While the exact number will never be known, thousands of animals now live in safety thanks to the work of sanctuaries like Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, Massachusetts. Founded in 2016 by Kathy and John Halamka, Unity gives farmed animals a second chance at life. The nonprofit also serves as a center for humane education and community outreach, with more than 250 rescued residents including cows, pigs, goats, turkeys, llamas, and ponies. It stands as a model for how one place can make a lasting impact on animals, people, and the planet.
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The Creative Force Behind the Mission
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At the heart of Unity Farm Sanctuary is Kathy Halamka, co-founder and executive director. With degrees in business and fine arts, Kathy leads with both strategy and compassion. She oversees daily operations, writes the sanctuary’s blog, coordinates volunteers, captures images of the animals, and facilitates tours. Her hands-on approach and deep commitment are the lifeblood of the sanctuary.
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Kathy and her husband began rescuing animals years before launching Unity. It aligned perfectly with identifying as vegan.
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Their vegan journey began two decades ago, inspired by their daughter. What started as personal advocacy evolved into a full-scale sanctuary and education center that continues to grow in reach and impact.
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Lifelong Refuge, Not Temporary Shelter
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Animals at Unity Farm Sanctuary are not adopted out or placed in foster care. Once they arrive, they become lifelong residents. Their care is tailored to their unique needs, histories, and
personalities. This commitment creates a deep sense of family across the sanctuary.
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In cases where Unity cannot provide space, Kathy actively coordinates with other sanctuaries to find safe, long-term homes. Every placement includes thoughtful transport, quarantine planning, and ongoing support to ensure the animal’s future is secure.
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Fundraising With Purpose and Integrity
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Keeping a sanctuary thriving takes ongoing fundraising, and Unity approaches this with heart and transparency. While one-time donations are welcome, monthly supporters provide essential stability. Many donors sponsor specific animals, creating meaningful connections between people and the sanctuary’s mission.
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Unity also encourages legacy giving, helping supporters leave a lasting impact. Fundraising campaigns are often paired with strong storytelling and visuals, especially around Giving Tuesday and special events like Dudley Fest.
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Volunteers Are the Heart of the Sanctuary
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More than 1,300 people have volunteered at Unity Farm Sanctuary, contributing their time, energy, and skills. Volunteers help clean paddocks, care for animals, assist with tours, and support events. Some even help with behind-the-scenes needs like crafting enrichment toys or supporting campaigns.
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The volunteer program is flexible and accessible. Shifts are scheduled online, and training ensures everyone feels confident. This approach accommodates students, working professionals, and retirees alike. Volunteers often say they receive more than they give, and many return year after year.
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Education That Plants Seeds of Compassion
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Education is a core pillar of Unity’s mission. Programs are offered for children, teens, college students, and community groups. Each visit focuses on compassion, kindness, and understanding the lives of animals as sentient beings.
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Unity’s humane education director leads initiatives including Girl Scout workshops, school visits, and inclusive programs for individuals with special needs. The LEAP program (Leadership for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet) offers an ethical alternative to FFA and 4-H, teaching students leadership and advocacy skills.
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Whether it’s a preschooler brushing a goat or a Harvard student discussing animal law, Unity meets learners where they are and encourages thoughtful, lifelong awareness.
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An Artist’s Touch on Every Detail
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Kathy’s background in visual arts shapes how Unity connects with its supporters. Her photography, design skills, and writing turn everyday sanctuary moments into compelling narratives that
inspire action. From the website to social media, her storytelling invites people to see the animals as individuals and understand their journeys.
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Even those who have never visited in person feel connected through stories about residents like Dudley the Highland steer or Handsome Paul the turkey. These glimpses into sanctuary life help bridge the gap between awareness and compassion.
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Looking Ahead: Growth, Legacy, and a Lasting Impact
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Kathy’s vision for Unity Farm Sanctuary is both long-term and community-centered. Plans include expanding the land, increasing the reach of the education program, and strengthening the endowment to ensure continuity for future generations.
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Part of Unity’s land is already set aside for public trails and wildlife conservation. The broader goal is to integrate animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and education in everything the sanctuary offers. Kathy is focused on raising up the next generation of changemakers and ensuring the sanctuary’s legacy lives on.
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Ways to Support Unity Farm Sanctuary
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Whether you’re local or live across the country, there are many ways to support Unity. Visit www.unityfarmsanctuary.org to explore giving options, including monthly support, animal sponsorships, and legacy gifts. The site also features a 24/7 livestream where you can watch animals in their natural routines.
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For those in the area, public tours are available from March through December. Visitors can meet the animals, explore the grounds, and learn how compassion can transform lives—both animal and human.
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Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[01:45] A Jill of all trades.
[04:00] The devastating loss of a cow goes deep.
[06:00] Lab rescues create balance.
[07:30] A chance meeting at Stanford creates a life-long mission.
[10:00] Community support makes a huge difference.
[12:10] The difference between a sanctuary and rescue facility.
[15:30] Mini pig becomes a 600 pound member of the family.
[20:00] Roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers.
[25:30] LEAP program is making a difference.
[30:00] Conversations go farther than shaming.
[31:30] Future plans for the sanctuary.
About Kathy Halamka
Kathy Halamka, BA, MFA, Is the co-founder and Executive Director of Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, Massachusetts She brings business, visual arts and arts educator experience to her many roles here at the sanctuary, including Volunteer Coordinator, Events, Social Media, Fundraising and Public Relations. You will often find her spending time with Turnip the Turkey and her other Feathered Friends, taking new photos for the “Updates from Unity”, or checking on her beloved ponies. She is lead blog writer at UFS as well.
Kathy and John Halamka formed the non-profit sanctuary in December 2016 with a particular focus on humane education and volunteerism. Residents there include alpaca, llamas, horses, ponies, miniature horses, sheep, cows, goats, pigs and a vast array of feathered friends. Kathy networks tirelessly with the community and other vegan organizations to help as many farmed animals as possible find loving, lifelong homes.
The mission of Unity Farm Sanctuary is to provide a safe and loving lifelong home for farmed animals, to offer the public unique educational programs, and to promote a culture of kindness and connection. They support the entire New England community with numerous programs that are constantly expanding. Sanctuary virtual programs reach far beyond the region. Their goal is to make a positive and meaningful difference for animals, people and the world.
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https://www.facebook.com/unityfarmsanctuary
https://facebook.com/kathyhalamka
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https://instagram.com/unityfarmsanctuary
https://instagram.com/kathyhalamka
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Bluesky
https://bsky.app/profile/unityfarmsanctuary.bsky.social
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/unity-farm-sanctuary
https://www.unityfarmsanctuary.org/
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About Cheryl Moss
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Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. A passionate advocate for animal welfare, she is dedicated to ending factory farming and is working to raise $100,000 for Mercy For Animals to support underrepresented sanctuaries.
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Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she promotes plant-based living through her books,
Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, which inspire young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.
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When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.
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https://www.facebook.com/BLFAnimals/
https://x.com/betterlife4anim
https://www.instagram.com/betterlife4animals/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylmossabetterlifeforanimals/
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