Nonprofits Create Community is NIA’s theme for 2026, as we celebrate the ways that nonprofits come through for their communities in spite of all the challenges facing them. In this series, meet some NIA-insured nonprofits who share their stories of creating community in their own words.
Meet Farmstrong Rescue of Redlands, CA
Aaron Armstrong, Rescue Coordinator for Farmstrong Rescue, explains:
“Farmstrong Rescue is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care for neglected and abandoned farm animals, giving them a safe, compassionate home where they can heal and live in a loving environment.”
How does your nonprofit and your mission create community for the people and places you serve?
Create a more compassionate and connected community for both animals and people.
“Farmstrong Rescue creates community by providing a safe haven for farm animals while bringing people together through compassion, education, and hands-on service.
Our mission connects individuals, families, volunteers, and animal advocates with rescued farm animals, creating meaningful experiences that foster empathy, responsibility, and respect for all living beings.
Through volunteer opportunities, educational visits, outreach programs, and community events, we give people the chance to learn about the unique needs and personalities of farm animals while actively participating in their care and recovery.
These experiences help build stronger connections between people and animals.
Many of the animals that come to Farmstrong Rescue have been neglected, abandoned, or surrendered. Their journeys of healing and rehabilitation inspire community members to become involved in making a positive difference.
By offering a place where people can serve, learn, and connect, we strengthen community bonds and promote a culture of kindness, stewardship, and animal welfare.
Beyond rescuing individual animals, Farmstrong Rescue serves as a community resource that raises awareness about responsible animal care, advocates for vulnerable farm animals, and provides opportunities for people of all ages to engage in meaningful service.
In doing so, we help create a more compassionate and connected community for both animals and people.”
What are your nonprofit’s biggest challenges or obstacles to creating community?
Limited resources to expand outreach and community engagement programs.
“One of our biggest challenges in creating community is limited resources.
As a nonprofit farm animal rescue, much of our time, funding, and staffing are dedicated to meeting the daily needs of the animals in our care, which can make it difficult to expand outreach and community engagement programs.
Another challenge is public awareness. Many people are unfamiliar with the realities facing farm animals or may not realize that farm animal rescues exist and rely heavily on community support. Educating the public and building lasting relationships requires ongoing effort and resources.
Despite these obstacles, we continue to look for creative ways to connect people with our mission through volunteer opportunities, educational programs, social media outreach, and community partnerships.
By expanding awareness and engagement, we hope to build an even stronger network of supporters who share our commitment to animal welfare, compassion, and community service.”
