As most entrepreneurs know, being in business isn’t just about making money. Sometimes owning a small business is also about providing livelihoods for employees or creating a family firm for future generations. And sometimes, being in business is about helping those in need.

Alliance Member Jay Weiner knows about helping others. He and his partner, Ellie R. Laks, operate The Gentle Barn Foundation (www.gentlebarn.org) where they bring together kids who need support and animals that need love.

“The Gentle Barn is home to over 60 animals rescued from severe neglect and abuse,” explains Weiner. “Once at our sanctuary in Los Angeles County, California, the animals live out the rest of their lives knowing only love.

“The Gentle Barn also conducts a violence prevention program that we call the Peace Enhancement Program. We unite children from group homes, foster homes, mental health care facilities, schools and the inner city with our rescued farm animals. Each year we host about 3,000 children. Through the interaction with our animals, the children learn forgiveness, courage, strength, leadership skills, trust, empathy and kindness. The healing that takes place is truly miraculous, turning potential abusers into protectors.”

Just like for-profit companies, nonprofits are always looking for ways to control costs. So two years ago, Weiner joined the Alliance to take advantage of the money-saving benefits.

“We chose the Alliance because it offered group buying power on so many different services, passing on the savings to its members.”

Weiner says that he’s saving several thousand dollars each year by using Alliance benefits such as roadside assistance, dental discounts, access to health insurance and more.

“Our cost of insurance is lower, and the level of insurance coverage is superior to anything we could get on our own. Not only does it save us money, but it also offers peace-of-mind. The tax services have been extremely helpful. Instead of paying full price to our CPA when we have a question, we can use Alliance’s [online] tax services.”

The money that Weiner saves through the Alliance will no doubt be put to good use as The Gentle Barn looks for more ways to help others.

“The Gentle Barn is expanding its services to include a transitional housing project. Gentle Village will take in 10 young adults, ages 18 to 22, who have enormous potential but have no family and no support. We will also take in 10 wild mustangs that are heading for slaughter. In addition to receiving counseling, job skills training, and educational assistance, each young adult will be assigned his own horse. Under the supervision of a professional horse trainer, each young adult will train his horse and prepare them for eventual adoption. Together, the young adults and horses will heal and learn to trust."