THE SANCTUARY

AT IMPACT LIFE FARM

View our Farm Animal

LIVE STREAM

ABOUT THE FARM

The Sanctuary at Impact Life Farm is located in Seaford, Delaware and is an agriculturally based program with permanent recovery housing, workforce development (agriculturally-based entrepreneurship as well as entrepreneurship in other fields), case management, spiritual support, therapeutic arts, and other forms of recovery support. It is a safe place for women to come post-inpatient treatment or post-incarceration/supervision. The Sanctuary is a place where those in a vulnerable post-treatment state can solidify their recovery, learn new life skills and get the help they need to re-enter life confidently, with a plan, a community, and life skills to assist them. At the Sanctuary, our aim is to help participants move forward to full recovery, a life of sobriety, a feeling of community, and self-reliance.

A WORD FROM OUR CEO

THE MISSION

In general, IMPACT Life’s mission is to build a solid foundation of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) recovery through unique recovery residences, peer support, workforce development services, cultural and spiritual experiences, opportunities for leadership, and service work projects for Delaware residents seeking much-needed recovery and reentry help. IMPACT Life was established and awarded 501c3 status in 2020. I am a person in long-term recovery with 26 years of behavioral health experience, and my goal when founding Impact Life was to creatively address the gaps in the system. For those struggling with addiction or new to recovery, especially those who are justice-involved, recovery housing and supportive services are a priority. Impact Life currently operates recovery residences throughout the state of Delaware in partnership with atTAck addiction.

A SERENE SETTING

THE PROPERTY

The Sanctuary at Impact Life Farm is located in Seaford, Delaware on 17 acres which is used for farming, gardening, fishing/aquaponics, and therapeutic animal assisted therapy.

You can see original photos of the property at https://www.landwatch.com/sussex-county-county-delaware-farms-and-ranches-for-sale/pid/411828447.

VIEW GALLERY

SELF-SUSTAINING

THE PROGRAM

In our model, the wraparound services at the recovery residences are very important and the farm gives us space to expand our programs, including therapeutic programming like culinary arts and adventure recovery. Programming includes parenting classes, therapeutic group meetings, and lots of partnering opportunities with other non-profits who offer excellent life skills, financial literacy, recovery, legal help, arts, and other programs.

RELATING TO OUR CLIENTS

THE STAFF

The program is staffed with individuals who have gone through the recovery process themselves and who are active in the recovery community. They understand what clients go through emotionally to regain their independence and maintain their sobriety and are trained and credentialed in multiple practice areas that meet NARR standards. Their ultimate goal is to provide individuals with the confidence and a solid foundation to fully re-enter their community successfully; seek out their own ongoing support groups and other needed resources to remain sober and healthy.

Pregnant and Parenting Women Program

At Impact Life, we understand the unique challenges faced by mothers on their journey to recovery. That’s why we’re proud to offer Mommy and Me Programs designed to support mothers in achieving sobriety while nurturing their bond with their children.

Our Mommy and Me Programs provide a safe and supportive environment where mothers can focus on their recovery alongside their children. Through a combination of therapeutic interventions, parenting support, and parenting support services, we aim to empower mothers to build healthier lives for themselves and their families. Children in our program have access to a Children’s Care Coordinator so their unique needs are met as well.

Specialized programming for this population is effective because it recognizes the interconnectedness of a mother’s recovery journey with her role as a parent. By addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by mothers, such as childcare responsibilities, parenting skills development, and healing from trauma, these programs offer a holistic approach to recovery that supports the well-being of both mother and child.

Moreover, Mommy and Me Programs create a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, fostering peer support and encouragement. This sense of belonging can be invaluable for mothers who may feel isolated or stigmatized due to their substance use disorder.

In addition our in-house strengths-building parenting program meets the DFS requirements for parenting skills classes.

Ultimately, specialized programming for mothers at Impact Life works because it acknowledges and honors the unique strengths and needs of this population. By providing comprehensive support that addresses the complexities of motherhood and recovery, we empower mothers to reclaim their lives and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.

ANIMAL BIOS

GALLERY

THE GOATS

Highly intelligent, playful and social, our goat herd is often a highlight of your farm visit. Mouse and Ophelia came to the farm as a bonded pair in January 2023. The two of them are Nigerian Dwarves. Stella, Harry, and Lloyd joined the herd in May of 2023. The three of them are myotonic (fainting goats). Each of our goats have their own quirky personality, from bold and bossy to sweet and snuggly. But the one thing they can all agree on is how much they love treats!

Mouse

Mouse was adopted with her “sister” Ophelia out of PA. Mouse is a Nigerian Dwarf breed of goat, she is approximately 2 years old. Mouse arrived at the sanctuary at impact life farm with her sister in January of 2023 and as one of the first “residents” at the farm Mouse and Ophelia have paved the way for all of the other four-legged animals. Mouse and Ophelia are very dependent on each other and will continuously cry if they cannot see each other. Mouse is an adorable, laid-back girl. She can be a little flighty when she’s nervous, this includes not being a fan of getting her shots or getting dewormed. Mouse enjoys calling to her goat friends from the neighboring property every chance she can from the front pasture. She is very food motivated and will do just about anything food.

