Meet Lenore Braford

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lenore Braford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lenore, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
As a young person, soon after graduating college, I was working with children with autism as I had been doing for the past 8 years. I was lucky enough to be both employed and also supported by my partner and family. This support allowed me to seriously ask myself what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be, and what made me happy. The freedom to consider this led me to realize that working with, and helping to protect, animals was something that truly brought me satisfaction and joy.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In 2012 I founded the 501c3 non-profit Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge (the Refuge). The Refuge provides lifelong care to rescued farm animals, educates people about the realities of animal agriculture, and promotes veganism by offering knowledge, support, and community. We are currently home to over 100 rescued farm animals who live on 45 acres of pasture and woods in Pittsboro North Carolina. Our rescued chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and cows are each recognized as unique individuals and are, accordingly, provided with individual care including diets, socialization and daily enrichment. We are currently working to expand our sanctuary to include rescue pigs.

The Refuge is run by a small staff and a community of deeply committed volunteers. As the founder, I am so proud to see what we have accomplished over the past 11 years and am humbled to have met so many amazing people along the way who have made our life-saving work possible. However my favorite part of this work is watching how new animals are able to heal and learn to trust humans again. After abuse or neglect, they may be withdrawn or scared. Over time at the Refuge, we begin to see their true personalities emerge and blossom. It is extremely rewarding to know that you have made a difference in their lives and that they now feel safe and at home.

The Refuge offers tours, other events, and volunteer opportunities. Our biggest fundraiser of the year, our Benefit for the Animals, is coming up on the evening of October 21st. You can learn more at our website: www.piedmontrefuge.org

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, one of the most important steps that I took was gaining hands on experience by taking advantage of volunteer opportunities, internships, and jobs at other nonprofit animal sanctuaries. This armed me with real life experience regarding the ins and outs of nonprofit and sanctuary life, which can be extremely difficult on both a physical and emotional level. My trust in my own self judgement has also been invaluable. Looking back, decisions that were made where I did not trust my own instincts typically ended in failure. I believe that self-confidence and the ability to follow your instincts can be a major key to success. Unfortunately for many young women, it can be hard to believe in yourself. I am lucky to have had amazing support from my partner and family who continued to encourage me in this regard.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The combination of working hard and having a worthy cause to pursue (in this case, one that truly changes lives) has propelled me to succeed through many difficult challenges. As our nonprofit continues to grow and new challenges emerge, I have come to realize that I must continue to put myself in the uncomfortable position of constantly learning new things. What was a challenge a year ago now seems like an easy situation, but there is always the next obstacle that tomorrow will bring. I believe this attitude of embracing being uncomfortable and constantly learning has positively impacted our non-profit and also allowed me to grow and evolve as a person. The skills and knowledge that I have gained along the way have made the journey, while often difficult, worthwhile in the end.

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