October 2024

Lately, I’ve been running on emotional empty. The constant flow of emails, calls, texts, and endless requests for help can feel overwhelming. There are moments when I question everything and wonder if I have the strength to keep going. It’s hard. It’s draining. But then, just when I need it most, something magical happens that reminds me exactly why I do this.

🩷 A few days ago, a pink limousine pulled up to the sanctuary, and out poured a group of excited little girls, all here to celebrate a birthday. One of them had met me over the summer at a camp where I introduced her to a baby pig. That simple, sweet encounter sparked something special in her. She went home and told her mom, “I want to have my birthday with the pigs at EPIC Outreach.” And so, here she was— at the sanctuary, surrounded by her friends, celebrating life, love, and connection with the animals.

And then, there was BLAKE. BLAKE, a sweet pig who had once been abandoned and rescued by animal control, typically doesn’t settle easily in large groups. But on this day, surrounded by 12 kind-hearted souls, something shifted. He felt the energy—the calm, the love—and he flopped down on the ground, belly exposed, ready for the gentle rubs that followed. It was pure joy, not just for BLAKE, but for everyone there to witness it. It was a moment that captured the magic of this place.

💓 That’s why I keep going. It’s for animals like BLAKE, who come here after being abandoned, lost, or neglected. It’s for every creature who arrives at EPIC Outreach unsure, scared, or heartbroken, and then slowly begins to feel peace. Love. Safety. BLAKE now lives a life free of fear, surrounded by love every day.

What touches me even more is seeing the ripple effect. It’s not just the animals who benefit—it’s the people, too. The kindness of our visitors leaves lasting impressions. Their compassion spreads beyond the sanctuary. And that’s the essence of our mission—not only saving lives but filling hearts with love.

One of our generous monthly supporters, Bill, shared this in response to our recent story: “This is one of the reasons why I contribute each month. It makes me happy to know that the animals are well taken care of and loved by many. Keep up the good work.”

It’s words like these that remind me we’re all in this together. Every donation, every visit, every small act of kindness helps us keep going. This work isn’t easy, but knowing that people like Bill—and so many others—are standing with us gives me the strength to continue.

This is the heart of EPIC Outreach. This is why we do what we do. Together, we’re not just creating a sanctuary for animals—we’re creating a more compassionate world. – In Kindness, Jessie, Founder of EPIC Outreach