Ophelia

Ophelia was adopted with her “sister” Mouse out of PA. Ophelia is a Nigerian Dwarf goat and approximately 2 years old. Ophelia, along with mouse were the first of the four-legged animals to reside at the sanctuary at Impact life farm in January of 2023. Ophelia is very bonded to her sister, mouse, and tends to be the dominant of the two. Ophelia was the first of the two to warm up to staff and residents, she is the first to get a “feel” for new people and will come close enough just to judge you without you being able to touch her, she warms up once she gets to know you. Ophelia enjoys getting butt rubs and itching between her horns on anything that she possibly can.

Stella

Stella is an almost 6-year-old myotonic goat. Stella came to the sanctuary at impact life farm in May of 2023 as a donation for the cause. Stella came with one of her babies, Lloyd, and another baby, Harry. Stella is a lovable, not in your face type of goat. Stella is by far the most dominant goat of our little herd, she’s our alpha female, she keeps the whole goat herd in line. Stella enjoys being brushed, pet or attention of any kind. Stella likes it when you get down to her level to greet her. Stella absolutely enjoys getting cheerios for treats.

Lloyd

Lloyd is a year-old myotonic goat (fainting goat) as of March 5th. Lloyd is one of Stella’s babies. Lloyd is a wether, which means he cannot reproduce. Lloyd came to the sanctuary at impact life farm in May of 2023 with Stella and his friend, Harry. Lloyd is the friendliest goat of our herd, if he can climb into your lap, he absolutely will! Lloyd loves attention and loves to be petted. Lloyd will sometimes scare himself and faint, which causes his friend Harry to faint with him. Don’t worry, fainting doesn’t cause him harm, when he is spooked, the sudden stiffening of muscles as he attempts to flee sometimes causes them to fall over, which looks a bit like they have fainted from fright, characteristic of his breed.

Harry

Harry is a year-old myotonic goat (fainting goat), come March 13^th. Harry came to the sanctuary at impact life farm with Stella and Lloyd in May of 2023. Harry is also a wether, which means he cannot reproduce. Harry is also one of the friendlier goats of our herd. You will usually see him hanging out with his buddy, Lloyd, they are pretty inseparable. Just as Lloyd can make Harry faint, Harry can make Lloyd faint as well. Harry loves attention, especially when you get down onto his level. He enjoys chewing on clothing and shoelaces and will sometimes try to climb on you to chew on your clothes. Don’t worry, he only has bottom teeth, with the top being what is called a dental pad, so he can’t destroy your clothes in a short period of time!

THE COWS

Jack and Diane came to the farm in July of 2023. Stubborn but social, the pair love getting treats through our “cow drive thru.” Like many residents at the farm, Jack and Diane are on a journey of personal development as we work on their socialization and healthy interactions with their human caregivers. Jack and Diane are food driven and curious. While Jack is bolder with his inquisition, Diane investigates from afar. Once you gain their trust, Jack and Diane show you what gentle giants they can be!

Jack

Jack is a two-year-old on June 13^th, mini panda steer, which means he cannot reproduce. He came to the sanctuary at impact life farm in July of 2023 with his friend Diane. Jack has a mind of his own, stubborn as can be, and loves food. Jack is very curious of people and will always come up to the fence to sniff out visitors. Jack is a big boy, weighing around 900lbs, he is starting to really enjoy his scratches! His curiosity is what makes him friendly through the fence, but once you enter his pasture, he is on guard to protect his friend, Diane. Jack loves treats, and just food in general. Jack will lick treats out of your hand and then of course pick his nose with his tongue afterwards.

Diane

Diane is one year old, as of January 3rd, mini panda heifer, which means she has never been bred (and we don’t plan to breed her). Diane arrived with Jack at the sanctuary at impact life farm in July of 2023. Diane is still a baby and tends to be skittish and hides behind Jack in most cases. Diane is still very unsure of people, but she is a work in progress. Diane will hang back while Jack approves or disapproves of people, when he approves, she will approach. Diane is very food motivated, just not as food motivated as Jack.

THE PIGS

As one of our first additions to The Sanctuary, Anny, Rudy, Pennelope and Spuds arrived at the farm in March of 2023. These bonded siblings love belly rubs and sunbathing! A highlight of your visit to the farm includes these four running to greet you when they see you heading to the barn! Curious and playful, you often find them rooting around the field looking for snacks.

Spuds

Spuds is a mini potbelly pig, he was adopted with his siblings Pennelope, Rudy, and Anny from pig placement network out of PA. Spuds will be 3 years old on October 26^th. Spuds and his siblings came to us in March of 2023. Spuds’ name very much fits him as he is a literal potato. Spuds is the first to come up to people for attention. He loves attention, belly scratches and just laying out in the sun. Spuds is the smallest of the group, but by no means does that mean he has the smallest heart. He is the most lovable and gentle of the pigs here at the sanctuary.

