About Us
Who we are?
Helen Demes started Sunset Farms Sanctuary in 2017. She had been rescuing animals and volunteering at shelters since 1972 but finally decided the time was right to leave the corporate world and follow her dream of saving animals full-time. The first animal she brought to Sunset Farms was a goat named Dolly.
The Sanctuary was originally located in Oregon. However, due to the prevalence of wildfires and the difficulties of evacuating 141 animals in such situations, Helen made the decision to move to Arkansas, an area with better water resources. After buying a property in Cove, Arkansas sight unseen, the move took place in September 2021.
Sunset Farms Sanctuary currently houses 137 animals, including goats, cows, sheep, chickens, pigs, and more. These animals come from surrenders, veterinarians, and other sanctuaries; they are also rescued from situations of abuse, neglect, and hoarding.
Above all, Helen’s goal is to save as many animals as possible. As she put it, “So many animals depend on us to not give up, to push ourselves.” Helen is assisted by her husband, Brian.
Our Mission Statement
At Sunset Farm Sanctuary, our mission is to provide refuge, compassion, and advocacy for farm animals, while promoting a vegan lifestyle that nurtures both the animals and the planet.
At Sunset Farms Sanctuary, a forever home for abused, neglected and abandoned farm and domestic animals.
Our Core Values:
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Animal Welfare: We are committed to the lifelong care and well-being of rescued farm animals. We provide a loving and safe environment where they can thrive, free from the suffering and exploitation they endured in factory farming.
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Vegan Education: We believe that every individual has the power to make a positive impact by choosing a vegan lifestyle. Through education, outreach, and example, we inspire and empower others to make ethical choices that align with our vision of a compassionate world.
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Environmental Stewardship: We recognize the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and acknowledge the environmental devastation caused by industrial animal agriculture. By promoting veganism, we contribute to the preservation of natural resources, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the protection of biodiversity.
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Community Engagement: We actively engage with our local and global communities, fostering empathy, inclusivity, and support for our mission. By building strong partnerships and collaborations, we work towards a more compassionate society that values the rights and dignity of all beings.
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Ethical Leadership: We strive to be leaders in animal welfare and vegan advocacy, setting a high standard for the ethical treatment of animals and the promotion of sustainable, cruelty-free choices. We lead by example, demonstrating the positive impact of compassion in action.
At Sunset Farm Sanctuary, we envision a world where all farm animals are treated with love and respect, and where a vegan lifestyle is embraced as a means to reduce suffering, promote health, and protect our planet's future. Our mission is rooted in compassion, and we invite you to join us on this transformative journey towards a brighter, more ethical tomorrow. Together, we can create a sanctuary not only for the animals but for humanity as well.
