Why do you have two names?
Are my Donations Tax Deductible?
How much of my donation goes to administrative salaries/benefits?
How many paid staff members are there?
How many volunteers help your mission?

Why do you have two names?

We actually have two organizations each incorporated with different Missions/Ministeries:

Touched by an Animal

Volunteers help the elderly/disabled care for their companion animals (cats, birds, dogs, fish) in their homes in whatever way is needed so that they can continue living together.  This can mean a daily visit to walk a dog, or weekly to change a cat's litter box.  We also provide pet food, veterinary care, and home visits or boarding for the pet while the person is in a hospital or rehabilitation facility.  When permitted, we will bring the animal to visit or let them "talk" on the telephone (which both person and cat frequently do).

Sometimes we are asked to bring a cat to a lonely, elderly person whose own cat may have died or who simply needs a "live-in companion".  If the match is a good one we leave the cat with the person for as long as desired, but we retain responsibility of ownership and provide food, vet care, occasional visits, and assurance that we will take the cat back when needed.

Usually such assistance to an elderly and/or disabled person begins with a telephone call from a hospital social worker, medical care provider, agency for the aged, or family member/friend who knows of our services.  Our relationship with the person and companion animals usually lasts for years, until the person dies.  Their passing is with greater peace knowing that beloved feline companions can live their lives with us (dogs and birds are placed in no-kill shelters or individual homes).  During the time shared between a volunteer and their charges interaction extends beyond animal care in ways that enrich the lives of all involved.  Truly we have all been Touched by an Animal quietly sitting on a windowsill or wagging its tail at the door, or chirping a happy song.  Each touch on the surface of ordinary lives sets off unending ripples of unimagined blessings.

Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too

Incorporated in Illinois in 1989, Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too began as a safe haven in the home of Sister Marijon Binder for cats that elderly neighbors could no longer keep because of changing life situations.  As word spread, "neighbors" form all over Chicago and the Northern/Northwest suburbs began to call begging for board for their beloved companion cats during a short term hospital or nursing home stay, and/or to keep them if/when the person died.  At the same time it seems that little catnip calling cards in secret felines language were being passed around in alleys and dumping grounds where cats and kittens were in desperately unsafe situations.  "We" (numbering no more than two or three soft hearted, dedicated volunteers) responded to as many nowhere-else-to-turn elderly callers and endangered felines rescues as we could.

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Are my Donations tax deductible?

Yes, Touched by an Animal is recognized by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501-C-3 charitable organization.  A copy of that official designation letter can be provided on request.  Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too is a legal assumed name (aka) Touched by an Animal, so donations made to either name are recognized under the same 501-C-3 designation.

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How much of my donation goes to administrative salaries/benefits?

None.  Since 1982 when I (as Sister Marijon) began offering safe haven to rescued cats and those elderly neighbors I have never been able to take a stipend or health insurance simply because there is never enough money in the bank to do so!  You may wonder where my personal living expenses come from.  In the early years such expenses were covered by my religious community.  For the last ten years Eleanor has shared her modest social security and pension with me in exchange for my caregiving and sharing my home with her.

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How many paid staff members are there?

Two.  It is necessary to have one worker each day feed the cats, clean 35 litter boxes, sweep and wash every floor and accomplish all the cleaning tasks necessary to keep our home healthy.  That person works steadily from 8am through 1, 2 or 3pm, as required.  Our invaluable CEO (Chief Efficiency Officer) comes two to three days a week and uses her incomparable skills overseeing housekeeping needs, cat care, office files, and meeting/helping people.  She enables me to be away visiting/helping the elderly or taking care of business matters.  After hours she also doubles as a volunteer when needed.

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How many volunteers help your mission?

Not nearly enough!  But those we have pack powerful dedication and inspire us to keep going.  We have three categories of volunteers:

Those who help with care of the 60 to 75 cats in our home (Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too).  It would be wonderful to have the help of at least one volunteer helper a day.

Those who help befriend and help an elderly person with whatever care is needed to maintain their companion animals (Touched by an Animal).  These are generous folks who have said I could call upon them when there is a person near their home or office.  The number of these volunteers varies but the list/geographic area/availability definitely determines the number of elderly people we can help.  If you want to add your name/neighborhood/community we can say yes to more requests.

On call for special events volunteers.  Again, this list of generous supporters varies in length but is always too short.

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© Touched by an Animal/Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too.