Rudy

Rudy is a mini potbelly pig, he was adopted with his siblings Pennelope, Spuds, and Anny from pig placement network out of PA. Rudy will be 3 years old on October 26^th. Rudy and his siblings came to the sanctuary at impact life farm in March of 2023. Rudy is the most skittish one of the group, he tends to favor men and will warm right up while in their presence. Rudy does not enjoy getting his nails clipped but still enjoys rubs on his terms. Rudy is slow to warm up to visitors but once he does, he very much enjoys the attention.

Pennelope

Pennelope is a mini potbelly pig. She was adopted with her siblings Rudy, Spuds, and Anny from pig placement network out of PA. Pennelope will be 3 years old on October 26^th. Pennelope and her siblings came to the sanctuary at impact life farm in March of 2023. Pennelope is a little sassy but approaches you for attention on her terms. Pennelope is lovable and enjoys spending her days lounging in the sun.

Anny

Anny is a mini potbelly pig, she was adopted with her siblings Pennelope, Rudy, and Spuds from pig placement network out of PA. Anny will be 3 years old on October 26^th. Anny came to the sanctuary at impact life with her siblings in March of 2023. Anny is a very food motivated, food aggressive pig, however this does not take away from how sweet she can actually be. Anny loves attention and scratches on her belly that make her roll over to scratch more. Anny is the dominant one of the group and she makes sure that everyone knows it!

THE ALPACAS

A unique addition to The Sanctuary, Ellie, Cherry and Honey, came to the farm in August of 2023. Gentle and soft natured, the three are most often found grazing or sunbathing in the pasture. Alpacas communicate through a series of hums, clucks, or spitting. Humming to express content or curiosity and spitting to settle disputes or show annoyance within their pack. While our girls can be reserved or shy at first, with time and patience they can become quite affectionate and enjoy the company of their human caretakers.

Silver Elation “Ellie”

Silver Elation, who we call Ellie for short. Ellie will be 11 years old June 4^th. Ellie is a Huacaya alpaca breed. Ellie and her “sisters”, Honey and Cherry came to the sanctuary at impact life farm with the help of a third-party donation in August of 2023. Ellie is the oldest and sassiest one of the herd, she is the dominant one and continues to take up for the others. Ellie will spit on anyone when she feels threatened or feels the others are in danger. Some say that Ellie stares at you like you owe her money. Ellie is very in your face and enjoys the attention. She is our most photogenic animal on the farm.

Paragon’s Cherry Bomb

Paragon’s Cherry Bomb, who we call Cherry Bomb is a Huacaya alpaca breed. Cherry will be 10 years old on May 26^th. Cherry and her “sisters”, Ellie and Honey came to the sanctuary at impact life farm with the help of a third-party donation in August of 2023. Cherry is the “mom” of the group, always laying outside of the stall protecting the others during the night. Cherry loves to be wet as you will always see her standing in the rain. Cherry is very affectionate as she loves to rest her head on your shoulder while you rub her neck. Cherry is just a big sweetheart.

Honey Perfection

Honey Perfection, who we call Honey for short is a Huacaya alpaca breed, she will be 5 years old June 3^rd. Honey and her “sisters”, Ellie and Cherry came to the sanctuary at impact life farm with the help of a third-party donation in August of 2023. When you see Honey, you will know it’s her because there is always hay sticking out of her mouth at all times. Honey, being the baby of the group, relies significantly on the other two to protect her. Honey is very food motivated and loves to eat sweet feed. Honey’s personality is she marches to the beat of her own drum. Honey likes to “corn-cob”, lightly bite at everyone’s clothing, we think it’s her sign of affection.

THE CHICKENS

Head of the flock, Glenn, a Delaware Blue Hen, has been a staple of the farm since its opening in May 2023. Glenn and his girls are curious, clever birds with big personalities. They love to explore their surroundings, scratch in the dirt and hunt for tasty bugs. Providing the farm with fresh eggs every day, our residents love being part of this mutual relationship!

THE DONKEY

PRINCE

The epitome of the annoying younger brother, Prince, the miniature donkey, has a full personality packed into a pint-sized frame. Joining our heard in August 2024, Prince, is known to be affectionate, playful, and curious. He loves attention and often steals the show with visitors at the farm. He has formed a strong bond not only with his human caretakers but also with the three alpacas.

THE DUCKS

GUS & BABIES

The most recent addition to The Sanctuary, our flock of ducks came to the farm in March of 2025. Gus (white pekin) and the three babies (khaki Cambells) are cheerful, social birds full of personality and charm. Once the babies are old enough, they will join Gus as he waddles behind his human caretaker’s company as they complete chores around the farm.

WE ARE GRATEFUL

OUR DONORS, SPONSORS + FUNDERS