We love our volunteers! From weeding and walking to mucking and mopping, the daily to-do list at Sanctuary One is vast. We couldn’t get it all done without our team of dedicated volunteers, who embody the true spirit of community by saying “Yes I can.”

In turn, by providing the opportunity to volunteer on a real working farm, the Sanctuary helps people of all ages experience nature’s power to heal. Working with animals and gardening has been widely shown to lower blood pressure, ease depression and stress, and help lonely people establish therapeutic relationships. For those seeking a longer-term experience, we also offer internships.

How to Become a Volunteer

1. Submit a volunteer application online (recommended), or download a hardcopy and mail it to us.

2. Attend a volunteer orientation. After receiving your application, we will let you know dates and times for orientations.

Volunteer shifts are 10 am to 2 pm 7 days a week, and are scheduled in advance with our staff. Volunteers are expected to work at least 8 hours (two shifts) per month. We prefer that volunteers commit to at least one year of service. Due to our remote location, we highly recommend carpooling and packing a vegan or vegetarian lunch or snack. We applaud volunteering as a family or with a friend (those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)! Your volunteering mileage may be tax-deductible; talk to your financial advisor.

Our volunteer jobs are important tasks related to caring for animals, farming and gardening, and general clean-up. For these kinds of jobs you must be in good shape and not suffer from allergies to animals or hay. Because most of the work on the farm is physical in nature, Sanctuary One might not be the right match if you have lower back pain or other similar medical issues.

If hands-on farm work is not your cup of tea, we also have a variety of clerical and office volunteer opportunities. We particularly need help with our special events, fundraisers and spreading the word about Sanctuary One.

Please note: Due to the length of the orientation and training process, we are not able to accommodate volunteers looking for a short-term experience. We prefer that volunteers commit to one year of service.

If you have questions about our volunteer program email info@SanctuaryOne.org or call 541-899-8627. Apply now.

Benefits of Care Farming

Research confirms the public health benefits of care farming. Click on the article title to download the PDF.

The Development of Green Care in Western European Countries

Care Farming in the UK: Evidence and Opportunities

As a recent transplant to southern Oregon, my primary goal was to find someplace locally where I could “settle in,” meet like-minded people and begin making a positive impact in my new community. I couldn’t have found a more perfect place than Sanctuary One. The benefits are countless. Of course, there’s the simple joy that comes with giving — contributing to the happiness and well being of these rescued animals, and connecting with the folks who care for them. And as a dog walker here, I’m continuously rewarded by the sight of goofy drooling faces and madly wagging tails. What could be better than that? Not to mention the health benefits of working here: fresh air, lots of vitamin D and the opportunity to walk nearly nonstop for a few hours with exuberant four-footed companions. No gym membership required!
Becky, Volunteer
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