Tucked away on a quiet stretch of land in Frederick County, February Star Sanctuary is more than a refuge for rescued horses and cats—it’s a place where healing, growth, and connection take root every day. Phyllis and Dave Smith purchased the farm nearly two decades ago, and it has steadily blossomed into a sanctuary not only for animals in need, but for the people who come to care for them.
“We give a home to cats and horses that need a place,” said Phyllis co-founder and executive director. “We aim to give them a soft landing as they find a new home. Every year we grow a little more.”
Today, February Star is home to around 22 horses and 120 cats, all supported by a deeply committed group of volunteers. Some, like Kevin and his wife Jess, sponsor specific horses, spending time riding, grooming, and caring for them. Others show up week after week, cleaning stalls, filling feed buckets, and giving the animals the care and love they deserve.
But February Star doesn’t just rescue animals—it creates space for people to grow too.
Through youth camps and hands-on educational programs, the Sanctuary offers children and teens a unique opportunity to connect with nature, build confidence, and develop a sense of responsibility. For families like Pauline Strano Dahlin and her daughter Angelina, that connection has been life-changing.
“The first time she came to camp, Angelina was shy and quiet,” Pauline recalled. “She barely talked to anyone. But working with the animals and the camp leaders gave her a sense of purpose. She learned how to work with others. She learned how to lead.” 
It’s these moments—small but profound—that define the mission of February Star. While the animals receive critical care and a second chance, the people who work alongside them find community, healing, and strength. It’s a symbiotic relationship rooted in trust: the animals trust the people to care for them, and the people grow by rising to that responsibility.
To support this work, The Community Foundation of Frederick County awarded February Star five impact grants in fiscal year 2025, totaling nearly $15,000. These grants have helped with everything from pasture management and veterinary care to equipment, dental work, and even chiropractic services for the horses. Some grants are earmarked specifically to expand youth programs—ensuring more children like Angelina have the opportunity to thrive.
“That financial support is a big deal to us,” said Phyllis. “It allows us to care for our animals in a deeper way and support more youth in our programs. Our horses need interaction to stay healthy and adoptable, and these programs provide that essential engagement. It’s all connected.”
As the Sanctuary looks to the future, the connection will only deepen. Phyllis’s daughter, Addy, is heading to the University of Kentucky to study equine science and nonprofit management—with plans to one day take the reins of the family mission.
Together, the family dreams of building an indoor facility so that programs can continue year-round, rain or shine. It’s a vision grounded in love, service, and a commitment to growing what they’ve already built—slowly, steadily, and always with trust at the center.
Through the continued support of The Community Foundation of Frederick County, February Star Sanctuary will keep offering a safe haven for horses, cats, and the many people who find themselves transformed by the simple, powerful act of caring for another living being.
This article was featured in the Community Foundation’s fiscal year 2025 Annual Report.