Conversations with Shara Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shara Jones

Shara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary was founded back in the 1980s by the late Dorothy Davies and Monte Jackson. The organization became an official nonprofit in 2001 and became the biggest and oldest sanctuary in the Midwest. Since then, we’ve rescued thousands upon thousands of abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted farmed animals.

After leaving my career as an educator eight years ago, I was looking for animal shelter volunteer opportunities. I came across SASHA Farm, learned about their mission, and decided to start as soon as possible. Since I was a vegetarian the majority of my life, it seemed like the perfect fit. Seems as though I was right. The moment I stepped foot on the property, I knew I wanted to be part of this community and work with animals the rest of my life.

I started out volunteering three days a week. My love for the animals and the work grew quickly, so I found myself asking for a position as a staff member. My first job title was Animal Care staff, then I moved up to Animal Care Manager, ended up interviewing for and granted the Executive Director role, and I’m currently the Operations Director of the whole organization.

We are a small staff of four, but we have many amazing volunteers that assist in our day-to-day operations. Our staff is currently caring for 160 animal residents and we hope to continue rescuing more animals in need in the near future. Our nonprofit depends on contributions from our supporters, so fundraising is key to being successful in our mission.

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?
We are a small organization with a handful of staff members and volunteers. Over the years, the sanctuary has faced various challenges. Since we are a nonprofit, we depend on donations to support our mission and goal. With the constant inflation, we have struggled with finances and fundraising. This is especially true after the pandemic.

Also, we have had issues with the current transition our organization is experiencing. With the loss of Dorothy, the owner, and her husband, now a retired owner, we’ve been working together on fixing the issues that have hindered us from moving forward in the past with our purpose and ideas. However, the team we have in place is dedicated and working diligently on repairing relationships, creating a positive working environment, along with practicing high standards of care.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our staff and volunteers take pride in offering their time and energy to provide the many rescued animal residents at SASHA with a happy and healthy life. Our mission is to provide them with quality care, love, and safety. We take in animals of all ages, of various situations, and with our help, allow them to live out their natural lives.

SASHA’s daily routine includes a strict feeding schedule, medical care and physical therapy, cleaning enclosures, communicating with veterinarians, providing enrichment for our residents, maintaining equipment, working with local businesses, and managing all volunteers and staff.

Not only do we rescue farmed animals in need, we implemented an educational component that offers insight to our vision and the importance of practicing a plant-based lifestyle.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories were the times my family took our yearly trip to Florida. I’ve always enjoyed nature and the ocean. Being able to soak up the sun, find seashells, and interacting with wildlife was always very joyful for me. Especially during the very cold winter months of Michigan.

Pricing:

• Hay and feed costs us around $150,000 per year
• Our veterinary care costs us around $120,000 per year

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sashafarm.org
• Instagram: @sashafarm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12DYctNz1WH/?mibextid=wwXIfr