WHO'S WHO AT THE SANCTUARY

Volunteer Jean has little DW falling asleep in her arms.

The Sanctuary is almost 10 years old! 

December 15, 2026 is the start of our 10th Anniversary and we are excited to share this milestone with our community. Founded by John and Kathy Halamka in 2016, this special place was designed to go on in perpetuity with the establishment of an endowment, and the team that will keep this shining long after the founders have passed (in hopefully the very far off future!) To read more about folks go to Meet the Team

Many exciting things have already happened at the Sanctuary this year, including expanded humane education outreach, the Sanctuary Forest School preschool, a new manager for the Unity Duck Haven Store, a new Volunteer Specialist Coordinator and the Veteran/Active Duty Program, and our new Nirvana Tea House and Cafe in Millis, MA.

Humane Education Director Jennifer D'Angelo has expanded the LEAP Changemakers program for high school students to include the LEAP Kids program for middle school students. The increased demand for onsite and offsite programs has her working extra hard to fit everyone into the busy Sanctuary events calendar. Board Member Carol Brown has regularly presented her Plantastic classes as part of humane education efforts, and Sherborn resident Melany Park (PhD in Architecture) has grown her youth workshops in MPD to sold-out classes this spring. (Art with the Animals and artist Cindy Prevett will be returning as well in the good weather). Vegan chefs Tyler Wehr (our Shelter Manager) and Brian D'Angelo have made our classes that include plant based foods extra amazing! Education@unityfarmsanctuary.org

Our Shelter Manager Tyler Wehr and Animal Care Manager Liz Sykes are working hard every day to ensure they and the caregiving team have given the rescues at the Sanctuary kindness, good food, medical care, clean living spaces and affection. With the help of the volunteers we know they are living their best lives in Sanctuary. Tyler@unityfarmsanctuary.org Liz@unityfarmsanctuary.org

The Sanctuary Forest School is our nature preschool with Lead Teacher Megan Scully at the helm. Assistant Teacher Liz MacNeil joins Megan, for the students' art, play and outside adventures. The School offers 4 Summer Sessions two weeks in length for half or full day, and enrollment is open now. Fall Session begins August 27 with some space still available half or full day. Please contact Megan Scully for more information at Megan@unityfarmsanctuary.org

Ann Wehr has been a volunteer since nearly the beginning of Unity Farm Sanctuary. Ann has served on the UFS Board of Directors and is now balancing her role on the Sanctuary Council with her role as the manager of the Unity Duck Haven Store. Look for more in-person hours where our store is open for some hours most weekends, and of course open for events. Ann@unityfarmsanctuary.org

Peter DiMarzio has joined the UFS team as the Volunteer Specialist Coordinator to train new volunteers, communicate regularly with ongoing volunteers, and has a wonderful new program for veterans and active duty servicemen and servicewomen - Operation Healing Hearts. He is a veteran himself and this project is near and dear to him. He is also the President of The Sanctuary Council - our advisory board. Volunteer@unityfarmsanctuary.org

Kindness and Compassion Tours continue with co-founder Kathy Halamka on good weather weekends and holiday March to December. Storytime Tours are led on Sunday and Tuesday morning from April thought October by retired educator Lisa Pastor and her wonderful assistnats Lis and Christine. Kathy@unityfarmsanctuary.org

Our Board of Directors and our Sanctuary Council are all-volunteer and make it possible for special events and accomplishments to happen. Their bio's are on the Meet the Team page. We also must thank our amazing donors, the crucial monthly donors of the Sanctuary Circle, and the Sanctuary Legacy Society for lifetime bequests. As a non-profit, donors make all of this possible at Unity Farm Sanctuary

From January 1 to March 26 of 2026, a talented group of people renovated and rescued the Nirvana Tea House and Cafe of Millis MA. The Sanctuary purchased the whole-food plant based vegan cafe in December, and is so proud to work with General Manager Keith Maher and his hardworking, devoted team as the reopening is now a reality. We hope to see you at the Cafe! Keith@nirvanateahousecafe.com

The Sanctuary founders work hard to ensure the Sanctuary, the School and Cafe will continue in perpetuity with the establishment of the endowment fund, and a focus on encouraging legacy giving. This unique place was designed to truly be Sanctuary, with a team that will keep this place protected long after the founders have passed (in hopefully the very far off future!) Kindness and compassion will keep growing, and the rescued farm animals will remain safe and loved.