We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Brecht a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
At Good Life Refuge, our primary focus is on serving the underserved and voiceless population of farm animals, offering them a safe haven where they can find solace and care. These animals have long been denied a voice, left unprotected by inadequate animal welfare laws, and subjected to unimaginable abuse and neglect. Our mission is to change their lives for the better, providing them with a forever home that matters not only to the rescued animals but also to the compassionate volunteers who care for them.
In this sanctuary, these animals can finally experience the fundamental 5 freedoms that are internationally recognized standards of care for all living beings. They are granted freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury, and disease, freedom to express normal behavior, and freedom from fear and distress. By allowing them to experience these basic freedoms, we affirm every living being’s right to humane treatment, a right that is too often denied, especially when it comes to livestock, poultry, and waterfowl.
At the heart of our organization are the values of compassion, love, and change. Our ultimate goal is to extend these values to as many people as possible, fostering a profound shift in how we interact with animals, humans, and the planet. We believe that the transformation of our world into a better place for all beings is within our reach.
Animal agriculture has been a significant driver of cruelty to animals, impacting human health, and contributing to environmental destruction. By providing a sanctuary for farm animals and advocating for their rights, we hope to create awareness about the inherent value of every living being and the need for more sustainable and compassionate practices. We aim to inspire individuals to make ethical choices in their lifestyles, including their food consumption, to minimize the harm caused to animals and the planet.
Through education, outreach, and community engagement, we strive to be a catalyst for positive change, encouraging others to embrace a more compassionate lifestyle. By promoting kindness and empathy towards all beings, we believe we can create a ripple effect that will lead to a more compassionate and sustainable world.
In conclusion, Good Life Refuge is dedicated to serving and protecting the voiceless farm animal population by providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. Our mission extends beyond the sanctuary walls as we endeavor to foster compassion, love, and change in society. Together, we can work towards a world where all beings, animals, humans, and the planet, can thrive in harmony and dignity.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As an avid animal lover, my passion for rescue work was a natural calling. However, it was when I delved deeper into sanctuary work and became aware of the devastating impact of common agricultural practices on the well-being of animals that I knew I had to do more. Motivated by a profound desire to help and protect these voiceless creatures, I started volunteering at sanctuaries, and this experience laid the groundwork for the birth of Good Life Refuge.
The mission of Good Life Refuge is simple yet powerful – to provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, and at-risk farm animals. We firmly believe in the ethical treatment of all sentient beings and consider it our responsibility to be stewards of the organization and the animals entrusted to our care. Each animal at our sanctuary receives the love, compassion, and respect they deserve, as we strive to give them the life they have always deserved.
Education is a key pillar of our values. We recognize the benefits of a plant-centric lifestyle not only for the well-being of humans but also for the animals themselves. Through educational programs and outreach, we aim to raise awareness about the immense suffering caused by conventional agricultural practices and advocate for more compassionate choices.
At Good Life Refuge, we understand the power of relationships – the profound connection that can be forged between humans and animals. We believe in nurturing these bonds and creating an environment where animals and humans can find healing and solace together. The refuge serves not only as a sanctuary for animals but also as a healing space for those seeking to reconnect with nature and find inner peace.
Our vision is ambitious, but we are resolute in our determination to achieve it. We dream of a world where harmful practices towards farm animals are eradicated, and compassion becomes the guiding principle in every aspect of human-animal interactions. Through our sanctuary work, advocacy efforts, and educational initiatives, we hope to inspire a global shift towards a more compassionate and sustainable future.
At Good Life Refuge, we strive every day to create a sanctuary where animals can flourish, heal, and live free from harm. We envision a world where every farm animal is treated with kindness and respect, and where humans and animals coexist harmoniously.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
The medical emergency with Mr. Pickles, our beloved potbellied pig, was a defining moment for us at Good Life Refuge. It was a few years ago when he suddenly stopped eating and began vomiting. Being attentive caregivers, we knew something was seriously wrong as food was central to a pig’s life, and Mr. Pickles had never missed a meal before. Without hesitation, we rushed him to Colorado State University veterinary teaching hospital for immediate evaluation.
