A Full Circle Moment: FCFS Earns GFAS Accreditation During Our 15th Year of Rescue, Care, and Change

BOLIN
Jun 18
6 min read

Updated: Jun 18

A Full Circle Moment: FCFS Earns GFAS Accreditation During Our 15th Year of Rescue, Care, and Change:

We are proud and excited to share that as of June 2, 2025, Full Circle Farm Sanctuary has officially earned Accredited status from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)—the only globally recognized organization for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries.

This milestone makes Full Circle Farm Sanctuary (FCFS) the first farmed animal sanctuary in Georgia to receive this honor, and it comes during a year of special significance—our 15th anniversary.

A Mission Rooted in Care, Carried by the Community:

Since 2021, Full Circle Farm Sanctuary has operated under a bold, animal-centered model rooted in sustainability, compassion, and transparency.

What sets us apart? We do all of this without an Executive Director or paid administrative staff.

The only paid employees at FCFS are the small but fiercely dedicated Animal Caregivers, who tend to the needs of over 100 rescued residents, on 55 acres, 365 days a year.

All administrative work—from governance, web design, marketing, and project management to event planning, fundraising, and financial oversight—is carried out by our three-person volunteer board, each of whom has served Full Circle for 9 to 11 years, contributing not only their time and expertise, but also their personal financial support.

Despite our lean structure, we never compromise on quality or impact—and we never settle. We’ve chosen this unique operating model to ensure that every possible dollar goes directly toward the residents and the sanctuary that is their home, allowing us to stay true to the FCFS mission.

Full Circle Farm Sanctuary provides lifelong care for over 100 rescued residents, representing 13 species, including a large population of seniors, across 55 acres of rural Georgia.

We operate entirely on public donations. No magic donor covers our operational costs, and there is no hidden funding source—this sanctuary exists because of you and hard work.

Your belief in the FCFS mission powers everything we do.

That’s what makes the achievement of long-term sustainability—and now, GFAS accreditation—even more meaningful.

This accreditation is more than a credential. It’s a recognition of the intentional, principled work our community has poured into building an organization that is transparent, ethical, and wholly resident-focused from the ground up.

Most importantly, it is a stepping stone—empowering FCFS to do even more for animals in the years ahead.

GFAS on FCFS:

“Sometimes an organization comes along that reminds you just how impactful a skilled, dedicated, professional team can be – that’s Full Circle Farm Sanctuary.”— Jessica Harris, MS, GFAS Farmed Animal Program Director

“Truly empathy in action, Full Circle demonstrates an incredible dedication to the FCFS residents and the FCFS mission… This Accreditation is a full-circle moment—for them and for the rescued residents.”

GFAS accreditation is not given lightly. It signifies that FCFS meets rigorous, peer-reviewed animal care standards, confirmed by an in-depth site visit and evaluations of our practices in sustainability, ethics, finances, safety, outreach, and more. This provides a clear and trusted benchmark for donors, grantors, and the public alike.

From Penny, Zephyr, and Noah to Today:

Our journey began in North Carolina in 2010—with just three remarkable individuals who inspired a mission of compassion. Penny the pig, Zephyr the goat, and Noah the rooster. These founding residents helped shape the mission we carry forward today—rescue, education, advocacy, and creating systemic change.

Their impact continues to ripple outward. Since relocating to Georgia in 2016, Full Circle Farm Sanctuary has:

Rescued and provided sanctuary to 235+ animals
Welcomed 1,000+ volunteers, contributing 32,100+ volunteer hours
Hosted 2,170+ educational visitors through Guest Days
Reached 740+ more through our events, including our signature ThanksLiving celebration

How We Work: Accountability, Not Applause:

We don’t believe in hollow words or self-congratulation. We believe in showing up—every single day—with grit, love, and relentless dedication.

We recognize that perfection is not the standard—but integrity, accountability, and continual improvement are. We remain transparent about our challenges and committed to ongoing evaluation and refinement of our practices to ensure we are acting in the best interests of the FCFS residents, those they represent, and the organization entrusted with their care.

