Heartland Farm Sanctuary

Since moving to Madison, I have been trying to find a good place to volunteer at that not only helps animals, but helps people, too. Surrounding Los Angeles, there are a few different farm sanctuaries that work with animals and troubled youth. There are also programs where they rehabilitate animals to be suitable to adopt through a program working with prison inmates. These types of places are where I like to donate my money, time, or both, as I feel that they help everyone involved.

Well, I finally stumbled across a Farm Sanctuary in Madison that is apparently very new. The Heartland Farm Sanctuary was founded in 2009, and is actually still looking for a land donation to provide for the animals they rescue! They are very new, and their outreach goals are very wonderful, and I truly believe that this is an organization that will benefit the entire community. I know that not everyone who reads this blog is from the Madison area, but even a couple dollars can help this sanctuary really get its bearings. They currently have two rescued goats that a farmer is letting them keep in his barn for now, but as the need for their services increases, so will their need for an adequate space for these animals.
Rock and roll Vegan Joan Jett Volunteering at a Farm Sanctuary


“Heartland Farm Sanctuary, founded in 2009, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless farm animals in Wisconsin, and building connections between animals and vulnerable youth. We created Heartland to provide a safe, peaceful environment where youth and farm animals could come together to heal, grow, and have fun.
Many children today face significant life challenges such as physical, emotional, or cognitive developmental delays, a history of delinquent behavior or other detrimental life choices, and an abusive or otherwise troubling home life. Research has shown that these children can benefit tremendously by taking part in animal-assisted therapeutic activities, such as those programs developed by Heartland using the farm animals we help.

Our mission is to provide care for farm animals in need, nurture people through the human-animal bond, and foster respect and kindness toward animals and each other.” (Direct quote from their website)

There are farm sanctuaries currently across the US, but it seems that the area of the country with the greatest amount of farm animals and agriculture is the area that has the fewest sanctuaries for these animals. When the floods hit Iowa in 2008, sanctuaries in New York had to send rescue services there, because there were not enough of these organizations in the Midwest to aid these abandoned animals. By creating this organization here, there will be a huge need fulfilled to the people and animals of this region.

I guess what I’m asking…is do you really need that Starbucks coffee this morning? What about this week? Instead of feeding your coffee habit, or Diet Coke habit, maybe think about putting even that small amount of money toward a great cause like this today. Every couple of dollars helps. And, if you live in the Madison area, be sure to shop at Whole Foods on June 17. On this day, 5% of the entire day’s sales will go directly to the Heartland Farm Sanctuary. How easy is that? You need groceries, and this way, when you buy your groceries, you’ll be helping the Sanctuary at the same time! I signed up to be a volunteer for the sanctuary today, and cannot wait to hear back to see how I can help the animals, and the children of the community. Please visit www.heartlandfarmsanctuary.org for more information on this amazing organization!


Saved cows are happy cows!!