Castaway Animals Rescue Effort, otherwise known as C.A.R.E., is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals. Established in 1992, C.A.R.E. has saved over 25,000 lives and we are still counting. From our humble grassroots beginnings, we have grown into southwest Missouri's largest no-kill shelter. Operations are still overseen by founder and director, Melissa Sartin. Her compassion for all living creatures drives the organization forward.

Everyday we strive to ease the pain that victims of neglect and abuse endure, offering safety and hope, and finding them the homes they so richly deserve. We are proud to work alongside government agencies and other nonprofits making a difference in the lives of the animals we care so deeply about. Together we serve as a voice for those who cannot speak.

C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue houses hundreds of homeless animals. The Adoption Center in Springfield is open seven days a week, and gives guests the opportunity to meet some of our animals available for adoption. Our sanctuary near Aurora is reserved for animals who may need some extra time to fully recover and become ready for adoption. We also house our rescued farm animals at this location. Our unadoptable animals reside at our sanctuary as well, each spending their days with cageless freedom, their nights in warm beds, and receiving lots of love and individual attention. ​ ​

C.A.R.E. relies solely on the kindness and donations of the public to care for our animals. We are neither city- nor state-funded and all donations are tax deductible. We rescue approximately 1,000 animals a year, including dogs, cats, small mammals, horses, pigs and more. Your donations change the lives of so many animals who would otherwise not have a chance.

Learn more about C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue here.

Each month MaMa Jean's chooses an organization to highlight and receive the donations from our Change for Change program. Canisters are set out at all of the registers at the beginning of the month. Drop in as much or as little as you'd like. At the end of the month, the canisters are gathered, and MaMa Jean's matches the donations up to $250.