Hope and Serenity Farm Sanctuary: A Refuge for the Forgotten

By Jen Savory, Sunrise Valley ES Counselor & Reston Resident

Creating sweet bonds with new friends. Photo by Jen Savory

A 30-minute drive from Reston, in beautiful Nokesville, Virginia, Hope and Serenity Farm Sanctuary lives up to its name as a place of peace, second chances, and unwavering compassion.

Founded by Renee Small on the belief that every animal deserves a life free from fear and suffering, the sanctuary is home to a growing family of rescued animals—each one saved from kill lots, abandonment, or other life-threatening situations. More than 300 animals now live at the sanctuary, including pigs, goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, chickens, ducks, and even a blind llama.

One of the first rescues, a sheep named Shiloh, arrived malnourished and terrified. With time, patience, and love, Shiloh found peace—and paved the way for hundreds of others. “Every animal has a story,” Renee says. “They come to us broken, but they heal.”

Hope and Serenity is not only a refuge for animals—it’s a place of connection and healing for people, too. The sanctuary welcomes military veterans, individuals with disabilities, local students, and families seeking a meaningful way to give back. Volunteer days, summer camps, school field trips, and guided tours help foster empathy and a sense of stewardship for all living beings.

Renee, who works full-time to fund the sanctuary’s operations, is supported by a small team of staff and volunteers. While she dreams of the day she can devote herself entirely to the sanctuary, financial sustainability remains a challenge. Hope and Serenity relies on the generosity of donors and sponsors. Animal sponsorships—$25 per month per animal—are vital. Currently, about 400 animals are sponsored; Renee’s goal is to reach 600 to ensure every resident is fully supported.

“Our sanctuary is a reminder that kindness matters,” Renee says. “If we can show compassion to those who have nothing to give us in return, that’s the truest form of love.”