MEET VICK & BOB WORTHY
Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary (MMFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sanctuary providing a forever home to senior farm animals.
MMFS’s mission is to enrich the lives of animals while educating the public on proper care to improve animal welfare.
“A dream come true.” – Victoria Worthy
It all started in the late 1980’s when Vick started fostering dogs. Vicks love for the dogs and gigantic heart wanting to help animals in need was very apparent to the community. It didn’t take long for requests to start coming in. “Soon after the dogs, I was asked by a friend if I would take a donkey in need of a home. I met and fell in love with him and soon after taking him in found a friend in-need to join him. I always want two, never just one. Animals are social and need partners," Vick says.
Speaking of partners, Vick says this is her passion and not her husband Bob’s, so it's a good thing that he loves her! He has always supported her and been there every step of the way to help her dream come true.
The passion to rescue, the need, and the love remained that for many years while steadily growing. Then, in 2000, the farm was up to 18 animals, including donkeys, horses, pigs, and chickens. Within the past year, Mitten Misfits Farm has been contacted by humane societies, animal control departments, people from the past or those that know Vick, along with handfuls of animal owners searching for a home for their beloved pets. Especially with respect to animal owners who have no choice but to find alternate care for their senior or at-risk animals, Vick has realized that "most are people who love their animals who can no longer care for them. What they love about Mitten Misfits is that their animals are here forever."
With the rapid growth of the sanctuary and the realization that it could no longer be cared for by herself, Vick reached out to a couple of the horse clubs at MSU and was delighted to find like-minded people wanting to volunteer to help take care of the animals. Volunteers from MSU Horse Club were the first to partner with Mitten Misfits in giving their time and love to help care for the animals. Today, Mitten Misfits has over 80 registered volunteers. “We never could have imagined this level of support, along with the bonding, comradery, and healing that the farm has brought to all. I get thanked daily by my volunteers, telling me how life changing and therapeutic working with the animals has been," Vick commented.
“The need was there and Mitten Misfits could help. We are at 63 animals and counting today."
Mitten Misfits' immediate dream is to build a new barn so that all of the animals on the senior animal waiting list can come home. A new barn will provide a home to those who need us, along with providing more storage for hay & supplies, a meeting area/office/bathroom for volunteers, and an indoor working area for the animals to get the enrichment needed year-round. We also hope to have our pastures planted and trails groomed to be able to walk the animals on.
WHY OUR VOLUNTEERS LOVE MMFS
“Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary works closely with my son, and his job coaching organization to give him an opportunity to volunteer on the farm and give him valuable job experience. My son has always wanted to work on a farm but his developmental disability gives him a communication delay and anxiety. The owner is very flexible and works with our availability and with my son’s needs. Everything is organized and each volunteer knows what they are expected to do and very clear how to do it. But most of all, the owner has cultivated an environment that is peaceful, friendly, and very accepting. My son is thriving in this environment. He gets up every work day, excited to go to work. He feels valued for his strengths and accepted as a good worker. And every day his confidence grows.
As a result, Mitten misfits farm Sanctuary gets a very dedicated, hard worker and my son gets to work where he has always wanted to be. Thank you!” - Misfits Volunteer
“Being accepted by the Misfit’s team means that we can have an experience that neurotypical mothers and sons can have. We can be part of something bigger than us and we are accepted as we are. The Misfit team talks to my son and includes him without underestimation or judgment. The animals accept us too. They welcome us and seem to speak to my son. I can’t explain it but I can see it. Finally, my son feels a sense of purpose that is difficult to find given his barriers . I see the pride he feels in caring for something outside of himself. It’s easy for us to feel like misfits ourselves but when we are at the farm we belong to a community.” – Misfits Volunteer
“I love being at the farm – all of my cares melt away while I am there. It did so much for me when my Mom passed away. It gave me peace and calm, and I felt so good giving something back that was bigger than myself.”
– Misfit Volunteer
“I volunteer for the farm and love my time with the animals. I look forward to seeing them and they always make me smile. I brought my kids out one day to help me with some donations and to meet the animals. At first my son felt sad that some of the animals had struggles, but after a half hour not a single handicap existed. He had completely forgotten and found so much joy in getting to know each one of them that he could. He was so inspired by their can-do-anything attitudes and how their barriers that he once felt sad about, did not stop them one bit. It was a life-lesson I wasn’t expecting, and one that touched my heart.”
-Misfit Volunteer
SEE US IN OUR COMMUNITY
WLNS-TV
MID-MICHIGAN PET EXPERT TALK SHOW
MID-MICHIGAN PET EXPERT TALK SHOW
WLNS recently covered our 2023 Open House. Hear testimonials from Bob Worthy, Board Member Holly, and Volunteer Chloe on why they stay involved with MMFS.
MID-MICHIGAN PET EXPERT TALK SHOW
MID-MICHIGAN PET EXPERT TALK SHOW
MID-MICHIGAN PET EXPERT TALK SHOW
Listen to Bob Worthy talk about MMFS, it's mission and ongoing projects, and why we love our volunteers.
MLIVE
MID-MICHIGAN PET EXPERT TALK SHOW
MLIVE
Read about the rescue of our beloved turkey, Fremont (aka Mitch E. Gander). He was pardoned by Governor Gretchen Whitmer November 2022.