The silence after loss can be overwhelming. After my wife Pam passed away from Covid-19, the quiet in my home became almost unbearable. Soon after, my own health declined from long-haul Covid. Then I lost our two dogs, Edie and Lucy. In what felt like a very short time, the house that once held love, laughter, and companionship became painfully still.
To fill that silence, I brought home two small budgies. Their cheerful chirping brought life back into the room. A few dwarf hamsters followed, their tiny wheels spinning through the night. Slowly, the emptiness gave way to purpose. I began sharing photos and stories of these little lives, and something unexpected happened — people started asking me to take in their birds. Some parrots were too challenging for loving owners. Some lost their caregivers to illness or changing life circumstances. Others were grieving birds whose “hooman” had passed away. Each one needed a safe place.
While the vision of establishing the Fallen Sparrow ministry is in pursuit, there are urgent needs that need to be met to adequately feed the parrots in my care already. There are also occasions when parrots need to see a veterinarian. Since I am on disability and have very limited income, immediate help is needed to care for the birds in residence. Then, help will be needed to acquire a place to house the rescue and sanctuary that will be appropriate for volunteers to come together. At that time, funds will also be needed to construct aviaries, provide bird-safe lighting, and accommodate volunteers to meet together to collaborate on projects to properly care for the birds while providing opportunities for social interaction and forging of friendships.
Fallen Sparrow will provide a safe home for parrots, canaries, finches, and other birds with specialized needs. Parrots, in particular, are fragile — everyday items like candles, cleaning products, and non-stick cookware can be toxic to them. Many people simply cannot create a bird-safe environment at home. This sanctuary will make it possible for birds to thrive — and for people to enjoy caring for them. But this ministry is also about people. Gardeners can grow fresh vegetables for the birds. Volunteers can prepare healthy “chop” meals in the kitchen. Builders can construct aviaries. Creative minds can craft toys and foraging boxes. Animal lovers can help care for small exotic mammals and reptiles. And those who simply need community can come and belong. Too many people today are isolated. Too many birds need homes. Fallen Sparrow answers both needs. Your support will help establish a safe sanctuary where compassion is lived out, friendships are formed, and both people and animals find care, purpose, and hope. Not one sparrow falls without God knowing. This ministry exists because every life matters. Please help us build Fallen Sparrow.
To fill that silence, I brought home two small budgies. Their cheerful chirping brought life back into the room. A few dwarf hamsters followed, their tiny wheels spinning through the night. Slowly, the emptiness gave way to purpose. I began sharing photos and stories of these little lives, and something unexpected happened — people started asking me to take in their birds. Some parrots were too challenging for loving owners. Some lost their caregivers to illness or changing life circumstances. Others were grieving birds whose “hooman” had passed away. Each one needed a safe place.
While the vision of establishing the Fallen Sparrow ministry is in pursuit, there are urgent needs that need to be met to adequately feed the parrots in my care already. There are also occasions when parrots need to see a veterinarian. Since I am on disability and have very limited income, immediate help is needed to care for the birds in residence. Then, help will be needed to acquire a place to house the rescue and sanctuary that will be appropriate for volunteers to come together. At that time, funds will also be needed to construct aviaries, provide bird-safe lighting, and accommodate volunteers to meet together to collaborate on projects to properly care for the birds while providing opportunities for social interaction and forging of friendships.
Fallen Sparrow will provide a safe home for parrots, canaries, finches, and other birds with specialized needs. Parrots, in particular, are fragile — everyday items like candles, cleaning products, and non-stick cookware can be toxic to them. Many people simply cannot create a bird-safe environment at home. This sanctuary will make it possible for birds to thrive — and for people to enjoy caring for them. But this ministry is also about people. Gardeners can grow fresh vegetables for the birds. Volunteers can prepare healthy “chop” meals in the kitchen. Builders can construct aviaries. Creative minds can craft toys and foraging boxes. Animal lovers can help care for small exotic mammals and reptiles. And those who simply need community can come and belong. Too many people today are isolated. Too many birds need homes. Fallen Sparrow answers both needs. Your support will help establish a safe sanctuary where compassion is lived out, friendships are formed, and both people and animals find care, purpose, and hope. Not one sparrow falls without God knowing. This ministry exists because every life matters. Please help us build Fallen Sparrow.