being a voice for animals and people who could not always speak for themselves. His belief in compassion and equality for all beings continues to live through the sanctuary's mission.

What began with loss became love in action.

And the story of Om Home is still being written.