From Rescue to Sanctuary: A Year of Growing Together at Blue Iris Farm
- Jamie Collins
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
If there is one word to describe this past year at Blue Iris Farm, it is connection.
For a long time, our focus was primarily on the "rescue" side of our mission—providing a safe, soft landing for animals in need. But as we watched our residents heal, we realized they had a unique gift to give back. This year, we opened our gates wider than ever, transitioning from a private rescue to a true community sanctuary.
Looking back at the past twelve months, it’s hard to believe how much we’ve grown. Here are the milestones that made this year so unforgettable.
A New Chapter: Ribbon Cuttings and Headlines
We officially "leveled up" this year with our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, surrounded by the community that makes our work possible. It was a proud moment to see the farm recognized as a local landmark for healing. We were even featured on the news and in publications like Ink Magazine and CT Insider, helping us spread the message of animal welfare to an even broader audience!
Healing Across Generations
Our community programs blossomed this year, creating a "Soul Sanctuary" for visitors of all ages:
Golden Visits: We’ve had the honor of welcoming senior centers and convalescent homes for gentle, guided interactions. Watching a senior connect with a rescue animal sparks memories and smiles that stay with us long after the visit ends.
Education & Schools: The farm became a living classroom! Between our Ag-Science classroom activities and K-12 Field Trips, students have been learning about farm animals, the rescue work and compassion firsthand. We even launched a Girl Scout Badge Program where scouts can earn their petals and badges while helping with farm chores!
University Partnerships: We continued a wonderful partnership with Eastern Connecticut State University, welcoming student interns who assist with everything from marketing to hands-on animal care.
Expanding the Experience
We’ve worked hard to make Blue Iris a place where you can truly stay and play. This year, we hosted our first Corporate team building and retreats, where teams swap boardroom stress for pasture peace. We’ve also seen a wonderful response to our Farm Stays, allowing guests to wake up to the sounds of the herd and fully immerse themselves in farm life.
Farm Renovations: Building a Home
If you’ve driven by lately, you’ve likely seen the incredible transformation taking place! We’ve completed major renovations to the exterior of the main house, and we are currently putting the finishing touches on the interior to make it a warm, welcoming space for our guests.
But the improvements didn't stop at the house. Thanks to the tireless work of our amazing volunteers, we’ve also expanded our animal habitats! This year, we successfully built a large, custom chicken coop and a sturdy run-in shed to provide even more comfort and protection for our residents. It’s been a labor of love to ensure the farm’s physical home is as beautiful and safe as the animals who live here.
Other Highlights from the Year:
Nurture & Learn: Empowering youth groups through volunteerism and responsibility.
Connections Program: Providing sensory-friendly animal visits for individuals with special needs.
Retreats & Tipis: Our Winter Resets and Tipi Date nights have become favorite ways for our community to unplug.
Looking Ahead: We Need a Big Blue Barn!
While we’ve accomplished so much, our growth means we are officially outgrowing our current spaces. To continue our mission year-round and provide the best possible care for our residents, we have a big goal for next year: Building a new barn.
This barn will be more than just a shelter; it will be a hub for our community programs, a safe space for new rescues, and a home for the heart of Blue Iris Farm.
Will you help us lay the foundation? We’ve launched a Givebutter campaign to fund this next phase of our journey. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one brick closer to our goal.
Thank you for being part of our story this year. We’ve cut the ribbon, we’ve shared our story, and now, with your help, we’re ready to build the future.
With love and gratitude, The Blue Iris Farm Family