When Stacy Jenkins first moved to rural Edinburgh with her husband, Dave, she knew she needed a few animals to fill up her farmland. Coming from the hustle and bustle of Beech Grove, she desired comfort and a calm atmosphere, something a few farm animals could offer.
After about two years, the farm’s furry family grew large enough to where Jenkins decided it was time to apply to be a 501(c)(3). In July 2019, Jenkins officially registered Jenkins Forever Farm as a nonprofit to get more help paying for veterinary services and food bills.
Soon after, the farm hosted its first fundraising event, immediately receiving enough donations to cover regular operating expenses. The farm allows for people to ‘sponsor’ an animal of their choice, fronting the monthly cost of care and maintenance for the animal.
The farm is calm and lively all at once. Off a private road far from the interstate, 8188 S. Private Road 435 West in Edinburgh, the only sounds are the crackles of the gravel road and the occasional quack of a duck. Jenkins said the farm welcomes guests often, and they’re welcome to stay anywhere from fifteen minutes to five hours.
The farm is homey, and a bit more peaceful than one might expect from a sanctuary with over 90 animals. People come for a calming experience and to see the diverse group of animals the farm houses.
“We hosted someone yesterday that tried to commit suicide a year ago. After visiting, she asked if she could come back again tomorrow because she said she hadn’t been that happy in over a year. She hadn’t felt that much peace anywhere else,” Jenkins said with a smile. “You can’t buy that feeling or get it everywhere. Those kinds of stories mean a lot to me.”
That’s precisely why Jenkins Forever Farm doesn’t require any admission fee. If you want to come out and see the sanctuary, Jenkins said you should be able to without worrying about money.
“If a family with five children wanted to visit and I charged a $10 ticket price, that would be $50! That’s not an option for everyone,” Jenkins said.
They’re always asking for donations and volunteer support, however, but only with the animals in mind.
“We’re very transparent. We don’t ask for money from people unless we have to. I post the vet bills on our Facebook,” Jenkins added.
The sanctuary is not meant to be a petting zoo or a place where the animals are expected to perform. Some of the animals were adopted from other rescues, but most have come through police seizures, various local animal control facilities, or hoarding cases, the farm’s website says.
“I really want people to see that you can enjoy animals without forcing anything on them or making them do anything. I mean, I wouldn’t do that to a human. If they were antisocial I wouldn’t say, ‘You need to come out and socialize!’ I’d respect them,” Jenkins said.
“We know their boundaries. They’re not here to earn their keep. We’re here to respect them and earn theirs, if anything,” she added laughing and looking toward some of her alpacas.
Jenkins said whenever she hosts visitors, they always ask her how she manages everything while working outside the home. She’s worked as a nanny for almost eight years and also worked a bookkeeping job, both almost an hour away from the sanctuary. She said it’s both tough and rewarding.
“These guys do a lot for me. I mean, when I’m shoveling my 50th pound of poop, I do think, ‘Wow, this is a lot of work,’ but it’s also so peaceful out here. The animals all appreciate [us]. Even the ones that I’ve taken in that were a bite risk, we’ve bonded,” Jenkins said.
“I have a pig out there who’ll attack anybody, but I can kiss him on the snout.”
Jenkins doesn’t run her farm alone, though. Her neighbor, Brittany Copeland, helps out on the farm for a few hours each day.
Overall, Jenkins said she wants people to know that everyone is welcome to enjoy the sanctuary.
“We teach children and families about being kind to everyone. No matter who you are, we support you. We’re a safe space here,” Jenkins said. “If we can just get to a place where we respect everyone, no matter if they have fur, scales or skin — no matter the color of their skin — we can foster a happier, better world.”
For more information or to donate visit the farm’s website at jenkinsforeverfarm.org/.
IF YOU GO
Open Farm Event
When: noon to 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: 8188 S. Private Road 435 West, Edinburgh
Admission: Free
