Stefani Thomas first became involved with Luvin Arms in the spring of 2025. At the time, she felt stagnant in her day-to-day routine and knew she had time and energy to put toward something meaningful. As she began exploring opportunities with animal sanctuaries, particularly those caring for farmed animals, she discovered an upcoming Community Day at Luvin Arms. The timing aligned perfectly, and from her very first visit, Stefani was hooked.
What began as volunteering eventually grew into an even deeper commitment to the sanctuary. Today, Stefani serves Luvin Arms in two roles: as a full-time Volunteer Lead and as a part-time staff member in her role as Care Coordinator. As a Volunteer Lead, she supports and guides fellow volunteers in their work at the sanctuary, while her Care Coordinator role allows her to contribute directly to the day-to-day care and well-being of the residents and to support the care team in providing exceptional lifelong care.
Stefani finds it nearly impossible to choose a single favorite sanctuary memory because she feels she makes a new one every day. Her time at Luvin Arms has given her countless opportunities to learn and has deepened her empathy through the friendships she has formed with residents and others. Those relationships and experiences have broadened her worldview and changed the way she sees and connects with the world around her.
The big pigs hold an especially important place in Stefani’s heart. She is continually moved by their personalities, expressiveness, relationships, and everything they have overcome simply to have the opportunity to live as themselves. Maui is particularly special to her. He arrived at the sanctuary not long after Stefani began volunteering, and his spirit and personality quickly won her over.
Above all, Stefani wishes more people had the opportunity to truly know farmed animals. Her experiences at Luvin Arms have shown her that they are individuals whose lives hold value far beyond what is expected of them or what they can provide for humans. Through both her volunteer leadership and her work as Care Coordinator, Stefani is grateful for the opportunity to help others build meaningful connections with the residents while contributing to the care that allows them to live fully as themselves.
