By Krystle J Bailey
Growing up, Kim Brown of Egg Harbor City recalls fond family memories of animal rescues with her dad and siblings, including the time they nursed a squirrel back to health and sent it back to the wild.
“That’s just how we were raised,” explains Brown. “My parents gave us love and stability. We didn’t have a lot, but my dad worked hard, and our parents loved us deeply.”
That same love is the foundation of Kimmy’s Safe Haven Rescue, a non-profit organization started by Brown after the passing of her brother, Matthew, in 2015.
“I started this rescue to save animals’ lives, and so I could be doing something good rather than falling into a depression,” explains Brown about her work. “These animals have saved my life too.”
Her Egg Harbor City property is home to cats and dogs that have been neglected, abused, and abandoned. As a no-kill rescue, the volunteer-based animal sanctuary is dedicated to second chances for both animals and their human caretakers.
After facing the devastating loss of her brother to suicide, Kim made it her life’s mission to become a voice for those who were suffering, specifically neglected animals. She is committed to showing them the love they’ve never known and giving them the life they deserve.
“My brother loved his dogs,” shares Kim about the inspiration behind the rescue. “He was always out in nature and would often take in stray dogs that nobody else wanted. He always had a companion.”
With over 80 animals living at the rescue, Kim and her volunteers work with each one to nurture it back to physical, mental, and emotional health, however long that takes. The volunteers on the farm are individuals in need of a second chance as well. Kim has graciously opened her doors to allow individuals facing tough times to recover and heal on the farm while taking care of the animals as a means of therapy.
Kim lives with bipolar disorder and believes that with the right care, love, and resources, everyone, including animals, can live a fulfilled life.
“People have all kinds of issues. If you take care of yourself, go to the doctor, and surround yourself with love, you can do anything,” shares Kim.
She treats her rescue with the same level of care. When Kim isn’t spending countless hours nurturing the animals currently on the farm, she is out in the local area rescuing animals in need, including cats, dogs, and sometimes even pigs, bunnies, roosters, and other strays with the goal of finding them a forever home.
“I foster to adopt,” explained Kim. “I let them go into the home and see if it’s an animal they bond with. We get them into a home setting where they will be well loved, and we answer the family’s questions to ensure it’s the right dog for them. If it’s not, then at least that dog experienced love in a home for a while.”
Kim, who adopted her two children in 2006, takes this unique approach, as she understands that it takes time and patience to build trust and create an atmosphere that feels safe. Some dogs have been with Kim for up to four years. She is dedicated to helping each animal build trust again, no matter how long it may take.
“We don’t just help animals, we are helping people. We don’t give up on them,” expresses Brown about the help of her volunteers. “It’s always the people at their worst that give the most. They have absolutely nothing, and they give everything. Everybody needs a chance.”
That’s what Kimmy’s Safe Haven Rescue represents – love, patience, grace, and second chances. The rescue has been fully funded by Kim and her husband and supported by the help of volunteers. They are in need of additional volunteer help, including on the farm and transporting animals. Supplies, including blankets, dog bowls, food, and more, are welcomed at the rescue.
Visit kimmyssafehavenrescue.com or call (609)713-4278 to learn more or get involved.
