MIAMI -- Nestled in the heart of Coconut Grove stands a barn. Once used to stable horses and mules that worked in the community, now the barn is used for something quite different.

Sylvia Jordan runs The Barnyard at that barn, a place for the children of Coconut Grove to go after school to do their homework, learn about arts and crafts and have fun in a safe environment.

"We provide, I would say, kids in this community with a sense of history, a sense of belonging, and this is a magical place," Jordan said.

The Barnyard is so special because the magic has continued there for 26 years.

"I've seen four generations come through this program," she said. "Some of the children that are here are children whose parents came through the program when they were kids 25, 26 years ago."

Jordan said The Barnyard is like a family.

"The staff, they have grown up here, many of them," she said. "It is like an extended family, and they feel the same way. And if you talk to many of them they will tell you there is no place like The Barnyard."

Advocates such as Catherine Pennecamp said Jordan is the heart and soul of The Barnyard.

"This facility is here solely because of Sylvia," Pennecamp said. "She started it. She's still here, and as long as she's here, and as long as we get the funding and that people are aware of it, it will continue to be here."

The Barnyard does face the hurdle of funding, which is dwindling and critical.

"If this place closed down, 150 kids would have no place to go after school," Pennecamp said.

For more information, visit RSCJ.org or coconutgrovecares.org.