New Freedom Farm of Buchanan, Virginia is Accredited Organization by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

April 27, 2021, (Buchanan, VA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, awarded Accredited status to New Freedom Farm as of April 20, 2021.

Accreditation signifies that New Freedom Farm meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize New Freedom Farm as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of New Freedom Farm,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “This organization is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for Veterans, First Responders, and in-need equines, particularly Mustangs, to support opportunities for both humans and horses to work through anxiety and trauma. This worthy organization also offers unique services such as their Honor Guard, giving back to the community for their military service and sacrifices.”

“We are honored to announce New Freedom Farm is the first Veteran and Mustang organization in history to receive the prestigious Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Accreditation,” declared Lois Fritz, Executive Director and Founder of New Freedom Farm. She continued, “I literally started the process of applying for the GFAS accreditation on June 26, 2018, it became overwhelming, and I set it aside. On June 17, 2020 we had a flash flood, and an advisor to our board Gillian Deegan suggested I have a policy and procedure in place for disaster situations.  It was then when I decided I wanted to follow the gold standards of care for animals.  I wanted to be sure that not only our equine residents but also New Freedom Farm as an organization would enjoy the benefits of being guided by the highest standards. An accreditation from the GFAS means that we meet or exceed the rigorous peer-reviewed standards of excellence they set forth.   I would like to thank Daryl Tropea from GFAS, Gillian Deegan, advisor to the board, the board of New Freedom Farm, the veterans, volunteers, and supporters of New Freedom Farm for all of the hard work that went into achieving this accreditation.   Although we have reached our goal of Accreditation, we will continue to develop our facility, programs, and protocols to reach ever higher in our mission to heal our American Icons: the wild mustangs.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About New Freedom Farm
New Freedom Farm is a non-profit community farm located in Buchanan, Virginia. We exist to aid veterans with PTSD, Substance Abuse, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by using the therapeutic activity of interacting with our equines, farming, and peer-to-peer support. The end goal is to personally empower veterans and help them heal through the realization of their own efforts and contributions.

New Freedom Farm’s mission is “healing heroes through horses.” Oftentimes, veterans develop deep friendships through equine activity and gentling, fostering physical, emotional, and spiritual health, which helps with reintegration into civilian life. Veterans and their families in pursuit of our mission are always welcome at New Freedom Farm.

The program at New Freedom Farm is unstructured and works with a peer-to-peer camaraderie. Our heroes also have an option to engage with equines from wild mustangs to rescued horses. New Freedom Farm is a substance free facility. Our founder is a US Navy veteran and shares her experience, strength, and hope with fellow veterans. The end goal is to personally empower our heroes and help them heal through the realizations of their own efforts. Saving one hero, one day at a time. For more information, please visit: www.newfreedomfarm.org.

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