We are committed to being better. To doing more. To growing. Every challenge has taught us something. Every heartbreak has reminded us why this work matters. The residents deserve nothing less than our very best—every day, in every decision, in every action we take. Your support makes this possible.

The path hasn’t always been easy, but it’s shaped us—into a team that leads with humility, learns with open hearts, and never stops fighting for a more compassionate world.

We’re here for the long haul. Committed to meaningful, lasting progress. The work isn’t done. The learning will never stop. And the challenges will keep coming. But we remain undeterred—dedicated and determined to persevere for the animals we serve.

We’re also not alone.

We honor the sanctuaries that paved the way—and walk in solidarity with those who continue the fight alongside us today.

We are deeply grateful to every organization working to give farmed animals—and all animals—a better life, a fighting chance, and a future rooted in compassion. It’s not always easy— but it's always worth it.

2025 Impact Tracker: A Year Already in Motion:

In just the first half of this year, this is what we've achieved:

January

Built new goat play structure to promote enrichment
Launched 2025 Volunteer Season
Received grant funding to support key sanctuary goals

February–March

Installed fencing to divide Waterfowl Wonderland, improving pond access and resident quality of life
Installed secondary gate in pig pasture to improve emergency access
Deep cleaned and reorganized the Medical Barn and Medical Room to increase efficiency
Established a new volunteer area and improved supply access
Completed property-wide junk removal and reorganization to optimize storage and operations
Launched 2025 Compassionate Cuisine Cooking Series
Launched 2025 free Guest Day tour season
Expanded resident care capacity through certifications in Farmed Animal Emergency First Aid and Wellness Care, and Equine Emergency First Aid

April

Implemented updated emergency, disaster, and fire safety protocols
Led Earth Day educational tour for local youth

May

Installed shade structures in high-priority areas to protect residents from heat stress
Broke ground on a fully funded climate-controlled stall for residents with critical care needs
Participated in community outreach at Birmingham Vegan Fest (AL)
Converted an old aviary to a greenhouse for the residents

June

Achieved Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) Accreditation
Expanded Board capacity through:
- University course in nonprofit fundraising
- University grant writing course and certificate
- Digital marketing course and certificate

Welcomes, Goodbyes, and Community Impact:

Since January, we’ve welcomed seven new residents—Elsa, Rosco, Alice, Bradley, Sugar, Dora, and Fabio—each now safe, receiving the care they need, and free to live their lives authentically.

We’ve also faced the hardest part of sanctuary life: saying goodbye. We mourn the loss of nine deeply cherished individuals—Sojourner, Wendy, Casper, Lucky, Ciara, Tinsel, George Michael, Sylvia, and Fabio—each one leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and on the pastures they called home. Their journeys are nothing short of inspiring—read them here.

Additionally, we’ve responded to almost daily intake and help requests—offering guidance, resources, and hope.

Looking Ahead: ThanksLiving and the FCFS Annual Day of Giving:

We’re just getting started. The second half of this milestone year includes the early launch of our most anticipated annual event—ThanksLiving. Last year’s celebration was our biggest yet, and 2025 promises to be even more meaningful. The sanctuary is going to transform like never before, and we invite you to witness and partake in our progress.

The past two years have sold out – Secure your early bird spot today.

Also on the horizon is the FCFS Annual Day of Giving. Now in its third year, this powerful day is all about sustainability and future-building. It has quickly become a cornerstone for our continued progress. [Add link when ready.]

Join Us: The Circle Isn’t Complete Without You

To our supporters—whether you’ve volunteered, donated, attended an event, or followed our journey online—thank you. We may have the grit, but without your belief in our mission, none of this would be possible. Your support fuels everything we do. You are part of every life saved, every step forward, and every moment of hope at Full Circle Farm Sanctuary. Together, we’ve proven what’s possible—and we’re just getting started. Together, we can achieve more.

And if you’re just discovering FCFS, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether it’s through monthly giving, joining a volunteer day, resident sponsorship, or simply by learning more about the FCFS residents—there’s a place for you in this mission.