Exploring Life & Business with Lenore Braford of Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenore Braford.

Hi Lenore, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I had a natural love of animals. My parents were biology professors and always encouraged an interest in animals and nature. In college as an environmental studies major, I learned about factory farming for the first time and the impacts that it has on people, the environment and animals. As an animal lover, I was appalled to learn about how farm animals are treated in our food system. After several years considering what my path would be, I began to focus on my intention to one day create a safe haven for farm animals where people could learn about their treatment and be inspired to make more compassionate choices. I spent five years working at animal sanctuaries, rescues and rehab centers before founding Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge. Today the Refuge is home to over 120 rescued farm animals who have come from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting and operating an animal sanctuary comes with many challenges. There are the challenges of fundraising to keep the non-profit functioning and growing. Working with animals also brings many physical challenges necessary to ensure their health and well-being – restraining animals for health checks, carrying food and water, and working in all weather conditions. Additionally, there are the sacrifices and emotional hurdles such as the loss of beloved animal residents, having to turn animals in need away due to lack of space, and the loss of personal freedom. I have found that the difficult parts of this work have pushed me to change and adapt as a person. It is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

We’ve been impressed with Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge provides lifelong care to rescued farm animals, educates people about the realities of animal agriculture, and promotes veganism by offering knowledge, support, and community. We are located in Pittsboro, NC on 20 acres of pasture and woods. Currently home to over 120 rescued farm animals, we care for chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep, ducks and geese who come from cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment. The Refuge is open for monthly guided tours and hosts other special events throughout the year. Our education programs also include kid’s summer camps, school visits, and vegan cooking classes. We are currently running a campaign to expand our sanctuary from 20 acres to 45 acres so we are able to save the lives of more animals in need (https://www.expandtherefuge.org/). We are known for our Animal-Centered Design aesthetic and philosophy: we work to truly understand each animal species and aim to provide indoor and outdoor living environments that are sensitive to the animal’s ancestry, natural behaviors and individual preferences.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books and podcasts can help my mind go on a journey away from the daily stresses of running an animal sanctuary, which can be ever-present especially since I live on sanctuary grounds. I tend to enjoy sci-fi and true crime stories. I also love to cook and learn new vegan recipes. My favorite cookbook at the moment is “Isa Does It”.

Pricing:

• Tour & Explore at the Refuge – $15/person (http://piedmontrefuge.org/tour-and-explore/)
• Sponsor a Refuge Resident – $10-$25/month (http://piedmontrefuge.org/sponsorship/)
• Volunteering to make a difference – Priceless (http://piedmontrefuge.org/membership/volunteer/)

Contact Info:

• Email: info@piedmontrefuge.org
• Website: www.piedmontrefuge.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Piedmont_Farm_Animal_Refuge
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/PiedmontFarmAnimalRefuge
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/PiedmontRefuge
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCsivPoygOvqniusaxUqA57A

Image Credits
The Sentient Project