What a beautiful space for rescued farm animals. As the only farm sanctuary in Iowa, it serves such an important role. As a volunteer, farm yoga teacher, and board member, I can vouch for the day to day operations. I can tell you that every aspect of this nonprofit begins and ends with love and compassion. Iowa Farm Sancruary is well thought out, is staffed by amazing folks, and has a mission that is clear for all those who visit. The nonprofit wouldn’t be anything without the animals! The animals are well taken care of, loved immensely, and are ambassadors for their species. Donors can see that their money is well spent in how the animals are cared for. This is a non-profit that you will never regret donating to!
In the two years I've been volunteering, Iowa Farm Sanctuary has always been an escape for me to a more compassionate part of the world. I've been incredibly fortunate to meet and get to know all the wonderful residents and work alongside an awesome group of volunteers. Seeing all the animals, many of whom have endured so much hardship in life, living in peace and harmony and receiving the care they deserve is heartwarming.
The Iowa Farm Sanctuary is an amazing place where farmed animals get to live the lives they deserve. Being at the sanctuary is always the best part of my week; the staff, volunteers, and animals are all so welcoming and kind. It's not easy being a farm sanctuary in the midwest where farming animals is so deeply ingrained into society, but IFS provides a haven for farmed animals and humans alike. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to volunteer at such a wonderful organization!
I came across this non profit a couple of years ago and as I have followed their story and also become a volunteer, I see the deepest compassion and love everyone has for these animals. These people amaze me so much with the care and concern they have for every one of their animals. These animals are treated with so much compassion it is truly inspirational. This facility is always striving to be better and help the animals as much as they can. You can see in all of their faces how much every single one of these animals mean to them. These poor animals were all in such a bad place before they came here and they now know love and what it feels like to matter. So many animals are mistreated and not properly cared for, but once they come through the gates of this wonderful sanctuary, they get to see what it really is like to be loved. These amazing people go out of their way to care for every animal even if it means having to be asking for donations to take proper care of them and use vets when necessary. Being a part of this family is so touching and being able to volunteer and interact with all of these beautiful creatures means the world. I am so thankful for Iowa Farm Sanctuary and all they do day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of these animals.
I have volunteered at IFS numerous times; I muckrake in the barns' stalls. This task is needed for the health of these rescued, sentient beings. My appreciation for them has grown greatly, having been nuzzled and pushed (gently) around by 600-pound cows and 400-pound pigs. I have petted goats and cats and sheep and cattle and pigs! The animals know we are there to help them. I am welcome and never threatened. They know.
The professional staff and volunteers are pleasant to be with. I had to be reminded about the gates' closure several times, and each incident was communicated gently.
When I leave Iowa Farm Sanctuary later in the day, I am always smiling for several hours.
I very much enjoy volunteering at IFS. Saturday mornings with the animals brings me peace and happiness. Watching animals with physical and emotional challenges finally find comfort, joy, and companionship is very rewarding, and wouldn't be possible without the mighty efforts from the IFS team.
I am a proud Board Member and volunteer but I started as a visitor to one of the Iowa Farm Sanctuary Strolls, which invite the public to visit and learn about the amazing residents and their stories. A primary goal is to raise awareness of the effects of factory farming and encourage individuals to consider a vegan way of life. Veganism is not an easy step for many. I was not vegan when I began visiting IFS. But, because of the education and learning I was exposed to, and the open and kind way the information was shared, I was invited to learn more. Providing an invitation into the conversation, particularly in the epicenter of animal agriculture is an art and the IFS team has done a tremendous job telling the stories of the residents and the lives they deserve to have outside of factories and farms.
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The Iowa Farm Sanctuary is a model for aligning every action with organizational values and effective practices. They recently attained the rigorous Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accreditation. They also uphold the highest standards of transparency. As a donor, I am confident that my gift translates directly into animal care and direct, mission rich service. Thanks, IFS, for being a voice for animals.
I am a volunteer, this is hands down one of the best run nonprofits. From the owners, staff, and volunteers it is extremely organized as a foundation. It is also filled with some of the most hard working and dedicated people. The culture is incredible and the animals make all the hard work worthwhile. They do incredible work and I am very happy to be a part of this nonprofit.
Iowa Farm Sanctuary is a beautiful escape from the culture as we know it. Here you can get up close and personal with animals whose stories of strength and resiliency will inspire you. The farm sanctuary is equipped with valuable information that sheds light on the realities of of the meat, dairy and egg industries and dedicated staff and volunteers who can answer any and all questions.
They are an amazing organization with a truly heartwarming story. The experiences and memories I’ve made with the residents there are unlike anything else.
My family, friends and I donate to and volunteer at Iowa Farm Sanctuary. We feel so much gratitude and peace of mind at this safe haven for animals and humans alike! It's run with compassion, hard work and good humor, even though it's very difficult work. I am so grateful this place exists and I'm honored to support it in every way I can!
