Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition Achieves Long-time Goal of GFAS Accreditation

April 11, 2023 (Wilsonville, OR) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition (TCTC) as of December 23, 2022.

Trillium Creek first achieved GFAS Verification in 2018, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Trillium Creek has now achieved Accredited status. Accreditation signifies that TCTC meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the transition from Verified to Accredited status for Trillium Creek.”, said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director – Equine, “While providing excellent care, TCTC also implements the full range of non-profit management best practices ensuring the sustainability of this organization for years to come. In a perfect world, there would be no need for equine rescues but until that time, we are fortunate to have dedicated and committed organizations such as Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition.”

“Learning about GFAS through their webinar helped me recognize and define exactly what Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition (TCTC) WASN’T. We are a forever SANCTUARY for the horses finding us. The people drawn to TCTC are seeking sanctuary and peace themselves, wanting only to care for and ensure optimum welfare for each horse living here. We have always cared for TCTC’s horses as part of our family. We’d developed plans and protocols establishing their security, structure and long-term management prioritizing their medical, physical, mental and emotional health FIRST. Being volunteer-powered requires substantial signage, instruction, coaching and manuals so everyone maintains the health and safety of the horses, themselves and each other. Many of our volunteers, especially our youth leaders, have little, if any, prior horse experience and they become a vital force in no time, as they have the purest intentions. Without GFAS’s incredibly detailed requirements, I would not have realized what we WERE. GFAS’s mission provided an absolute matrix for TCTC to define its, with tremendous credibility,” stated Bonnie Rhynard-Buhl, Executive Director/Founder of Trillium Creek.

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. For more information on GFAS, go to :www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

 About Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition
Trillium Creek Training & Rehabilitation Coalition (TCTC), a 501(c)3 non-profit since 2010, has provided a “forever home sanctuary” on 10 acres of woods, trails, gardens, orchards and pastures, for up to 15 senior therapy horses who have been rescued, healed and retrained. They now safely offer relationships with humans learning to be resourceful, self reliant, community-oriented, and dedicated to sustainable practices that enhance quality of life, the land, and the planet. In Wilsonville, Oregon, TCTC has lived its mission since 2002, and the mission of its Founder who started this work in 1966. The horses have received a whole new life ….medical/therapeutic treatments, a natural horsemanship-based dialogue, and a job they love. Dedicated volunteers, donors, sponsors, trainers, students and visitors of all ages and abilities claim miracles do happen here. To learn more about TCTC visit: http://www.tctchorsecare.org.

Download Accreditation Press Release