Five Freedoms Farm, also known as F3, is an ambitious endeavor that keeps animal rescue at the center of what we do and further incorporates community development, social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and service learning. Our sanctuary saves the lives of senior dogs with medical needs and farm animals in need of a safe haven while simultaneously increasing the cultural wealth of
the Deaf community. What sets us apart from other sanctuaries is that we partner with the Deaf community. We are both sign language interpreters: Nancy was raised by Deaf parents and is a native signer; Jessie has been a part of the community both professionally and personally since 1995. We both feel humbled by our connection to this beautiful and vibrant community. We want to celebrate Deaf-World and use our farm to show the broader community that being Deaf is not a deficit, but a unique and valuable way of living in the world. Our animal sanctuary saves the lives of animals in need while simultaneously increasing the cultural wealth of the Deaf community. We aim to become a vehicle that propels the passions of young Deaf animal-lovers, scholars, entrepreneurs, educators, leaders, and change-makers … all by way of activities and programs around animal rescue, care, and adoption. We believe that, in partnership with the Deaf community, our unique animal sanctuary serves as a place where Deaf identity and individual and community resiliency will be passed on to younger generations. Future Goals
- a humane education camp for kids
- an online educational portal reaching kids nationwide
- dog and cat adoption events
- a lodge where organizations can meet
- community classes taught by Deaf adults
- a clinic run by a Deaf veterinarian
- partnerships with Deaf artists and business owners
- an in-town thrift store
- weekly vlogs on our YouTube Channel in ASL about animal care and health
- Bed & Breakfast
- gardens to supply vegetables and flowers to the lodge, Bed & Breakfast, cafeteria, and the in-town farmers' market
- immersion weekends for parents of deaf children
- an orientation on Allyship, Deaf Gain, and visual communication strategies for hearing volunteers
We want to highlight the notion of Deaf Gain; reframing ‘deaf’ as a form of sensory and cognitive diversity that contributes to the greater good of humanity. Deaf people are a linguistic minority with a rich history, language, and culture that deserve conservation and preservation. Our hope is that we not exist in a vacuum, but serve as a replicable model for healthy Deaf ecosystems nationwide. Core Values:
Vitality
Belonging
Compassion
Community
Dignity
The Five Freedoms (adapted from The Five Freedoms of animal welfare):
Freedom to learn and to grow, and to be nourished in mind, body, and soul. Freedom to exist in a physical environment that is comfortable and affirming of one’s identity. Freedom to have one’s true self validated and respected. Freedom to exist in a space that actively works to protect one’s complete well-being. About us:
Nancy Romer, an interpreter raised by Deaf parents, spent 30 years interpreting in the classrooms of K-12 mainstream schools. She is a committed activist finding ways to make a difference for DHH kids. She served as a member of the National Association of the Deaf’s Educational Strategy Team. She loves animals and is a vegetarian. Jessie Romer, originally from Boston, grew up with dogs and cats and has always had a love for animals. Her experience at summer camp working on the farm helped shape her decision to make animals a permanent part of her life. She became a vegetarian at the age of 14 and is now vegan. She has worked as a vet assistant and gained skills which she brings to caring for senior foster dogs and farm animals in need. Jessie decided to pursue ASL when she was 21 and quickly fell in love with the Deaf community. She has been working as a freelance interpreter since 1997 and has worked full-time at home as a corporate staff interpreter for Convo Communications since Oct of 2020. We have been together since 1999 and have 2 beautiful grown kids, Travis and Katherine, a granddaughter, and 6 dogs and 3 cats,! We live at our sanctuary on a 14 acre farm in the Northeast Georgia mountains.