I've been a supporter of the Iowa Farm Sanctuary for a couple of years now. I learned about it from a colleague who is a regular volunteer there.
I visited the Sanctuary during one of their public strolls recently, and I was most impressed with the living conditions of the clients. All the elements of the Sanctuary seem well-thought to improve the lives of the animals who live there.
The volunteers were very knowledgable about the animals, the details of how they were rescued from the farm industry and the Sanctuary's commitment to their well-being.
The Iowa Farm Sanctuary is a great facility and a model for other rescues.
My family had so much fun visiting the animals and were inspired by all of the work this organization does to help animals!
I have been supporting Iowa Farm Sanctuary since 2016 and have been an active volunteer for nearly two years. When providing financial support from a distance, it is not always easy to know exactly how money is being spent and how nonprofit organizations are operating; but after spending a significant amount of time at the sanctuary, I am more confident than ever that IFS is worthy of every kind of support. It is led by compassion and thoughtfulness, which then set the stage for everything that occurs at the farm, from public engagement events and routine volunteer opportunities to the day-to-day work of caring for the residents and spreading the mission of Iowa Farm Sanctuary.
Had a great time at the Sanctuary Stroll with our kids! They loved meeting and feeding the animals, and the volunteers were all very kind and knowledgeable. Very peaceful afternoon seeing animals living their best lives! We will definitely return ♡
I started volunteering with Iowa Farm Sanctuary the very first week I moved to Iowa City last year in summer 2021. First big move with a new partner and I wanted to make sure that I "hit the ground running," finding friends, family, and fulfillment to put my energy and effort toward. A lot of stalls mucked, laughs, and furry friends later I have found exactly that. A place that is unafraid and thrilled to stand tall in their mission and effort, who give every ounce of themselves to the animals, and bring everyone in as part of the family.
They do such amazing work with the animals. Shawn and Jared really care and have dedicated their lives to this cause.
Besides being a wonderful place for a family outing outdoors enjoying nature, Iowa Farm Sanctuary goes above and beyond to provide a wonderful, happy home for farmed animals in need. They even take on special needs residents that need extra care and attention. Their hearts are so big. Definitely a magical place!
Iowa Farm Sanctuary provides an amazing sanctuary for all animals in need. It also provides a great opportunity for community members to give back and learn more about the ways to support veganism and animal sanctuaries.
This place is truly amazing! Well maintained property for the animals. More than adequate space for them also. Very welcoming to the public and educational. It is truly a peaceful sanctuary full of amazing animals. The owners, staff, and volunteers all demonstrate compassion and love to provide the best quality of life for these animals.
The Iowa Farm Sanctuary is an incredible organization. This is the perfect place to experience alone, as a couple, and as a family. Our children learned the importance of providing nutrient food to the animals and experienced the joy of feeding all kinds of farm animals. They loved walking through the paths of Native Iowa grasses and plants. Their nurturing that was provided to the animals sparked the most inquisitive questions in our children about the importance of why this Farm Sanctuary matters. By the end of our first experience, our children wanted to grow a bigger garden so we could give food to the animals. They also decided that some of the animals (Angel, Ivy, Glitter, and Nelly) were their new best friends.
As adults, my husband and I were most appreciative of the informative facts, data, and knowledge that was posted about each animal living on the Sanctuary. Education is powerful, and the Iowa Farm Sanctuary creates educational experiences is many, many ways.
Iowa Farm Sanctuary is the real deal! I have been so amazed that they will always find room! Or find another rescue that does! Love them and all they do!
Wonderful organization with a truly noble mission. Educating people in America's heartland about factory farming and animal cruelty is a daunting task, but they do an excellent job of it but being open and welcoming, and letting the animals' stories speak volumes. Everyone who comes to visit seems to have a different perspective when they leave.
I volunteer for the Iowa Farm Sanctuary. The farm animal residents receive excellent care, including the residents who have high medical needs. The residents are well loved by the volunteers. The volunteers are also welcoming and supportive to one another, including those with disabilities. The volunteers are able to spend time with the residents while caring for them. The Iowa Farm Sanctuary provides a wonderful home to their farm animal residents and is a wonderful place to volunteer.
No words are adequate enough to describe how wonderful Iowa Farm Sanctuary is. The rescued residents welcome everyone to their home with love and kindness. They all are incredibly well cared for and loved — what all animals deserve. As a volunteer, I will forever cherish every moment I get to spend there. Thank you to everyone at IFS for making the place so darn special!
Every day, I am so grateful for the first farm animal sanctuary in Iowa. Thank you, Jared and Shawn for your vision and for pursuing it step by step. Iowa Farm Sanctuary is a beautiful and amazing place. They have a beautiful balance of respecting the animals and yet inviting others to come experience the sanctuary and get up close and personal with the animals. The energy there is peaceful and calm and loving. They offer many ways to offer support and involvement. Thank you, Iowa Farm Sanctuary for exisiting and for going above and beyond for every animal in your care every day.
