Lollypop Farm expansion project: Here's what's being planned

Madison Scott, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·3 min read
Assembly Member Jen Lunsford contributes $5 million to Lollypop Farm's expansion project
Assembly Member Jen Lunsford contributes $5 million to Lollypop Farm's expansion project

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford has successfully secured $5 million in state funding for Lollypop Farm's expansion project. Lollypop Farm says her contribution has helped to surpass the $20 million milestone for its Kindness for All Campaign, which aims to elevate Lollypop Farm into one of the nation's leading community-based animal welfare and education centers.

"We are grateful for the State's support and appreciate the advocate we have found in Assemblymember Lunsford," Lollypop Farm President and CEO Alice Calabrese said in a press release. "This funding allows us to move forward and build a better Lollypop Farm to better serve our community's growing needs."

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization in the Greater Rochester area. It aims to help pets and people.

Here's what we know about Lollypop Farm's Kidness for All Campaign expansion project:

What is the Kindness for All Campaign?

According to Lollypop Farm, the Kindness for All Campaign aims to enhance the center's infrastructure, resources, and programs to create a multifaceted center that offers animal care and comprehensive educational opportunities for people of all ages.

Its website details upcoming plans for turning its goals into reality, "Our shelter must be an environment that nurtures this ideal by providing a safe space for animals who are homeless, understanding and respect for those who come in search of help, and strong support for the community and caretakers who make second chances possible every day," according to the Lollypop Farm website.

What's included in the expansion plans?

Expanded Educational Programs

The goal of expanding educational programs will aid in making Lollypop Farms a space where people in the community can exchange their ideas and where children can begin to learn more about animal welfare, according to their website. In doing so, Lollypop Farm says it hopes to create:

  • Classrooms and guest spaces to inspire the next generation of animal lovers

  • Offices and meeting rooms to educate and support people dedicated to life-saving care

  • Guest centers to welcome our community and engage all with our mission

Infrastructure Improvements

Lollypop Farm says its need to house vital resources has been growing. According to the Lollypop Farm website, as part of this expansion project, it plans to create the Pet Air Warehouse and Storage Building to safely maintain an inventory of food for both the pets in their shelter and for families who have fallen on hard times. These plans include:

  • Multi-story structure to provide for the extensive needs of the shelter

  • Address space deficiencies as life-saving care reaches new heights

  • An easily accessible donation center that makes the most of the generosity of our community

  • Storage that meets the needs of the shelter and community pets who need us most

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHSjP30v3Ik

Farmyard Renovations

Lollypop Farm's plans for Farmyard Renovations include:

  • Expanding pasture space and improving animal habitats

  • Sizing and designing pastures for species-specific needs

  • Promoting empathy for farm yard animals through improvements to guest experiences

  • Providing isolation spaces for incoming animals to ensure safety for animals in Lollypop Farm’s care

Facility Renovations that Modernize Care

With this expansion, the farm plans to continue improving its facilities to create an environment that fosters health and compassion for the pets and people in the community. These renovation plans include:

  • Improvements to dog kennels and cat holding that diminish stress and promote healing

  • Dedicated quarantine and isolation spaces for all species

  • Clinic improvements that enhance and streamline veterinary services

  • Create break spaces for staff to decompress and recover from the effects of compassion fatigue

  • Update technology to support present demands and provide agility in the future

How to get involved

For more information on Lollypop Farm's Kindness for All Campaign and how to get involved, you can visit their website and Instagram.

— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Lollypop Farm expansion project: Here's what's being planned