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What We’ve Accomplished So Far

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  • Established as an Indiana nonprofit corporation

  • Received federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status

  • Received Indiana nonprofit sales tax exemption

  • Opened nonprofit banking accounts

  • Hosted our first Community Listening Session

  • Featured in the South Bend Tribune

  • Developed partnerships with local animal welfare organizations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders

  • Developed a Board of Directors and advisory support team

  • Launched our first public fundraiser, the Steps for Safe Paws Family Fun Walk

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What's Next

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  • Identifying a future facility location

  • Exploring zoning and property opportunities

  • Expanding community partnerships

  • Building sustainable funding pathways

  • Continuing operational planning and program development

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These early steps are guiding our planning and ensuring the program is developed thoughtfully, ethically, and in alignment with community needs.

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Milestone Timeline:

June 2026

  • 5K Family Fun Walk at Howark Park in South Bend​

  • First grant received - The Pollination Project

May 2026

  • Community Growth & Public Engagement
    Reached 100 Facebook followers.

    • Launched event shirt presales.

    • Expanded volunteer recruitment efforts.

    • Continued building partnerships with community organizations and resource vendors.

    • Coordinated educational and support tables for the upcoming walk.

  • Steps for Safe Paws Family Fun Walk

    • Finalized preparations for inaugural community event scheduled for June 6, 2026 at Howard Park.​

April 2026

  • State Compliance & Organizational Development

    • Received Indiana nonprofit/sales tax exemption approval.

    • Opened nonprofit banking accounts.

    • Continued charitable registration and compliance planning.

    • Expanded advisory and community support connections.

  • Fundraiser Planning Began

    • Planning officially began for the organization’s first public fundraiser:
      Steps for Safe Paws
      5K FamilyFun Walk.​

March 2026

  • 503(c)(3) Approved

  • Media Awareness - Front-page article in the South Bend Tribune (March 2)

  • Community Listening Session (March 4)​​

  • Professional Planning Meetings

    • Additional meetings held with veterinary and animal behavior professionals regarding: Intake and safety protocols,

    • Behavioral support planning

    • Humane enrichment standards

    • Future operational considerations for companion animal housing​

  • Strategic Significance:

    • Federal nonprofit status confirmed, enabling tax-deductible donations, grant eligibility, and formalnonprofit operations.

    • Expanded public awareness and early community engagement established.

    • Continued strengthening of professional animal welfare consultation network.​

January 2026

  • EIN secured

  • CPA consultation completed — confirmed 1023-EZ path

  • Legal consultation completed

  • IRS Form 1023-EZ officially filed (January 24)

  • Governance policies drafted

December 2025

  • Incorporated Safe Paws Recovery Housing of Michiana, Inc.

Development Updates

Safe Paws Recovery Housing of Michiana is currently in the development phase. We are committed to building this program thoughtfully and transparently, with a focus on long-term sustainability, animal welfare, ethical operations, and community collaboration.

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