OUR HOUSE OF HOPE RESCUE
At Our House of Hope Rescue, our work goes beyond rescuing animals. We strive to build a caring and connected community where people and pets bring out the best in each other. Through our outreach programs, partnerships, and enrichment opportunities, we’re creating hope, healing, and connection for all.
Community Outreach
Coffee & Cuddles
Active
Our Monday morning Coffee & Cuddles program brings seniors together at the Center for Enrichment to share conversation, laughter, and the love of animals. This program gives seniors a welcoming space to connect with each other while helping our rescue animals gain valuable socialization and confidence around new people.
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Bridge of Hope
Active/ NEW
Our House of Hope partners with A Safe Place/ Lake County Crisis Center to provide resources and temporary support for the pets of domestic violence survivors. We aim to help families in crisis stay connected to their animals that bring them comfort and stability during difficult times.
Pet Food Pantry
Active
The Pet Food Pantry supports low-income families by supplying dog and cat food to those in need. Our goal is to provide support and resources to help keep pets with their people and reduce the number of animals entering rescue through community care and compassion
Center for Enrichment
Active
A rentable, family-only environment where you and your canine companions can relax, play, and train in peace. It provides a safe, clean setting for families to strengthen the bond with their dogs, practice obedience skills, or simply enjoy quality time together. By offering this supportive space, we help the community build confidence, understanding, and lasting harmony between pets and their people.
Community Education
Active
Our Community Education initiatives provide classes and workshops on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and compassion for all living beings. Through school visits, community talks, and hands-on learning opportunities, we work to empower our community to learn, grow, and strengthen the human-animal bond
Retired Research Heroes
Active
We partner with a research facility that is committed to the well being of its dogs and to their lives beyond the lab. When their beagles retire, they come to our rescue for individual care, and time to decompress in foster homes. We then match each dog with a loving adoptive family so these gentle, resilient heroes can enjoy the happy, comfortable retirement they deserve.
Legacy & Seasonal Programs
Pet Therapy Program
Our Pet Therapy program visited nursing homes, assisted living facilities, universities, and adult special needs centers to share companionship, comfort, and joy. By bringing animals into these environments, we helped brighten days and strengthen the connection between people and animals
Rosalind Franklin University
Make a Difference Day
In collaboration with Rosalind Franklin University’s medical students, this event combined pet therapy visits with community service. Students prepared pet food donations and explored the importance of the human–animal bond in healthcare, bridging compassion between animal care and human medicine.
Kids for Kritters
Our Kids for Kritters club empowered children to create and lead their own fundraising projects to support rescue animals. It encouraged teamwork, responsibility, and kindness while giving young advocates a meaningful way to help.
PawsAbility
PawsAbility offers volunteer opportunities for teens and young adults with special needs to practice social and vocational skills in a safe, caring environment. Working alongside rescue animals fostered confidence, compassion, and personal growth.
Pet First Aid Training
This program partnered with a local urgent care veterinarian to teach pet CPR and basic first aid skills. Participants also received take-home first aid kits, helping pet owners feel prepared and confident in caring for their animals during emergencies.
Bullet Proof Vests
This special campaign raised funds to purchase a protective vest for a local police dog. It united our community in gratitude for the service of working dogs and the officers who protect them.
Seniors for Seniors
We partnered with local businesses and community groups to provide support and resources for senior citizens interested in adopting senior pets. The program encouraged companionship, mutual comfort, and a shared sense of purpose
Youth at Risk
This outreach initiative engaged with at-risk youth to teach empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals. Through conversation and interaction, we showed how caring for animals can build trust, self-worth, and understanding.
Fire Dept Oxygen Masks
​Through this initiative, we raised funds to purchase animal specific oxygen masks for local fire departments. These masks are now carried on fire trucks and help first responders give life saving oxygen to pets rescued from smoke and fire, protecting both families and their animals in emergencies.