We are currently a nonprofit 501(c)(3) senior and special needs dogs rescue. We now have plans in the works to expand and establish a farm animal sanctuary in the Athens, GA area! This farm will not only be significant in the animal welfare community, but will be completely unique in that we are and will partner with the Deaf community for its creation process, implementation, and operation. We wi
ll employ Deaf people in every position on the farm, including administration and any needed contract services. We will launch a number of programs that will bolster the educational, economic, and leadership vitality of the Deaf community on a local and national level. We will have a humane education camp for Deaf children, a lodge where Deaf organizations can meet, community classes taught by Deaf individuals on a variety of topics, an in-town thrift store run by Deaf staff, an animal clinic run by a Deaf veterinarian, and a bed and breakfast. Deaf artists will be able to display and sell their work at our farm and we will hire them to paint murals and create sculptures which reflect Deaf cultural values. We will also actively partner with Deaf business owners or aspiring business owners to partner with our farm both on site and online. We will bring in Deaf student interns and also serve as a site for researchers. Most importantly, our farm will be designed using a concept called Deaf Space, where all buildings, placement, landscaping and pathways are created by Deaf people. This unique environment is aligned with and promotes Deaf ways of being. We will invite the hearing community to experience our farm and gain new understandings about people who are Deaf. Parents of deaf children will be able to experience the dynamic, vibrant, and beautiful community of Deaf people and their language when they take part in our immersion weekend programs. The opportunities for growth are practically endless! We are hoping to find at least 100 acres within 15 minutes of downtown Athens. We will be called Five Freedoms Farm. Our new mission statement is: to provide sanctuary for animals in need cared for by people who are Deaf (or who sign) in a Deaf-centric, Hearing-friendly space while strengthening the educational, economic & leadership vitality of the Deaf community.
