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RESCUES ON85TH – Organizational Overview
Providing Food, Health, Education, and Essential Supplies for Individuals, Families, and Families with Companion Animals
Who We Are
RESCUES ON85TH is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, Alabama. We exist to ensure that individuals, families, and families with companion animals have consistent access to essential resources during times of transition, hardship, or crisis.
Our mission is rooted in compassionate service, practical support, and the unwavering belief that every family—including those with Furry Family Members (FAMs)—deserves to be seen, supported, and strengthened. We promote holistic wellness by addressing food insecurity, advocating for inclusive policies, and advancing health education that helps humans and animals live longer, healthier lives together.
What We Do
RESCUES ON85TH takes a wraparound, barrier-free approach to serving the community. Our core services include:
Nutritious Food and Essential Supplies
We provide free groceries and household necessities to individuals and families, including supplies tailored for those caring for companion animals.
Advocacy for Animal-Inclusive Housing
We collaborate with landlords, property managers, and housing agencies to advance pet-inclusive policies—ensuring families are not separated during housing transitions.
Affordable Spay and Neuter Access
Through partnerships with veterinary providers, we connect families to low-cost spay/neuter and preventative care services, supporting long-term health for all household members.
Delivery Services
For elderly, disabled, and mobility-limited residents, we offer direct delivery of food, hygiene items, and FAM supplies—eliminating transportation barriers and ensuring access.
Health and Nutrition Promotion
We prioritize health education and preventative care for both people and FAMs. Through wellness events, community partnerships, and outreach campaigns, we provide:
Annual wellness exams and health screenings
Vaccination clinics for companion animals
Nutrition education and healthy food access
Promotion of balanced diets including fresh fruits and vegetables
Education on preventative care for chronic disease in both humans and animals
We believe that a healthy household starts with knowledge, access, and early intervention—because every heartbeat deserves to be protected.
Community Engagement, Education & Workforce Development
We host events, promote health education, and build awareness around the intersections of poverty, animal companionship, and public health.
Through partnerships with local universities and clinical programs, we provide workforce development and hands-on training opportunities for the next generation of professionals—including nurses, veterinary technicians, public health workers, medical assistants, animal care specialists, and future veterinarians.
Participants train under licensed professionals while delivering essential services to the community—such as wellness checkups, health screenings, education, and vaccination clinics for both humans and FAMs. These programs strengthen the healthcare pipeline and directly benefit underserved populations.
Why We Do It
RESCUES ON85TH was inspired by the rescue of our first FAM, Kurt Russell—a loyal companion whose journey revealed the deep connection between humans and their animals. We witnessed firsthand the devastating choices families face when forced to separate from their animals just to receive help.
We were founded on a simple but powerful belief: families in crisis deserve support that includes every member of the household. Since then, we’ve grown into a trusted community network that centers dignity, equity, and inclusion—one that offers practical solutions to preserve families, improve health outcomes, and keep FAMs together.
Our Values
Dignity First: Every individual and FAM is treated with compassion, respect, and care.
Consistency: We provide reliable, ongoing support tailored to real community needs.
Collaboration: We work with universities, clinics, shelters, housing agencies, and local partners to maximize our impact.
Responsiveness: We listen, adapt, and evolve to meet urgent and long-term community challenges.
Health & Wellness: We promote preventative care, education, and whole-family wellness—because every heartbeat matters.
Empowerment Through Education: We equip future healthcare and veterinary professionals with the skills to serve ethically, compassionately, and effectively.
Get Involved
There is a role for everyone in this mission—whether you’re a volunteer, donor, student, partner, or neighbor in need. Your involvement strengthens the work we do and helps build a more united community—where no family, human or furry, is left behind.