Laurie Bell radiates joy throughout Treasure Valley, driven by her lifelong passion for teaching and her boundless compassion for brightening lives. Born in Council, Idaho, Laurie has called Boise home for most of her life. She has always loved horses and got her first pony at six. Laurie attended Borah High School before earning her Bachelor of Science in Sports and Fitness Leadership at Oregon State University. After many years in the health and fitness field, she became a Physical Education teacher at Cole Valley Christian School, teaching elementary-age students for 21 years.
Laurie says her heart has always been drawn to children who need extra support, and she fosters a special connection with those facing challenges. Inspired by an episode of Animal Planet in which she witnessed the powerful connection of miniature horses visiting young pediatric patients battling cancer at a hospital, Laurie was inspired to make a difference and bring joy to her community.
In 2009, she founded the nonprofit Mini Joys by purchasing her first miniature horse, Levi. Since its inception, Mini Joys has welcomed new additions to the herd, including four more miniature horses, a miniature donkey named Hope, and four Nigerian Dwarf goats. The Mini Joys herd and volunteers seek to bring joy, Hope, and healing to those facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Donkeys are known to be strong-willed and stubborn - Hope's no different - limiting her travels. Yet her remarkable sensitivity and gentleness were evident in a touching relationship with a young girl battling cancer, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed their bond.
Around eight years ago, Laurie retired from teaching Physical Education and dedicated herself entirely to Mini Joys; she expanded the organization with the help of over 50 big-hearted volunteers. The Mini Joys team brings smiles and comfort to people of all ages throughout the Treasure Valley, in area hospitals, assisted living homes, schools, boys' and girls' clubs, shelters, the Idaho State Veteran Home, and more. When the mini horses are not out in the community, they host groups at their home, a mini ranch in the Northwest Boise Foothills.
Where there is a horse, there is sure to be a smile. These horses spread kindness along their journey to others who cross their path. Laurie says they bring smiles to many of those they meet with their "Build a Bear Workshop" shoes.
Individuals can brush and love on the horses while learning and discussing one of the Mini Joys lessons: friendship, being wonderfully made, trust, growing in character, finding joy, and being an everyday hero. Three of these lessons expand onto the pages of three books Laurie wrote as part of their curriculum.
Big Bully Buddy, Finding Friendship Buddy, the big bully, learns the meaning of friendship. The story expands on looking beyond appearances and discovering everyone's depths. It encourages children to show kindness and respect, emphasizing that friendship is meant for everyone.
Wonderfully Made, The Story of Hope. Hope celebrates uniqueness and self-acceptance through the journey of a special miniature donkey named Hope, despite feeling different than the horses with her big ears and loud Hee- Haw. Hope embraces her uniqueness and discovers that being herself makes her truly special. The story encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and recognize their value, reminding them that they are wonderfully made just as they are.
Kids & Pets, Much to Give and Much to Gain. Celebrates the bond between children and their pets, highlighting essential character traits such as gentleness, patience, loyalty, responsibility, and more. Heartwarming images and accompanying stories encourage readers to see how caring for animals can help them grow and develop positive qualities.
Books are available at the Garden City and Meridian D & B stores, the Eagle Animal Clinic, and Idaho Equine Hospital in Nampa. All proceeds go directly to Mini Joys outreach.
Grateful for the unwavering support of volunteers and donors, Laurie acknowledges that Mini Joys thrives solely on their contributions. Through the organization's outreach, Laurie imparts valuable lessons on empathy, kindness, and responsibility through interactions with the animals and through distributing educational books on themes such as friendship and anti-bullying. Donations go toward offering programs at no charge for clients, students, and families they serve.
Looking toward the future, Laurie remains optimistic about Mini Joys' continued impact on our community. To experience the warmth and love of these remarkable animals firsthand, Mini Joys invites the community to two open houses each year, one in June and another in the fall. The crew is kept busy in their ten months of programs serving special populations but love the opportunity to open their gates to the community through these open houses.
If you would like more information and an invite to the open house, please email Laurie Bell at minijoys@live.com. To learn more or follow Mini Joy's journey to spread love and teach valuable lessons, check out their website at minijoys.org, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @minijoysoutreach.
