LOLLYPOP FARM NAMES SYDNEY JENKINS DIRECTOR OF HUMANE EDUCATION

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – With the future of humane education set to take a significant step forward in Western New York with the construction of the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sydney Jenkins as its Director of Humane Education.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sydney to Lollypop Farm at such an exciting moment for our organization,” said Alice Calabrese, President and CEO of Lollypop Farm. “The Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center represents a transformational investment in our community and our ability to inspire compassion for animals. Under Sydney’s leadership, we will dramatically expand our humane education programs, offering more classes, hands-on learning opportunities, community events, and educational experiences that help people of all ages develop empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals. By investing in education today, we can reduce neglect and cruelty tomorrow while inspiring the next generation of animal advocates.”

Jenkins, who brings more than a decade of experience leading impactful, community-oriented educational programming, comes to Lollypop Farm having served as Director of Education at the Genesee Country Village and Museum since 2022. During her tenure, Jenkins was responsible for delivering meaningful programming to more than 20,000 students annually across 82 school districts within 20 New York State counties. Additionally, Jenkins, who holds a Master’s degree in Public History from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was integral in growing attendance, overseeing community outreach opportunities, and securing education-focused grant funding to expand programming.

Prior to her time at Genesee Country Village and Museum, Jenkins served as an Education Coordinator at the Maryland Center for History and Culture where she managed field trips, scout programs, homeschool activities, and group tours.

“I am drawn to organizations that mirror the world I want to see for the community and my own children,” added Jenkins. Lollypop Farm’s mission to better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care is one that I stand firmly behind and am honored to promote. It’s truly an exciting time to join the team as they make this concerted effort to grow and increase their impact here in the community. I look forward to working alongside the community, and the Lollypop Farm team, to share how humane education crosses into all school subjects and has the ability to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Jenkins’ hire comes at a pivotal moment in Lollypop Farm’s 153-year history as the organization prepares to open the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center as part of its Kindness for All Kind campus transformation. The dedicated learning center and regional resource will significantly expand Lollypop Farm’s ability to deliver high-quality humane education by providing purpose-built classroom space for school field trips, youth programs, camps, community workshops, educator resources, and special events.

The expanded facility will allow Lollypop Farm to reach more students, families, community members, and educators than ever before with engaging curriculum designed to teach responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, empathy, and kindness. By creating meaningful connections between people and animals, the organization hopes to inspire lifelong compassion while helping reduce animal neglect and cruelty throughout the community.

To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life-saving animal care, essential services, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.

About Kindness for All Kind

Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.

Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.

About Lollypop Farm

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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