Danielle and Josh Hanosh discuss Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary

Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary was founded in the fall of 2014 in Colfax, California by two middle school teachers. The sanctuary’s mission is to rescue abused, abandoned, and unwanted farm animals, provide them with permanent sanctuary and lifetime care, and educate the public about the plight of farmed animals and the compassionate choices they can make daily to create a kinder world. Blackberry Creek is unique in that it was intended to be a sanctuary for both animals and people. It seeks to partner young people with the animals, providing them an opportunity to interact with them and assist in their care without the having to sell them at the end as is common in many youth programs like 4-H or FFA. Children with special needs and at-risk youth can come to the sanctuary and learn about the disabilities and emotional turmoil the animals have faced and connect that to their own experiences. In this way, people find healing, learn they have great value, and are taught that their pasts certainly do not dictate their futures. Blackberry Creek attempts to save far more animals than it could ever welcome through its doors, simply by educating people about the harmful effects of meat, eggs, and dairy on their own health, the environment, and the lives of animals. It is run solely by volunteers and donations and hopes to one day offer full-time educational programs in schools.