About the New Beginnings Cat Shelter

In 2002 Pam Carpenter retired to pursue her life's dream. She and her husband Harry began rescuing cats to save them from the elements (Chicago winters), from the dangers of a life in the "wild" and from having litter after litter unchecked. She has always cared for cats and continues to have a network of rescue volunteers. Each specialized by their expertise; the age, health, temperament or special need of each cat.

Pam said "I have been saving for this all my life." In July of 2005, those saved dollars allowed her to open her new approximately 2000 sq. foot no-kill cat shelter called "New Beginnings" and for the rehab and heating of the barn on the property for feral cats. (She is at the shelter from morning to midnight each day). The Shelter is licensed as a non-profit organization. Pam followed state specs and used many suggestions and recommendations from vets and others in the field to design the shelter. Her cats are not caged unless they need special medical care because many of the rescued cats need to be nursed back from serious health issues to good health.

All cats have been neutered/spayed, brought up to date on inoculations and even given names, which are always used.

Pam has rescued cats from abandoned train cars, from families unable to feed their pets, cats thrown from cars, those used as enticement for the training of dogs for the vicious dog fighting rings, and from cages weighted down with rocks and destined for the Kankakee River.

The residents of New Beginnings Cat Shelter are grouped into two categories: Adoptable-cats that are healthy and able to socialize and Un-adoptable-cats that will stay with her all their lives due to illness or background. These cats are eligible for the FOSTER a FERAL FELINE program and can become yours to support and love without bringing them into your home. Please see the Adoption Station page for more details. Also, please share this website with family and friends and use the beautiful e-cards to encourage others to help Pam in her life's work.

One hundred percent (100%) of the donations, adoption fees ($75.00) and Foster contributions go for the costs incurred to house and save the cats. Volunteers help with cleaning the facility and the petting and cuddling of the cats. The only position that will probably need to be salaried is for a medical technician (drawing blood, giving injections etc.). If you can help in this area and live in Kankakee or Will Counties in Illinois, please send us an e-mail.