Ladder of Life: A Kitten’s Journey – My Mission to Make a Difference

Jennifer McTighe
Feb 20
3 min read

Starting a nonprofit animal rescue has been a dream of mine for years, but more than that, it’s a necessity. Every kitten season, shelters and rescues across the country, including those here in Arizona, are flooded with abandoned, orphaned, and vulnerable kittens. Without immediate care, many of these kittens don’t survive. That’s why I’m launching Ladder of Life: A Kitten’s Journey, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming kittens who deserve a chance at life.

Why Start a Nonprofit Animal Shelter?

The journey to establishing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter is no easy feat. There are so many logistical, legal, and financial steps involved—everything from registering as a tax-exempt organization to securing funding, finding a suitable facility, and ensuring we have the right resources to care for kittens properly.

As a longtime animal advocate and volunteer, I’ve spent years working with rescues and fostering kittens. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication it takes to run a successful rescue. Organizations in our area has set a high standard for saving lives, and I aim to do the same—ensuring every kitten gets the second chance they deserve.

But passion alone isn’t enough. Running a shelter requires funding, space, supplies, and community support. Right now, I’m in the crucial startup phase, seeking grants, sponsorships, and donations to make Ladder of Life a reality before fall. By that time, another wave of kittens will be born, and without enough resources, many won’t find homes before the colder months set in.

What It Takes to Start a Rescue

Building a nonprofit from the ground up requires:

✅ Legal Setup & Registration – Filing for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, obtaining permits, and meeting Arizona’s shelter requirements.

✅ Funding & Grants – Securing startup costs through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns.

✅ A Facility & Supplies – Finding the right space and stocking up on food, medical supplies, and essential kitten care items.

✅ Community & Volunteer Support – A rescue cannot operate without dedicated volunteers, foster families, and adopters.

✅ Marketing & Awareness – Getting the word out through social media, events, and collaborations with local businesses.

Why Supporting Local Rescues & Businesses Matters

Every time you adopt, donate, foster, or volunteer at a local rescue, you’re saving lives. Many rescues, including well-established ones in our area, rely solely on donations and volunteer efforts to function. Without them, kittens in need have nowhere to go. Supporting a local nonprofit like Ladder of Life means:

🐾 More kittens receiving medical care, socialization, and adoption opportunities.

🐾 Reducing euthanasia rates in overcrowded shelters.

🐾 Helping foster families provide temporary homes for kittens until they’re ready for adoption.

🐾 Strengthening our local community by keeping donations and resources in Arizona.

Kitten Season is Here—Help Us Get Ready!

Kitten season has already begun, and soon, we’ll see an influx of newborn kittens needing urgent care. My goal is to have Ladder of Life fully operational by fall, just in time to help these kittens before winter arrives. But I can’t do it alone.

I need your help with startup costs, fostering, and spreading awareness. Whether you donate, share our mission, or volunteer, every little bit brings us closer to saving more lives.

Join the Journey & Be Part of the Ladder of Life

If you’re passionate about helping kittens and supporting local rescues, I invite you to be a part of Ladder of Life. This is more than just a shelter—it’s a movement to give every kitten the opportunity to climb to a brighter future.

Let’s make this dream a reality—for them.

📍 Follow us on social media, donate or reach out to see how you can get involved!