Love Always Sanctuary is home to more than 105 rescued farm animals

“Anyone who knew me as a child isn’t surprised that this is where I ended up. I grew up in an abusive home, and animals were my safe place,” said Nickie Mingarelli, founder of nonprofit Love Always Sanctuary.

“When things felt frightening or unstable, I found solace with them,” she said. “They taught me trust, presence, and unconditional love at a very young age. That belief still guides everything we do at Love Always Sanctuary: not the same, but equal.”

Their first location was in a residential area in Pacoima, “but as more animals needed refuge, we knew we had to move.” Today the nonprofit is located in Sun Valley on La Tuna Canyon. Love Always Sanctuary is home to more than 105 rescued farm animals.

Her goal is to purchase property within the next two years and build a bunkhouse for youth aging out of foster care, offering them housing, mentorship, and skills in animal care and plant-based cooking.