During this stressful time, we faced a challenging situation. As a young nonprofit organization, we were just getting by month to month, with limited funds in our bank account and no emergency buffer. The weekend timing of the medical emergency resulted in charges for the necessary procedures being double the usual cost. Faced with no other option, we made the difficult decision to proceed with exploratory abdominal surgery, despite the financial strain it would cause.
The surgery cost ran up to over $5,000, and to cover the expenses, we had to empty our bank account completely. This left us feeling as though we were backed against a wall, with little room to maneuver and care for the other animals under our protection. It was a moment of vulnerability and urgency that underscored the importance of having financial stability and a safety net in place.
Thankfully, with the support and generosity of our community, we were able to raise the necessary funds to cover Mr. Pickles’ surgery. Witnessing the outpouring of love and concern for his well-being reinforced the significance of the relationships we had nurtured with our donors. It also highlighted the urgent need to build financial reserves and establish a solid financial base for the organization.
The experience with Mr. Pickles’ medical emergency became a pivotal lesson for us. We understood the importance of proper fundraising strategies, building meaningful relationships with our supporters, and establishing financial reserves to handle emergencies. Over the next couple of years, we made it a priority to invest heavily in learning how to effectively fundraise and manage our finances.
We sought expert advice and honed our fundraising skills to create a more sustainable financial model for Good Life Refuge. We built stronger connections with our donors, communicating the impact of their contributions and involving them in our mission. These efforts allowed us to not only cover the costs of our day-to-day operations but also set aside funds for unforeseen emergencies.
Today, we stand with more confidence, knowing that we have a solid financial footing and can provide the best care for our animal residents. The lessons learned from Mr. Pickles’ medical emergency have transformed our organization, ensuring that we can continue serving and protecting animals in need while also preparing for any challenges that may arise.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
At Good Life Refuge, staying connected with our supporters is a top priority, and we utilize a variety of tools to keep everyone informed and engaged in our mission. We believe in fostering a strong sense of community, and these communication channels play a crucial role in achieving that goal.
Monthly Newsletter:
Our monthly newsletter serves as a comprehensive source of information about our activities, updates on our animal residents, upcoming events, and inspiring stories of positive impact. It allows us to share the latest news directly with our supporters, keeping them connected to the heart of our organization.
YouTube Weekly Updates:
In addition to the newsletter, we use YouTube to provide weekly updates. Through video content, our supporters can visually
witness the daily life at our sanctuary, the progress of our rescued animals, and the impact of their contributions.
Social Media Posts:
We maintain an active presence on Facebook and Instagram, where we share regular posts about our work, animal stories, educational content, and event updates. These platforms offer an interactive space for our supporters to engage, share their thoughts, and spread awareness about our cause.
Stewardship Program:
Our financial contributors are an essential part of our community, and we ensure they feel appreciated and valued through our stewardship program. This program involves sending thank-you emails and making thank-you calls to express our gratitude for their support. We also provide them with a new donor informational kit, which gives insight into our organization’s impact and how their contributions make a difference. Moreover, we take the extra step of sending hand-written notes, adding a personal touch to our expressions of thanks.
Personal Interaction at Events:
We recognize the significance of personal contact and interaction with our supporters. Our open house and outreach events offer an opportunity for face-to-face engagement. These events not only allow our supporters to meet our animal residents but also enable us to express our appreciation for their continuous support.
By utilizing this multifaceted approach to communication, we aim to create a strong bond with our supporters. Their involvement and dedication are integral to the success of our mission, and we value the trust they place in us. Through these channels, we strive to create an open and transparent environment, where our supporters can witness the impact of their contributions and be inspired to continue supporting our cause.
At Good Life Refuge, we are committed to building a community of compassion and care, and our communication tools serve as bridges that connect us with our supporters and stakeholders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goodliferefuge.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodliferefuge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodliferefuge
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-good-life-refuge
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoodLifeRefuge
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCupo3holnAdgQCcjqn63nsA
Image Credits
NICOLE BRECHT