With our bylaws, articles of incorporation and mission statement in place, Safe Haven Humane Society was incorporated in 2002 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Without an actual physical location, the No-Kill organization began as a “virtual” shelter. We hosted adoption events for other local shelters at area pet stores. This was a great way to begin immediately saving lives and finding our place in the No-Kill ecosphere.
As our volunteers began rescuing homeless cats and trapping unwanted ones, we recruited 25 foster homes to house them until their adoption. There’s no better stopover for a pet than in a real home until it finds its forever home.
Between our foster program, our rescues appearing at local stores during adoption events, and the help of Petfinder, the online pet adoption site, we were able to dramatically reduce the number of homeless felines in York County.
Our first physical location was a small storefront in Kennebunk, opened in 2007. We kept our kitties in the rear, and used the front as a tiny thrift shop. We quickly attracted supporters who appreciated our low-overhead, grassroots approach and recognized the sincerity of our No-Kill commitment.
In 2009, we moved to a larger location at 1616 Post Road, Wells. We renovated the unfinished second floor to create open cat rooms, and turned the downstairs into a thrift shop to help pay our vet bills.
It was there that we proved to doubters that cats could live peacefully together in free-roaming rooms, and did not need to be locked in tiny stainless steel cages. This was a new concept in animal shelters, with rocking chairs and couches for visitors, and cozy baskets and beds for each kitty.
We invited the public, and they came.
In 2013, we were hit with an unfortunate surprise. A For Sale sign went up in front of our property. We had to find a new home quickly, or we’d become a virtual shelter again.
A deteriorating daycare center in Wells was on the market. Safe Haven, led by Executive Director Joyce McKay, quickly developed a capital campaign to begin the purchase and complete restoration of the building.
Over the next year, the structure was completely gutted and rebuilt from the ground up. We tell people that the kitties actually designed it themselves. For example, they love watching the birds at the feeders outside, so each window has an extra-wide sill. There are also big windows between each room, and glass doors looking out into the hallway.
Everything is open, airy. All five cat rooms are sunlit, spacious, colorful and happy. The kitties’ lives are stress free. Our dedicated volunteers know each of their names, and care for them like their very own.
Our Thrift Shop
To afford our mission of mercy, Safe Haven opened a stand-alone 2000+ s.f. thrift shop at the Wells Corner Plaza, on Rt. 1 at the corner of Rt. 109, next to the IGA supermarket.
Thanks to donations and a loyal customer base, our shop was not only a major contributor to our capital campaign, but pays the bulk of the vet bills for the kitties at our shelter — over $70,000 per year, even after a sizeable discount from our vets.
Safe Haven felines get everything they need to live long, healthy lives: ultrasounds, x-rays, cardiograms, iodine-radiation therapy for thyroid issues, dental surgery and any other needed procedures.
Our Adoption Program
We pride ourselves on our unique adoption program. We believe Safe Haven is the only animal rescue organization who not only carefully screens each potential adoptive family with background calls to their vet and personal references, but actually visits each home in advance, to ensure a safe and loving environment.
Once an adopter is approved, we even deliver the kitty to them. This minimizes the animal’s stress and helps them ease into their new surroundings. We try to create a strong relationship with the adopter and assure them we will be there to assist if they ever need us. Those who adopt from us thank us for our involvement and our careful attention to their new family member.
Our Volunteers
Our volunteer base includes about 80 individuals. Many volunteer a couple of times a week, while a few practically live at our shelter to ensure everything is safe and all the cats are comfortable.
Many say that volunteering at Safe Haven is like therapy. Caring for our kitties slows them down and soothes their souls. They work hard caring for the kitties, even if the work involves sitting in a comfy chair and rocking a frightened newcomer in their arms. because they know Safe Haven ensures each cat will get the best care and the best home.
It really is a mission of love.