Iowa Farm Sanctuary has done SO much good in the relatively short time they have been here.
They hit the ground running and have rescued so many animals, many with complicated medical issues. They have organized wonderful events and have regular open barn days. Because of IFS many people see farmed animals as individuals and have decided that they no longer want to exploit them. I am proud to know the founders of the sanctuary and appreciate all of the volunteers that help keep it going. They definitely deserve 5 stars.
IFS is doing wonderful and important work, and doing it in a creative way. Their community events and volunteer opportunities seem fun and well-organized. I also appreciate the ways in which they reach out to others to share their message; a representative came and spoke to our Eastern Iowa Vegan Community about their work and gave a great talk!
We love Iowa Farm Sanctuary! We go whenever we get the opportunity during their open barn days (nearly every Sunday from 12-3). I would highly recommend the private tour! There is nothing like getting the one on one time with the animals,plus talking with the founders (Shawn and Jered) about the animals, just a perfect day! Iowa is SO lucky to have IFS!!
I was so excited when I heard Iowa was getting a farm sanctuary. I have been there many times and know these are amazing people doing amazing things. Love interacting with the animals. IFS is one of my favorite places to be!!!
Most people don't see a life worth saving beyond humans, dogs, & cats; but isn't a life no matter what just as precious as the next? Thank you for all you guys do Iowa Farm Sanctuary.
It's a great organization, had the opportunity to go to a couple of events and be able to pet the animals and learn about their stories.
This charitable organization helps to end animal suffering and helps to spread awareness in the community. They are kind and compassionate with animals and the community. They have wonderful charitable fundraisers that bring people and animals together. This is my go to charity when I have extra money to donate and my friends know that this is where they can donate money on my behalf for a gift. Their website has information on all the residents and provides information on all that is going on within the organization. They make donations fun too. They allow you to donate to sponsor an animal for a period of time. My step-daughter recently gifted me sponsorship of a goat, Tauntaun, and they sent me a certificate and picture :-)
The Iowa Farm Sanctuary is an amazing place, you can spend hours here just hanging out with the residents and giving them delicious fruits and veggies. The staff is very knowledgeable and welcoming to everyone, they can answer any question you might have and are happy to tell you the story of any of the residents. I have so much fun when I go to their open barn days or varying events throughout the year! It’s a fun educational environment and I always leave relaxed after I spend some time here.
Iowa Farm Sanctuary is an amazing non-profit organization in Eastern Iowa. They care for rescued farm animals in need of a home and shown a life of love and compassion. Definitely recommend donating for their $5 Friday’s and visiting on open barn days to see the work they do first hand.
This a a great sanctuary! They are very good people doing amazing things for farm animals. When we rescued a piglet IFS helped us locate a sanctuary that had the room to take him. I will forever be thankful to them for this. They are heavily involved in the community for animal rights and always speak up for those who do not have a voice. There is no end to the good they do.
Iowa Farm Sanctuary is playing a HUGE roll in Iowa's animal welfare/vegan culture. They have done so much to help so many different types of animals in so many different conditions. It takes true passion, and they have it.
Iowa Farm Sanctuary is the real deal. This organization changes lives, for both the rescued residents and the humans who visit. The founders and board are courageous, compassionate, attentive, and responsible. While caring for the animals on site is the highest priority, IFS also works hard to advocate for animal welfare in general. Additionally, they provide educational opportunities for both children and adults, hold events at the farm, do outreach to further the mission, and much more. Everything they do is for the animals, and to spread compassion and knowledge. This is a great organization, and we’re proud to have this sanctuary in Iowa!
I have volunteered at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary 2-3 times a month for about a year, in both the barn areas and in the Garden for Good (garden that produces some of the fresh vegetables for the animal residents). Every animal resident is given oodles of attention and love, with their healthcare being of top importance. When an animal resident needs some medical attention, it is done as soon as possible.
It is easy to get involved with helping from mucking out the barns, gardening/horticulture tasks, to building maintenance, and suggestions for making things more fun are always listened to and often implemented. I have never felt a sense of pretentiousness at this sanctuary, which is refreshing. You are guaranteed to return home with a heart three times as large as when you arrived at IFS.
I am on my second season as a regular volunteer. I thoroughly enjoy my time at the farm and am excited to continue to watch it grow. The animal residents are sweet, full of personality, and well cared for, each having their own story of how they came to the sanctuary. Shawn and Jered are co-founders and live on the property. They are always so kind, so appreciative, and available to volunteers, as are the other board members. The sanctuary relies on the kindness of donors and the help of volunteers and the process to become either is really easy. Both the humans and animals at IFS are amazing and the work they are doing to build a caring and compassionate community is wonderful!